Apply to Graduate Studies in Chemistry at Memorial

When to Apply

Canadian students should apply by March 1 to be considered for Fall (September). International students who will require a study permit should apply by February 1. Applications submitted after these dates may be considered on a case-by-case basis, if requested by a potential supervisor.

Steps in Applying

Step 1: Contact a Potential Supervisor

You are encouraged to  contact a member of our faculty who are you interested in working for as a graduate student. They will be able to help you with the application process and answer any questions you might have. Often, a supervisor or recruiting committee member can let you know if it is worthwhile for you to apply.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

  • Write your statement. Our department requires a brief personal statement as part of your application. You should write about why you are interested in graduate school and include any information the admissions committee should be aware of. If you have been in contact with a potential supervisor, you should mention that here.
  • Choose your references. You must arrange for two letters of reference to be sent directly to the university. Ideally, these are your research supervisors, but your instructors in senior level courses are also suitable. They will need to fill out this reference form. It is worth reading this form yourself when you are choosing your references - would the appraisers you have chosen be able to give a meaningful assessment?

Step 3: Submit Your Application

  • Applications to our department are made through the School of Graduate Studies. At this time, you must pay an application fee ($50 for Canadian students, $100 for international students).
  • Arrange for your academic documentation to be sent. For your application to be reviewed, current copies of all your transcripts must be sent directly to Memorial's School of Graduate Studies. International applicants should also submit proof of English proficiency.
  • Contact your references and have them send your letters of appraisal. These letters can generally be completed electronically and emailed to the School of Graduate Studies. 

Admission Requirements

Admission is limited and competitive. To be considered for admission, an applicant shall normally hold at least a second class B.Sc. degree or its equivalent. Candidates whose B.Sc. is not in chemistry but have a degree in a related field may also be admissible.

Students whose language of instruction for their baccalaureate degree was not English are required to provide proof of proficiency in English. Official test scores must be sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies by the testing authority.

After Admission

All students who intend to register in a particular semester are required to be on campus by the registration date indicated in the letter of admission. Failure to meet this arrival deadline may jeopardize financial support from teaching assistantships.

Foreign graduate students normally enter Canada on a study permit. The details and procedures for obtaining a study permit are available on the Citizenship and Immigration website of the Canadian government. You should begin the process of applying for a permit as soon as you are admitted to the program so that you receive a study permit in time to begin your studies.