Application Process - Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an application fee?
Yes, the application fee is governed by the School of Graduate Studies. In January 2011 it is CAD 40.00 (CAD 80 for international applicants).
What is the deadline for applications?
Ph.D and M.Sc. (thesis route) applications should be submitted before the 15th of December to receive a full consideration. M.Sc. (course/project route) applications should be received before the 15th of January or the 15th of May to guarantee full consideration.
What if my application is not complete by the 15th of December or 15th January/15th May?
The Graduate Committee beginns reviewing applications on the 1st of February (or 1st of March/1st of July for the M.Sc. course/project route). The review continues till all available positions are filled (usually 4-6 weeks). If your application reaches the department after that, it will be rejected. There is a gap of few weeks between the time when School of Graduate Studies receives your documents and when the application file is available to the department. If you submit your application after the indicated dates, you run the risk that it will not reach the review committee on time.
What is the normal starting date in your graduate programs?
Students are admitted into M.Sc. (thesis route) and Ph.D. programs in the fall semester (September). M.Sc. (course/project route) students are admitted in the fall and winter semesters.
Can I apply for admission in the winter (January) or spring (May) semester?
Only in exceptional circumstances! The application will require the endorsement by a prospective supervisor. M.Sc. (course/project route) candidates can apply for winter admission.
Can I apply for admission once the deadline has past?
Only in exceptional circumstances! The application will require "sponsorship" by a prospective supervisor. Without the support from a potential supervisor your application will be reviewed in the next admission cycle (e.g. if you apply to the thesis based M.Sc. program in April 2011, your application will be reviewed in February 2012 for admission in September 2012).
My marks are below 75%. Can I still apply?
It depends. Visit WES for grade conversion guide.
When will I be notified about the outcome of my application?
The Graduate Committee reviews Ph.D. and M.Sc. (thesis route) applications in February and March of each year. The applicants are notified about decision in late March/early April. M.Sc. (course/project route) applicants are notified early May/ August.
Can I check with the department's secretary or the Graduate Officer about the status of my application?
No! The department does not provide information about the status of your application before the formal notification from the School of Graduate Studies.
On the SGS website I can see that the status of my application is COMPLETED. What does it mean?
It means that all required information (transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) has been received by the School of Graduate Studies. It does not mean that decision about your application has been made.
Do you offer a course based Master's degree?
Yes, we do. See the Master's program page.
Can I apply to your graduate program if my previous education was in a different field (e.g. Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Biology)?
Yes, you can, but only exceptional candidates will be accepted. An endorsement from a prospective supervisor at MUN will be very helpful.
Do you require the GRE test?
GRE test is highly recommended. The intake into our M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs is limited and applicants with (general) GRE scores will be considered first.
Do you require the TOEFL or IELTS test from international students?
Yes. See here ( go to "Proof of English proficiency") for details and exception from this requirement.
Can I contact faculty members before submitting my application?
Yes, you can, but be very specific about your proposed area of research and why you intend to work with the contact person. E-mails of the following form: "Dear professor [no name specified]. I am very impressed with your research [no area mentioned] and your publications [no specific reference]. It was always my dream to study at your world renowned university. I am interested in doing research in the area of Data Bases, Graphics, AI, Software Engineering, Robotics or Programming Languages [make up your mind]" are left unanswered.
I already hold a Master's degree in Computer Science from another university. Can I still apply for admission to your Master's program?
Yes, you can, but such applications are usually not viewed very favourably.
Can you inform me about the tuition fees?
You can find the relevant information here. Master's students (both thesis and course/project route) select the option A (6 semesters). PhD students pay the regular fee over the period of 12 semesters. If you program takes more than 2 years (M.Sc.) or more than 4 years (PhD), there is an additional continuance fee.
Will I receive funding when admitted to your program?
Funding is usually available to our M.Sc. (thesis route) and Ph.D. students, but cannot be guaranteed.
What is the amount of funding that you provide to graduate students?
M.Sc. (thesis route) students usually receive ca. 14,000 CAD and Ph.D. students ca. 16,000 CAD. Additional merit based awards might be available.
If no funding is available, can I still get admission?
Yes, sometimes admission to the M.Sc. (thesis route) and PhD programs is made without funding. Also, admission into the M.Sc. (course/work term route) typically does not involve funding. If you are an international student, you will have to show to Canadian Immigration that you have other funds available to support yourself when studying at Memorial. This might be difficult.
If I accept admission without funding, can I apply for funding after my arrival in St. John's?
Normally no financial package is made available to students who accept admission without funding.
Is $16000 better than $20000?
Sometimes yes! Memorial university has very low tuition fees for graduate students (ca. 3000 CAD per year). So 16000 CAD at Memorial might be a better deal than 20000 CAD at some other university ( if they charges 10000 CAD in tuition fees!) Also, living expenses in St. John's are relatively low.
I am interested in area XYZ. Which professor should I contact?
Visit the web pages from our professors and identify their research areas before applying.
