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FAQs for Graduate Students

1. I would like to apply to your program. Where can I obtain the application?

Applications are on-line: McMaster Application page

2. Where shall I send the supporting documentation for my application?

Academic Program Assistant -Graduate Studies, Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Ivor Wynne Centre 219C, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1

3. Is there a deadline for graduate application?

March 31st is the annual deadline. Under special circumstances, we may consider applications from students after the application deadline. Given that we have a limited number of resources (TA positions, entrance awards, etc.) to allocate to incoming students, please bear in mind that prompt submission of applications will increase the likelihood of a successful application.

4. How do I get a faculty advisor?

All applicants to the Department of Kinesiology are advised to seek a graduate faculty member who agrees to assume advisory responsibilities for the applicant. The best way to find an advisor is to contact the graduate faculty members directly via email. By opening a dialogue with a potential advisor the applicant and the potential advisor can find out more about one another and work towards a fit with the student’s desires and the faculty member’s research profile in mind. No applicant is offered admission until a faculty member agrees to supervise him or her.

Once a faculty member indicates you should apply, you can complete and submit the online application.  Please note that this is not a guarantee of admission.  Your potential supervisor will review your application and make a final decision based on your application.

A complete list of our research faculty that take graduate students can be found on the Graduate Research Faculty webpage.

5. What are the minimum admission requirements?

In accordance with School of Graduate Studies calendar, we require a minimum average of B+ or equivalent, in your previous studies. If you are taking courses (as yet unmarked) at the time your application is being considered, your application is evaluated based on the grades available. Conditional offers can be made on the premise that you will maintain the average+ academic standing.

6. What is the statement of interest?

A maximum one summary (single spaced, 12-point font) describing the area of kinesiology in which you wish to study. Many students also include a brief summary of relevant employment experience and a resume. Since kinesiology connects with many other disciplines, the summary and any additional information you choose to send helps potential supervisors identify prospective graduate students for their specific research groups. A statement of interest is not your resume, although you should include a resume or CV with your supporting materials

7. Will I receive financial aid?

Yes, students accepted to our program are guaranteed funding comprised of graduate, department and research scholarships and a teaching assistantship. The current funding for the 2023-2024 academic year  is $21,000annually for up to 2 years for MSc students, and $25,000 annually for up to 4 years, for PhD students.  Please note that if you are successful in winning a major external scholarship or award, the financial support mentioned above may be adjusted partially according to the policies the department and of McMaster University.

For further information regarding the external awards for outstanding students, please look through our graduate handbook and survey the websites for NSERCSSHRC, and CIHR. For information on internal awards, please visit the website for the School of Graduate Studies.

8. What are your Department’s fields of research?

Graduate training offered by the Department of Kinesiology covers the following broad research areas:

  1. Integrative Physiology
  2. Mechanics and Control of Movement
  3. Neuroscience & Behaviour

Please consult the web pages of our faculty members for specific details on the types research conducted in these areas

9. How many applicants do you accept each year?

The number applications that are accepted varies each year depending on several factors. These include the number of applications we receive, which research areas are looking to expand, which research teams are already at full complement, how many our current and prospective students have external funding, and the level of research funding held by our faculty members.

10. How long is the M.Sc. program?

Expected completion for MSc students is two years. MSc students are guaranteed funding for those two years only. There is an opportunity to transfer to PhD within the first or second years of the program.

11. How long is the Ph.D. program?

Expected completion within four years. PhD students are guaranteed funding for those four years.

12. English Language Proficiency Certification Information:

What is the TOEFL score requirement? MINIMUM scores of: 92 (Internet-based) 237 (Computer-based) 580 (Paper-based)

What are the University code and the Departmental code? The University Code is: 0936 and the Departmental Code is: 35.

What is the IELTS requirement? MINIMUM scores: 6.5 min score overall. Academic, not General 5.5 min. score in each section.

What is the MELAB requirement? MINIMUM score of 90

If you are not a native English speaker but have taken a 4 year degree taught in English, you may not need to take a language proficiency test. Please check with the graduate administrator.

13. Is GRE (Graduate Record Exam) required?

No, this is not required.

14. How can I determine the status of my application?

Please check the on-line application to see what documents have been received. The online system is updated regularly.

15. My application is complete, what do I do now?

Once we have determined that your application is complete and eligible, it reviewed by faculty members who are considering taking on new graduate students. If a faculty member is interested in your application, that person will contact your directly to arrange to meet or speak with you . Applicants can expect to receive the results of their application by no later than May 31 of the year of admission. This process takes anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months depending on the cohort of applicants and the number of faculty members actively seeking new students. You will be notified by the Department if your application is not successful.

16. What are the current tuition fees for student?

The current academic year tuition fees for graduate students can be found at: Fees for Graduate Students page

Last updated March 2023