Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Biostatistics

About this programme

M.Sc.and Ph.D. Biostatistics Admission Requirements Deadline for Receipt of Completed Applications for Fall 2027 December 1, 2026 (the application system will open September 15, 2026) All application material and supporting documents must be uploaded directly to the McGill admissions application system. See www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply for information and instructions. Any applications that are incomplete (including letters of reference, scores from any required standardized tests and grades) by the application deadline will not be considered. Please note that the Department only admits new students in the Fall term. Applications for the Winter or Summer terms are not accepted. It is important that you select the correct term when completing the application form. We will not be able to change the application term or refund your application fee if you enter the wrong term. Admission Requirements General: An undergraduate degree in mathematics or statistics or its equivalent (an honours degree is preferred but not required). At least three semesters of calculus, two of linear algebra, at least one but preferably two semesters of real analysis, and a full year course/sequence in mathematical statistics preferably at an honours level, e.g. MATH-356/357. Exposure to data analysis is an asset. M.Sc.: Students admitted into the M.Sc. program will, in general, meet the requirements above. Transfer to the PhD program is possible after the first year, please see the academic information policies page. Ph.D.: Students with the above qualifications in addition to an M.Sc. degree in Statistics or Biostatistics will be considered for Ph.D. admission. Exceptional candidates who do not hold an M.Sc. may apply to directly the PhD program. Students applying directly from an undergraduate degree are also encouraged to apply to the M.Sc. program where, as noted above, transfer is possible after the first year. Students who are not accepted into the PhD program can only be considered for the M.Sc. program if they have applied to both programs. Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA): 3.0/4.0 overall, or at least 3.2/4.0 over last two years of study. Most of our successful applicants have grade point averages well above the stated minimum requirements. Proof of competency in oral and written English (if applicable). NOTES: Satisfaction of general requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission to graduate studies is limited and acceptance is on a very competitive basis. At the request of the Admissions Committee, some applicants to the Biostatistics programs may be contacted for an online interview. Proof of Competency in Oral and Written English Although McGill University allows Departments, at their discretion, to accept some other language tests, our Department accepts only the TOEFL or IELTS. Applicants (including Permanent Residents of Canada) whose mother tongue is not English and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), are required to submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English by appropriate exams: TOEFL: As of January 2026 an overall score of 5 on the 6‑point scale is required. A minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test will be accepted for tests taken prior to January 2026. [TOEFL results are only valid for two years from the date the test was written]. Institution Code: 0935. IELTS: a minimum overall band of 6.5. Before acceptance, appropriate exam results must be submitted directly from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) Offices. An institutional version of the TOEFL is not acceptable. Applications will not be considered if a TOEFL or IELTS test result is not received by the deadline. Application & Required Documents All application material and supporting docum