How to apply
Step 2: Confirm requirements
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Minimum admission requirements
Make sure you review the minimum requirements for your graduate program of choice before applying. You are encouraged to refer to the program pages as some programs may have higher admission requirements than others. Here are the basic requirements for our graduate programs:
Doctoral programs require applicants to have completed a master’s/magisteriate or equivalent with high standing. If you have an outstanding academic record in your bachelor's degree and have demonstrated that you can conduct doctoral-level research, you may be eligible for direct-entry to the PhD.
Master’s, diploma and graduate certificate programs typically require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s/baccalaureate or equivalent with high standing.
International applicants should refer to the equivalencies by country. Meeting these minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to Concordia.
Note: High standing can be defined as honours, specialization, or the GPA equivalent to a B average (3.00/4.30).
Program-specific requirements
You may need to submit a portfolio, additional documents and test scores with your application, or secure a supervisor before you apply. Be sure to review the additional requirements specific to your program.
Language requirements
English is the main language of instruction at Concordia. Applicants with a primary language other than English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies.
Supporting documents
During the application process, you will be asked to submit electronic copies of your supporting documents via your Student Centre. Submit each document only once. You can always upload documents after your application has been submitted. If we need you to send your documents by mail, we will contact you.
Please note that a WES credential evaluation report is not required. Our admissions team will assess your transcripts.
Please upload unofficial copies of transcripts, from all previous educational institutions, when you apply to Concordia because it speeds up the review of your application.
If you are currently enrolled in school:
- Submit the results of previous terms and a list of your current courses
- Include mid-year grades if they're available
Uploaded transcripts, however, are not official transcripts. Official transcripts are documents sent directly from an institution to our Admissions Application Centre. Unless otherwise specified, we request official transcripts only once you are admitted.
We also accept official transcripts electronically via Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse or Scoir, if applicable.
The University reserves the right to request official documents at any time during the admissions process, and rescind any Offer of Admission made if discrepancies between unofficial and official documents are found.
Where to mail official transcripts (ONLY if specifically requested):
- If you studied at institutions in Canada or the United States you can submit official transcripts in a sealed envelope.
- If you studied outside of Canada or the United States, you must arrange to have your school mail an official transcript.
In both cases, you must send transcripts directly to the Graduate Admission Application Centre.
By regular mail:
Concordia Graduate Admission Application Centre
P.O. Box 2002, Station H
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H3G 2V4
By courier:
Concordia University
Graduate Admissions (FB-900)
1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd West
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H3G 1M8
Contact phone number for courier:
514-848-2424
Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
It is your responsibility to ensure that all transcripts (complete, incomplete and in progress) are sent.
Please note:
Transcripts
- Former Concordia students are not required to submit official Concordia transcripts
- All transcripts should be in the original language
- If your official transcript is in neither English nor French, submit an unofficial copy translated into English or French by a certified translator
Certificates
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, please include a certified statement of grades and subjects from an authorized official of the institution.
Three letters of reference per application are required unless otherwise stated in the list of programs with additional requirements.
Choosing a referee
Suitable referees should be:
- someone who is well-acquainted with you,
- able to attest to your potential for graduate studies,
- academic in nature.
Professional references are accepted in situations where work experience is relevant to your program. Contact your referees before applying to confirm their availability and willingness to write a reference letter for you.
Submitting letters of reference
When completing your application online, you will be required to enter your referees’ names, affiliated institutions and email addresses (college/university or company email). Your referees will then receive an email inviting them to complete an electronic assessment form and attach their letter of reference. It is your responsibility to follow-up with your referees to confirm they received this email from application.support@concordia.ca
You are strongly encouraged to submit your application before your program’s application deadline in order to give your referees sufficient time to provide their assessment and letter of reference.
FAQ
Review the steps to manage your list of referees.
What is the process for referees?
Referees have 14 days to complete an assessment form and a prepared reference letter. It is extremely important to enter your referees’ email addresses correctly so that they each receive an instructional email on how to proceed with their recommendation.
How will I know if I should follow-up with my referee(s)?
Track the status of your referees’ submissions by logging in to the Student Hub and going to My CU Account > Application for admission > Check application status. Click on the “Manage list of referees” link in the Admission section of My Student Centre.
What do I do if my referee(s) did not receive the invitation email to complete the assessment?
Verify the email addresses you submitted in your online application. You may also want to inform your referee(s) that the email is coming from application.support@concordia.ca and ask them to check their junk folder.
Whom should I contact if my referee is having technical difficulties?
Referees should contact application.support@concordia.ca and include your name and application ID.
How can I edit my referee's contact information if I already submitted my online application?
Edit your referee’s contact information by logging in to the Student Hub and going to My CU Account > Application for admission > Check application status. Click on the “Manage list of referees” link in the Admission section of My Student Centre.
May I use the same referee for multiple program applications?
Yes, but please inform your referee that they will receive separate emails specific to each of the programs you are applying to.
How long are the letters of reference valid?
Letters are valid for one academic year, beginning on the date you submitted your application. After this time, applicants are required to re-submit referee information online.
What happens if my referee(s) misses the submission deadline?
If your referee does not complete an assessment form and letter of reference within 14 days, they will no longer be able to submit these documents. To renew their 14-day deadline, log in to the Student Hub and go to My CU Account > Application for admission > Check application status. Click on “Manage list of referees,” cancel the referee and use the “+” button to add them again.
I have more than three referees. Will all letters be evaluated or only the first three?
It is up to the program to determine how they evaluate incoming documents, including letters of reference. Applicants may submit up to six referees during the admissions process.
Do I have to submit my online application before I can invite my referees to submit a letter of reference?
Yes, once you submit your online application and pay the application fee, we will send an email to your referees inviting them to complete an electronic assessment form and attach their letter of reference.
Will I be notified if one of my referees declines to submit the assessment form and letter of reference?
Notifications are not sent to applicants. It is your responsibility to track the status of your referees’ submissions. To do this, log in to the Student Hub and going to My CU Account > Application for admission > Check application status. Access the Admission section of My Student Centre, and click on “Manage list of referees.”
The Statement of Purpose is generally a short essay composed of multiple parts. This is your opportunity to present, in your own words, your professional and personal achievements that make you a strong candidate for the program. Tell the graduate program committee about:
- Topics of interest that you would want to pursue in the program
- How your academic and/or professional experiences (including publications, exhibitions, awards, relevant employment etc) have prepared you to be successful in the graduate program
- What makes Concordia the best place for you to pursue the graduate program
- What you hope to achieve in the graduate program and how this relates to your personal and professional goals.
In general, a Statement of Purpose will be approximately 600 words. Some programs have specific requirements, so please refer to the detailed instructions in the program's requirements before submitting your application documents.
For Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents only
A legible photocopy of one of the following documents must be provided:
- Canadian/Quebec birth certificate
- Canadian citizenship card (both sides)
- Confirmation of Permanent Residency (IMM5292 or IMM5688)
- Permanent Resident card (both sides).
For international students and Refugee claimants/Protected persons
International students will need to apply for immigration documents. Concordia does not require immigration documents until applicants are accepted and coming to Canada.
International students studying at Concordia for less than 6 months should provide a copy of their passport.
You will be asked to upload your score from any English language exams (eg. TOEFL, IELTS) or other exams required for admission (eg. GMAT). Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information.
Where to mail official test scores (if we request them):
By regular mail:
Concordia Graduate Admission Application Centre
P.O. Box 2002, Station H
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H3G 2V4
By courier:
Concordia University
Graduate Admissions (FB-900)
1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd West
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H3G 1M84
Contact phone number for courier:
514-848-2424
Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.