Application Steps
- Check the admission requirements.
- Contact potential supervisors directly to express your interest in joining their research groups.
- Complete the SGSPA application form.
Application Information and Deadlines
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!
Contact the department at gradadm@chem.queensu.ca if you have questions about the graduate application process.
Applications for all of our graduate programs are currently open for May 2026, September 2026, January 2027, and May 2027 starts. Applications must be submitted through the SGSPA Application Portal. For full information about the SGSPA application process, check the How to Apply page.
Applications for each term are open up to one month before that term starts.
| Start Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| May 2026 | March 31, 2026 |
| September 2026 | July 31, 2026 |
| January 2027 | November 30, 2026 |
| May 2027 | March 31, 2027 |
While the SGSPA application portal accepts applications up to the deadlines listed above, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 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).
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.
Before submitting an application, applicants should contact potential supervisors directly to express interest in joining their research groups. You can apply without having secured a supervisor, but an applicant must have secured a supervisor before an offer of admission is made. Check the Research Areas page for a list of potential supervisors.
Frequently Asked Questions
A research supervisor is not required to apply to our graduate program. However, an applicant must have secured a supervisor before an offer of admission can be made.
Applicants should contact potential supervisors directly to express their interest in joining the supervisor's research group. Check the Research Areas page that lists faculty members under each research area and provides a link to their websites and contact information.
The GREs are not required for admission to Chemistry graduate programs.
Proficiency in English is a prerequisite for admission. Applicants whose native languages do not include English 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.
Any applicant who has recently studied for at least one complete year at a university where English is the official language of instruction may be exempt from the English Language Proficiency Test. An applicant requesting a waiver of the test for this reason should do so in writing and submit it with the application. The Director, Admissions and Student Services of the School of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the department, will make determinations in these cases.
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.
Full-time graduate students are guaranteed financial support for up to two years in the Master's program and up to four years in the PhD program. 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.
The department does not waive or refund the application fee.