Admission requirements

With the exception of the Special Individualized programs, all graduate programs offered by the University are attached to one of the three Faculties of the University or the John Molson School of Business, under the general supervision of the Council of the School of Graduate Studies and its chair, the Dean of Graduate Studies.

The Dean of Graduate Studies is responsible for ensuring the quality of the admission of students to the doctoral, master's, diploma and certificate programs of the University on the recommendation of the Graduate Program Directors. Admission is based on an assessment of the student's qualifications for the proposed program of study and entails specific credit, course, thesis, and examination requirements, which vary from program to program.

Academic Requirements

Admission requirements are set out in each program description.

Concordia University evaluates international degree equivalencies and Canadian equivalencies upon receipt of an application.

GPA Admission Requirement

Doctoral programs require candidates for admission to have completed a master’s/magisteriate (or equivalent) with high standing (e.g., with honours, or a GPA of at least 3.00). Master’s programs require candidates for admission to have completed a bachelor’s/baccalaureate (or equivalent) with high standing (e.g., with honours, or a GPA of at least 3.00). Diploma and graduate certificate programs require candidates for admission to have completed a bachelor’s/ baccalaureate (or equivalent) with high standing.

Language Proficiency Requirements

The language of instruction at Concordia is English.

A student whose primary language is not English must write a pre-admission proficiency test, if not exempted as indicated below. Test results must be reported directly to the Admissions Application Centre by the test centre. Results more than two years old will not be accepted as proof of language proficiency.

Proof of proficiency in English must be provided by achieving the appropriate score on one of the following:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  The minimum acceptable score for the internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT) is 90 and no part under 20 (for the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science 85 and no part under 20).
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  The minimum band score for IELTS is 6.5 and no part under 6.5.

Please note: individual programs may require a higher minimum score.

Exemptions

Personal

Applicants whose primary language is not English, regardless of citizenship, may be exempted from the proficiency test if they meet one or more of the following requirements:

• A minimum of three full years of study either at the undergraduate or graduate level in an institution where the sole language of instruction is English;
• Quebec applicants, the completion of a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) and a university degree in Quebec;
• For JMSB applicants applying to the professional programs, a minimum of three years’ full-time work experience in an English milieu, and a successful personal interview.

Program

Applicants to the following programs may be exempted from the English proficiency testing:

• Master’s in Hispanic Studies
• Certain graduate programs within Études françaises
• Graduate Diploma in Community Economic Development (French admission year)

Applicants should check their prospective program’s requirements. In all cases, the University reserves the right to require a proficiency test if it is deemed necessary.

All applicants who have taken either the TOEFL or IELTS exam are asked to refer to the charts below for the scoring cut-offs.

Please note that all required English courses are in addition to the graduate degree requirements.

Minimum English Proficiency Score for Graduate Admission

Test results must be reported directly to the Admissions Application Centre by the test centre. Results more than two years old will not be accepted as proof of language proficiency.

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

Internet-based TOEFL Score (iBT)	Admission
Results: 90 or higher and no part under 20 (Faculty of Engineering & Computer Science: 85 or higher and no part under 20)	Admission: No English language courses required
Results: Between 80-89 or any part under 20 (Faculty of Engineering & Computer Science: Between 75-84 or any part under 20) Scores between 80-84 Scores between 75-79	Admission: English language courses required as determined by a Concordia University placement test English language courses required: ENCS 6721 ENCS 5721 and 6721
Results: All Faculties except Engineering & Computer Science: Below 80	No Admission: English language courses required prior to re-applying
To ensure that your TOEFL results are forwarded directly to Concordia University, you must indicate 0956.00 as the "Institution Code" when you write the test. For more information on the test, or to register: www.toefl.org

IELTS – International English Language Testing System

IELTS Score	Admission
Results: Higher or equal to 6.5 and no part under 6.5	Admission: No English language courses required
Results: Higher or equal to 6.5 and no part under 6.0 (Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science: Higher or equal to 6.0 and no part under 5.5)	Admission: English language courses required as determined by a Concordia University placement test English language courses required: ENCS 5721 and ENCS 6721
Results: All Faculties: Below 6.0	No Admission: English language courses required prior to re-applying
Candidates must take the "Academic Module." For more information on the test, or to register: www.ielts.org

