Mathematics and Statistics Graduate Studies FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What are the research areas in the Department?
2. Am I eligible to apply to Graduate Studies?
3. How do I apply to Graduate Studies?
4. What do I need to provide with my application?
5. What is the application deadline?
6. How can I improve my chances of gaining admission?
7. Will I receive financial support? How much support will I receive?
8. When should I start my graduate studies?
9. Whom should I contact with questions about Graduate Studies?

1. What are the research areas in the Department?
   Please refer to our list of faculty by research area. If you see a faculty member whose research area looks interesting to you, feel free to contact them to ask them further questions.



2. Am I eligible to apply to Graduate Studies?
   M.Sc. Programs:
   Applicants should have a four year Bachelor's degree (preferably Honours) with a minimum average of B+ in each of their third and fourth year of study.
   Ph.D. Programs:
   Applicants should have a Master's degree with a minimum average of B+ in all courses taken for that degree. In addition candidates should have demonstrated research potential and clear research interests. Admission to our doctoral program is almost always contingent upon the availability of supervision and funding in the applicant's chosen area.



3. How do I apply to Graduate Studies?
   The application process is done online, starting here. Just what needs to be done to complete the application will be made clear as you go through the procedure. The application does not have to be completed in one session, so the best thing to do is to get started!



4. What is the application deadline?
   There is no deadline to apply for admission but, in order to be eligible for internal fellowships,^* applications must be received by the end of February. Applications are reviewed as they become complete and we begin to make offers of admission in January. In summary, Filing your application early is advisable, and applications received before the end of February will receive full consideration regarding financial support.

   ^* Applicants who have achieved first class standing in each of their last two years of study may be considered for internal fellowships. Internal fellowships are awards based on academic excellence, and are separate from the standard funding sources coming from Teaching Assistantships, the standard Fellowship from the School of Graduate Studies and Research, and Research Assistantships. See financial support.




5. What do I need to provide with my application?
   The type of supporting documentation needed for an application will be spelled out for you as you complete the online application. But you will certainly need the following material, provided as instructed during the online application.
   1. Two letters of recommendation. These should be current, and preferably from academic referees. Note that your application will not be complete until reference letters are received from all referees you list. This should be taken into consideration before asking for more than two letters of recommendation.
   2. Two official copies of transcripts from each university attended. Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by an English or French translation provided by the institution issuing the transcript. The transcripts must be official copies. Degree and graduation certificates must be included if the degree awarded, standing obtained and date conferred is not listed on the transcript.
   3. List of relevant courses taken. Provide a description of the courses taken mathematics, statistics, or related areas in the third year and beyond. Provide names the titles and authors of textbooks used.
   4. Sample of written work. Doctoral programme applicants should submit a copy of the abstract of their MSc thesis. Masters programme applicants should submit a copy of the abstract of their fourth-year thesis or project.
   5. Comprehension of English Language.See the information from the School of Graduate Studies.

   NOTE: When submitting supporting documentation separately via email to gradapp@mast.queensu.ca be sure to include your name and application reference number. Official transcripts and letters of support not already submitted electronically should be mailed directly to:

   School of Graduate Studies and Research
   Queen's University
   Kingston, ON K7L 3N6
   Canada




6. How can I improve my chances of gaining admission?
   Obviously, it is important to have a good academic record. It is also extremely important to contact faculty members in the department to get information about their research programmes, and to draw their attention to your application. In most cases, a students will receive financial support from their research supervisor, and so the support of a supervisor is crucial for gaining admission.



7. Will I receive financial support? How much financial support will I receive?
   Graduate student support can come from several sources including:
   1. a Teaching Assistantship or Teaching Fellowship;
   2. an Award and/or Fellowship from the School of Graduate Studies and Research;
   3. a research assistantship from their supervisor;
   4. external funding agencies.
   Students offered admission are usually also offered full financial support. Normally, this support is sufficient to cover academic and living expenses. In unusual circumstances, particularly for MSc students, it might happen that only partial financial support can be offered, e.g., no research support in cases when a supervisor does not have funds available.
   
   In addition to the above international students may also be awarded a bursary to reduce the tuition fees they must pay to approximately that of a domestic student. Note however, that the number of bursaries available is limited and the process by which they are awarded is very selective; applicants will be considered on the basis of superior academic standing and fit with research interests of the Department's faculty. It is, therefore, especially important that international students make contact with potential supervisors to support their application.
   
   For the current academic year, students who have been offered full financial support and who do not hold an external scholarship will receive a minimum of between $18,800 and $19,800 for the year depending on their program of study. International students who have been awarded an International Tuition Award (ITA) will receive additional funding to reduce the tuition fee they are required to pay to that of a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
   
   Information on fees can be found here. International students should also look here for estimated living costs.



8. When should I start my graduate studies?
   Normally a student begins their Graduate Studies in the Department in September. For MSc students, this start date is quite inflexible since our course work/project MSc degree is designed to be completed in one year, starting in September. Admissions to the Doctoral programme can be more flexible, although a September start date is recommended.



9. Whom should I contact with questions about Graduate Studies?
   
   1. For academic inquiries, e.g., information about courses, questions about research areas, contact the Graduate Coordinator: Andrew Lewis.
   2. For administrative inquiries, e.g., eligibility to apply to Graduate Studies, application questions, financial assistance, contact the Graduate Assistant: Jennifer Read.