How To Apply
Prior to submitting an application, prospective students should familiarize themselves with the Department of Pharmacology, identify research areas that might be of their interest, and contact the faculty members directly whose work is of interest. This is important because acceptance into the program requires the commitment of a departmental faculty member who will serve as supervisor.
Once a potential supervisor has been secured, students may apply for graduate studies in the Department of Pharmacology via the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) using their web-based online application. If they are unable to apply online they may request an application package from the Graduate Administrator, Department of Pharmacology (address below).
Please ensure the following information is included with your application to graduate studies. Incomplete applications will be held on file for one year.
Research Interests
Applicants are required to prepare a brief statement of research interests indicating the factors that have attracted the student to a career in pharmacology. Explain how the proposed graduate program relates to their career goals, list their academic, research, and professional plans and how their background (academic/research training and work experience) makes them a good candidate for our program. Students should upload the Statement of Research Interests form with the online application.
Letters of Reference
Applicants must arrange for 3 letters of reference to be uploaded by the referees with the online application.
Curriculum vitae (CV)
A CV form is provided for the students to upload with the online application.
Evaluation of Applications
All complete applications will be reviewed by the Pharmacology Graduate Studies Executive Committee (GSEC). Applications being considered for acceptance will be forwarded to the prospective supervisor who will confirm that funding is available. If all admission requirements have been met, the application will be sent to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) for further processing.
The final admission decision is made by GPS who will then communicate the acceptance directly to the student.
Note:
Possession of these basic requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Admissions are considered on a competitive basis and factors taken into account in the Department's decision include:
- performance in basic science courses,
- letters of reference,
- previous involvement with biomedical research (work and summer student experience)
- publications,
- motivation for studying pharmacology as stated in the "Statement of research interests" form, and
- willingness and availability of prospective supervisors to accept and support students.
If an application is submitted to the department without a supervisor listed, it will not be considered by GSEC.
Application Deadlines (2022/23)
Canadian/Permanent Residents: Canadian/Permanent Resident applications will be accepted until the start of each term. However, applications should be submitted as early as possible as delays occur with late applications.
International Application Deadlines: The Department of Pharmacology does not have application deadlines, however, students should take into consideration that complete applications must be received by our department at least 45 days in advance of the application deadlines established by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). Therefore, the department's dates are as follows:
- May 15: September admission
- September 15: January admission
- January 15: May admission
- March 15: July admission
China (PRC) and Nigeria (These applications must be received earlier to allow applicants time to obtain the necessary documentation from their home governments and Canadian embassies or consulates.)
- March 15: September admission
- July 15: January admission
- November 15: May admission
- January 15: July admission