Accelerated Admission

Accelerated admission (fast-tracking) describes a process whereby exceptional students are admitted to Ph.D. programs without a master’s/ magisteriate degree in the same discipline. Students who follow this process must show high academic performance or potential evidenced by an outstanding GPA, appropriate research publications in the field of study, a research topic at the master’s/ magisteriate level which is advanced enough for a doctoral thesis proposal, or other similar demonstrations of achievement.

Application Process

Applicants to Graduate programs are strongly encouraged to apply online. Get more information on the Graduate Studies website.

Required Documents

Once you have completed the online application, it is important to ensure the University receives all necessary supporting documents.

• Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
• Confidential Reference Letters
• Letter of Intent/Statement of Purpose
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Applicants whose prior degrees are not from an English or French-speaking university are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
• Check to see if your program requires additional documents or test results. Please check program websites for more information.

With the exception of your reference letters, we strongly encourage you to upload copies of your supporting documents (including unofficial transcripts and test scores) as they will allow us to proceed with the initial assessment of your application and will speed up the review of your file.

Note: All required documents received by Concordia University become the property of the University. Official documents and/or transcripts will not be returned to the applicant.

Transcripts

Students who have studied at institutions in Canada or the United States can submit official transcripts in a sealed envelope. Students who have studied at institutions outside of Canada or the United States must arrange to have their school mail an official transcript. In both cases, transcripts must be sent directly to the Graduate Admission Application Centre. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all transcripts (complete, incomplete and in progress) are sent. Former Concordia students are not required to submit official Concordia transcripts.

All transcripts should be in the original language. If you submit certificates in a language other than English or French, you must submit a copy translated into either English or French by a certified translator.

If the certificate does not detail the subjects taken and the grades achieved, a certified statement of these from an authorized official of the institution should also be included.

Confidential Reference Letters

Most departments require 3 reference letters (Students applying to the course based Master of Applied Computer Science or Master of Engineering only require two letters of reference).

A suitable referee is an individual who is well acquired with your education and abilities. Referees should be academic in nature where possible. Professional referees will be accepted in situations where the applicant’s experience is most relevant. You will need to supply the names of your referees in the online application.

The Academic Assessment forms are available at the Registrar’s website. They can be downloaded and given to your referees.

Reference letters submitted by fax must be on official letterhead and MUST be sent from an institutional fax number account. Letters should be faxed to (514) 848-2621.

Letter of Intent/Statement of Purpose

A detailed document of not more than 600 words describing your background, academic and/or professional experience (including publications, awards and relevant employment) and career goals.

Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)

A legible photocopy of one of the following documents must be provided: Canadian citizenship card (both sides), Permanent Resident paper (IMM-1000) or Permanent Resident card (both sides). International fees will be charged if proof is not provided. International students will be required to submit a Study Permit and CAQ only after they have received an offer of admission.

Proof of test scores

You will be asked to list your score from any English language exams (eg. TOEFL, IELTS) or other exams required for admission (eg. GMAT). Supporting documentation will have to be mailed directly to the department to which you are applying.

Thesis Supervisor:

Admission to a thesis program may require a supervisory committee. Find a thesis Supervisor or thesis supervisory committee (in some cases) prior to applying – student should consult the Graduate Program Director of their program of choice.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary depending on the program.

Admission files must be complete by the deadline indicated. In most cases, however, international applicants must arrange for all required documentation to be in the appropriate office at least six months before the commencement of classes.

Additional Requirements

Many graduate programs require the completion of additional forms or the submission of additional materials.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine what further documentation may be required.

Please contact the appropriate person within the department housing your program in order to verify if there are any additional program-specific requirements. Find your contact person by visiting the departmental website (see full list of department websites) or use the program contact list from the School of Graduate Studies.

Estimated Costs

Visit the Tuition and fees section for detailed estimated costs and tuition fees.