Applicants who have successfully completed an Honours Baccalaureate/undergraduate degree may apply directly to a doctoral program on their initial application for admission. The applicant must have achieved a superior academic record in the last two years of full time equivalent study. A superior record is normally defined as a cumulative average of 80% (A-) or above, as assessed by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The reference on the Referee Assessment Form must rate the student as “outstanding”. A statement of the applicant’s research interests including evidence of their research aptitude, capability, and proficiency is required.

Following an examination of the application materials submitted, the Graduate Program Committee will submit a written recommendation to the Assistant Vice-President (Graduate Studies) regarding the request for direct admission to the PhD program. Such direct admission students are designated as “Regular”. Typically such offers of direct admission include a strong recommendation from the Graduate Program Committee directed to the student’s Advisory Committee that at least 0.5 graduate level course credits should be required elements of the student’s Program of Study. These credits must be successfully completed by the end of the student’s first year of study.