Application Information

Embarking on a graduate degree is the beginning of an exciting future. The Department of Chemistry at Queen's is an exceptional environment to explore your research interests and pursue your academic career. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Application Steps

Application Information and Timelines

Contact the department at gradadm@chem.queensu.ca if you have specific questions about the graduate application process that are not answered here or on the SGSPA application website.

We accept applications for September, May, and January starts. Applications must be submitted through the SGSPA Application Portal. For full information about the SGSPA application process, check the How to Apply page.

The applications for each term are open up to one month before that term starts. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply well in advance of the requested start date. It is especially important that international applicants apply as soon as possible to account for any delays in securing study permits (processing times for study permits can be very long).

Before choosing a start date and applying, international applicants should consult the IRCC processing times for their country: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html.

Please add a generous amount of time to the IRCC estimate to also account for the time to process your application at both the departmental and the SGSPA levels, and to complete the study permit application (1-2 months).

The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews complete applications as they are received. A complete application consists of the completed application form, English language test scores (if applicable), transcripts and/or degree certificates, and reference letters. The review process may take several weeks or longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the admission requirements for our graduate programs:

ProgramRequirements
MSc or MASc
  • Four (4) year Bachelor's Honours degree or equivalent in Chemistry or a related field, such as Biochemistry, Chemical Physics, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering
  • At least a second class academic standing (B+, 77-79%, minimum GPA 3.3). We may accept students who have a lower B average if there are extenuating circumstances and if they exhibit promising research potential. If there are extenuating circumstances, please describe them in your application.
  • Previous research experience is not required, but may be considered when assessing applications.
  • To register in the MASc program, you must have an undergraduate degree in Engineering or Applied Science.
PhD
  • MSc degree in Chemistry or a related field, such as Biochemistry, Chemical Physics, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering
  • At least a second class academic standing (B+, 77-79%, minimum GPA 3.3). We may accept students who have a lower B average if there are extenuating circumstances and if they exhibit promising research potential. If there are extenuating circumstances, please describe them in your application.
Direct entry PhD (with only a BSc)
  • Four (4) year Bachelor's Honours degree or equivalent in Chemistry or a related field, such as Biochemistry, Chemical Physics, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering
  • Minimum total average of A (85%). An average that a little lower may be considered if your application shows exceptional potential, especially as indicated in the reference letters.
  • Previous research experience and evidence of exceptional research potential are required.

You don't need to secure a research supervisor to apply, but it is best to do so. An applicant must have secured a supervisor before an offer of admission can be made. Securing a supervisor before applying increases your chances of admission and speeds up review and processing of your application once it is completed.

Please contact potential supervisors directly to express your interest in joining their research group. A list of potential supervisors, their contact information, and their research areas is available at this link: https://www.chem.queensu.ca/research-areas.

Proficiency in English is required for admission. If English is not your first language, you must obtain satisfactory standing in an English Language Proficiency Test as part of the application process and before final acceptance is granted. All required test scores must be received directly from the testing agency by the SGSPA before your application is considered complete.

If you have recently studied for at least one complete year at an institution where English is the official language of instruction, you can be exempted from the English Language Proficiency Test. In this case, you will need to provide an official Medium of Instruction letter from your institution.

The SGSPA handles English Language Test Results. Check the How to Apply page for more information. If you have a question about your particular test scores or anything related to English proficiency tests, please contact the SGSPA at sgspa.reception@queensu.ca

If requesting scores from ETS, report 0949 as the institution code and 062 as the department code.

All full-time graduate students, both domestic and international, are guaranteed financial support for up to two years in the Master's program and up to four years in the PhD program. The exception is students who already have financial support that exceeds the guaranteed annual minimum stipend, such as students with government-funded scholarships from their home country. Financial support comes from various sources, such as awards, Teaching Assistant employment, and funding from the supervisor.

Check the Financial Support page for more information about financial support. Applicants are highly encouraged to apply for awards and scholarships that they are eligible for.

Only applications completed by the OGS application deadline (typically March 1) will be considered for Queen’s awards and scholarships.

No. The department does not waive or refund the application fee.

No. The GREs are not required for admission to Chemistry graduate programs.