Admission to Graduate Studies

 

General Admission Requirements

Language requirements

Persons applying, who may not have the requisite language skills for university study, will normally be required to submit proof of their ability to study in the language, in which the programme is being offered. This proof should be in the form of language test results. This may be required for persons, whose earlier education has been in a language other than those normally used at this institution.

For persons whose first language is neither English nor French they must obtain the minimum score for admission from one of the following tests: 

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score for admission is: 600 for "Paper-based (pbt)", 250 for "Computer-based Test (cbt)" or 100 for "Internet-based (ibt)".
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score for admission is: 8+.
  • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) score for admission is: 85 +.

Graduate certificate programmes

  1. For direct admission to a graduate certificate programme, the applicant must hold a degree from a recognized university with at least B- (70%) in a field that provides adequate preparation for the certificate
  2. Admission in a graduate certificate programme does not indicate suitability for admission in any other graduate programme.
Note: Some graduate certificate programmes impose additional requirements and even though the applicant may appear to satisfy the general admission requirements, acceptance into a graduate certificate programme is not guaranteed. Please see the various admission requirements by individual certificate programmes.

Master's programmes

Decisions on academic admissibility are made on the recommendation of the major department to the Dean of Graduate Studies.

  1. For direct admission as a "Regular" graduate student to courses of study in arts or science, an applicant must hold an honours degree from a recognized university with at least B- (70%) in the field in which graduate studies and research are to be pursued.
  2. For direct admission as a "Regular" gradute student to courses of study in engineering, the applicant must hold a degree from a recognized university with at least B- (70%) in the appropriate field of engineering or applied science.
  3. In accordance with academic regulation 5.2.3 applicants may be accepted as a "Provisional student". 
Note: Some programmes impose additional requirements and even though the applicant may appear to satisfy the general admission requirements, acceptance into a graduate degree programme is not guaranteed. Please see the various admission requirements by the arts programme, science programme or, engineering programme to which you are applying.

Doctoral programmes

The normal admission requirements for a PhD student shall be a Master's degree by thesis or its equivalent by thesis, in a field closely related to the proposed field of study.

Direct admission to doctoral programme from a master's programme

Full-time students registered in a Master's degree programme with a thesis, who have completed at least one full calendar year of full-time enrollment including all course requirements with no less than 80% in each course, and who display exceptional performance and promise in their research may, with the approval of their supervisor(s) apply to be admitted to a full-time PhD programme without having to complete the requirements for the Master's degree. Such a transfer to a PhD programme, requires the successful completion of a transfer examination.

The request must be made by the student, in writing, and delivered to their supervisor(s) for endorsement. The programme chair, in consultation with the supervisor(s), will form a review committee that will access the student's transfer dossier and recommend to the programme chair whether a transfer exam should be granted.

Upon recommendation of the review committee, the programme chair will inform the Dean of Graduate Studies in writing, of the following:

  • the student being considered for direct admission
  • Supervisor(s) name(s)
  • Research/Thesis title
  • Date of the transfer examination
  • Examining committee, including chair, for approval by the Dean of Graduate Studies. (Note: This committee may be the same as the review committee)
The transfer examination

The transfer examination is used to evaluate whether a student has the knowledge and skills to be successful as a PhD candidate. The level of knowledge expectation should be that of a PhD comprehensive examination as outlined in thesis and dissertation regulation 6.4.

  • The exam will have two components, an oral examination and a thesis proposal.
  • If the Master's student fails one of the components of the transfer examination, the student will be asked to remain and complete their current degree. (A second examination will not be permitted)
  • If successful, the transfer examination will be accepted in lieu of the comprehensive examination.

Upon successful completion of the transfer examination, the student must submit an application to the PhD programme in the field-of-study where the Master's programme was started along with proof of successful completion of the exam (provided by the programme chair). A letter of offer from the programme chair, drafted in consultation with the supervisor(s), delineating the complete programme of study must be submitted to the Dean of Graduate Studies for signature. The student will be granted credit for CP600.

Application for Admission

Candidates seeking admission to the Royal Military College of Canada as graduate students, must fill out the online application form.

Note: Should additional information be required, please reach out to the programme contacts.

Acceptance

  • The acceptance of an applicant is recommended by the programme chair to the Dean of Graduate Studies.
  • The programme chair, in consultation with the intended supervisor when applicable, must indicate the academic term the applicant is expected to start in and the duration of validity of the acceptance. (Normally, the validity cannot exceed three consecutive academic terms)
  • Official letters of acceptance are sent by the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies, and are only valid for the duration indicated in them. (A successful applicant must reply at an early date, declining or accepting the offer)
  • If the applicant wishes to commence study in a term other than the one offered, a deferral request may be made to their programme chair who will communicate their decision to the applicant, the Associate Registrar of Graduate Studies, and the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies.
Important: Upon acceptance to a graduate studies programme, you will be required to enroll in and complete the AI500 Academic Integrity course at the beginning of you first term of study and it is your responsibility to be are aware of the academic regulations and the thesis and dissertation regulations that may apply to you and/or your programme.

Non-standard Admissions

An applicant who fails to meet the minimum admission requirements but who possesses a minimum of five years of post-university experience may establish eligibility for non-standard admission as a Regular Student if, since graduation, they have done significant intellectual work or made significant professional contributions that can be considered equivalent to higher academic standing.

This could include:

  • publications;
  • research;
  • professional advancement;
  • development of new skills, or similar elements.
Note: Requests for non-standard admission must be supported by strong evidence that the nature and contents of the applicant’s qualifications or experience have been adequate preparation for advanced study.
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