Physiology (Ph.D.)

Frequently asked questions

• How much does Physiology (Ph.D.) cost?

  CAD 6,078 / year.

• What English score does it need?

  IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.

• What are the entry requirements?

  McGill Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum (all applicants, regardless of country): a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent as recognized by McGill) in a subject closely related to the one selected for graduate studies; unless otherwise specified, a Master's program requires a four-year undergraduate degree in a related area, and a doctoral (PhD) program generally requires a Master's degree in a related area; minimum CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0, or GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies (some departments require more). Credentials are assessed for equivalency with a McGill degree. Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply || Department admission requirements (https://coursecatalogue.mcgill.ca/en/graduate/medicine-health-sciences/biomedical-sciences/): The Physiology Department offers training leading to M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. The scope of the ongoing research, and close connections with the McGill teaching hospitals, offer excellent opportunities for collaborations with hospital-based scientists. Research in the Department covers a broad range of topics from systems neuroscience to molecular and cellular biology. Interests include studies of nuclear and membrane receptors, transporters, channels, and signal transduction pathways, to the broader integration of physiological systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, immune, and central nervous systems) using an array of molecular and cellular approaches as well as quantitative techniques in data collection, analysis, and mathematical modelling by computational means. All graduate students in Physiology receive financial support. Any faculty or associate member who agrees to supervise a graduate student who does not hold a fellowship is financially responsible for that student. Students are encouraged to apply for a fellowship; further information is available on our department's Awards and Financial Assistance page. Physiology Admission Requirements and Application Procedures: Admission to the graduate program is based on an evaluation by the Graduate Student Admissions and Advisory Committee (GSAAC), and on being accepted by a research supervisor. Final acceptance is contingent upon approval of the recommendation of the applicant by Enrolment Services, from whom official notification will be received. Candidates for the M.Sc. degree must hold a B.Sc. degree or its equivalent. Candidates who have completed an M.Sc. may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program. M.Sc. students interested in a Ph.D. may fast track to the Ph.D. program after 12–18 months. The M.Sc. thesis requirement is then waived. Candidates with exceptional academic records may be considered to proceed directly to the Ph.D. degree from the B.Sc. degree. A minimum CGPA of 3.2/4.0 or a GPA of 3.4/4.0 in the last two years is required for an application to be considered. The GRE General Test is no longer required. Language Requirements: A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 4.5 on the Internet-based test with each component score not less than 4; or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with an overall band of 6.5 or greater. [...] || Additional requirements set by the department: - Curriculum Vitae - Two letters of reference - Personal Statement - TOEFL (if applicable) - List of supervisor preferences · English: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 120 · English test waiver: Proof of English proficiency is normally not required if the applicant: has obtained (or is about to obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized institution in Canada or the United States of America (anglophone or francophone); or has obtained (or is about to obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction; or has lived and attended university, or been employed, for at least four consecutive years, in a country where English is the acknowledged primary language. Documentation proving the condition must be sent directly to the department, which then waives the requirement. Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/you-apply-mcgill/proficiency · GRE/GMAT: The GRE General Test is no longer required · Application fee: CAD 143.82, non-refundable - McGill GPS states this as the graduate application fee for Summer 2027; one fee covers up to two applications in the same term; payable by credit card only; GPS offers no application fee waivers; some programs may have additional fees. Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-support

• Is there a scholarship?

  Students accepted to McGill's thesis-based graduate degree programs (Thesis Master's and PhD) receive a funding letter with their offer of admission. Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies allocates internal Differential Fee Waivers (covering the difference between International and Quebec-resident tuition) to faculties for international doctoral students, and exceptionally to international thesis Master's students; 2026/2027 value: Master's CAD 18,231.00, PhD CAD 16,045.20; awarded only on unit nomination, no application form. Citizens of countries with a Quebec tuition agreement (all French citizens and a limited number of others) may be eligible for external exemptions from the international supplement View scholarship page