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

  • Check the admission requirements for the program you are interested in, which are listed in the FAQ section below. We accept applicants for the MSc, MASc, PhD, and direct-entry PhD.
  • Before applying, contact potential supervisors directly to express your interest in joining their research groups.
  • Check SGSPA application requirements and complete the SGSPA application form: https://www.queensu.ca/grad-postdoc/grad-studies/apply

Application 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, available on the SGSPA 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).

Application Review Process

The review process can take a few weeks or longer after your application is considered complete. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

  1. A complete application consists of the submitted application form, English language test scores (if applicable), transcripts and/or degree certificates, and reference letters. The SGSPA will verify whether your transcripts and/or degree certificates are acceptable, so make sure to check the application portal in case the SGSPA leaves a note there saying that they require further documents. The department does not begin reviewing your application until it is complete.
  2. Once your application is complete, we will make it available to the potential supervisor(s) that you have listed in it. If a supervisor confirms that they are willing to accept you into their group, then your application will go to the Graduate Admissions Committee.
  3. The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews your application and decides whether to offer you admission. If you are offered admission, then you will get an offer email and letter from the department.
  4. If the department makes you an offer of admission, then the department will also notify the SGSPA. The SGSPA will make the final decision on your admission. If the SGSPA also decides to offer admission, then the SGSPA will update the application portal to provide your official letter of acceptance.

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 is 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 before you 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. The SGSPA will access your test scores directly from the testing agencies listed below. Your application will be considered complete after the SGSPA has accessed your scores.

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

Here are the tests that the SGSPA accepts:

TestScores Required
TOEFL iBT

Average overall score of 4.5

Minimum score in each section:

  • Writing 5
  • Speaking 4
  • Reading 4.5
  • Listening 4.5
IELTS AcademicMinimum overall score of 7
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)Minimum overall score of 65
Canadian Academic English Language (Computer Edition) (CAEL CE)Minimum overall score of 70
The Cambridge English AssessmentMinimum overall score of 185

For TOEFL, PTE Academic, and CAEL CE, the Queen's University institution code is 0949. After you have submitted your application, email the SGSPA at sgsapp@queensu.ca to state that your scores are ready to access from the testing centre site.

For IELTS, after you have submitted your application, email the SGSPA at sgsapp@queensu.ca and provide the TRF number found on your IELTS score report.

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.

Queen's offers various supports for international students.

Check the Queen's University International Centre (QUIC) site for information about immigration, health insurance, advice for living in Canada and more: https://quic.queensu.ca/

After you have been accepted, there are International Student Advisors (ISAs) who can help with immigration regulations as they relate to your studies in Canada: https://quic.queensu.ca/student-life/services/advising-counselling#isa-booking

Queen's also offers the BorderPass service that helps students to apply for study permits: https://www.queensu.ca/admission/international-students/border-pass