General Admission Requirements
Research in the Biomedical Sciences disciplines is characterized by the interaction of scientists from diverse academic disciplines. Accordingly, there are no specific prerequisite courses for the graduate programs in the Department. Each application is considered on an individual basis, taking into account the applicant's academic background and relevant experience. The decision to recommend to the Dean of Graduate Studies that an applicant be admitted to the graduate program is based on the student's scholastic record and suitability for the proposed research program. Also considered is the availability of a suitable advisor, the availability of funds to support the research program and where necessary, the availability of a stipend for the student.
Applicants should have an Honours BSc in Biological Sciences or a degree in Veterinary Medicine (or equivalent), with a minimum average “B+” standing for the last two years of full-time study (or equivalent) completed prior to entry into the graduate program. Letters of reference from two of the applicant’s professors must be provided with the application. Students who do not meet this “B+” minimum requirement but do meet the University minimum of “B-” may be admitted into a “provisional” category if there is additional evidence to suggest that the applicant is capable of successfully completing the graduate program (e.g. exemplary letters of recommendation, or evidence of prior work or research experience).
Application Process
Faculty Advisors:
A Faculty Advisor is mandatory before you can be admitted into any of our programs. You should begin contacting Faculty doing research in your particular area of interest to determine if they are taking on new students, prior to applying. You should begin contacting Faculty early to avoid disappointment. A list of Biomedical Sciences faculty can be found here: Biomedical Sciences Faculty
Please note: If you are interested in applying to the MBS Program, you can have a Faculty Advisor from the Pathobiology or Population Medicine Departments. If your Advisor is from a Department outside of the Ontario Veterinary College, you will be asked to have a Co-Advisor from within the Department of Biomedical Sciences.
Domestic Students Application Deadlines:
Fall: June 1 Winter: September 1 Summer: February 1
International Student Application Dealines:
Fall: March 1 Winter: July 1 Summer: November 1
To begin the application process or to review additional details, please visit the Graduate Studies website: Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Please review steps 1 through 6 prior to applying. Applicants are required to upload all necessary documents online via WebAdvisor. Within five business days of completing your online OUAC application, you will receive an email with your login information and instructions on how to upload your supporting documents. It will also take up to five business days for the referee requests to be sent. The WebAdvsior account information and the referee requests cannot be expedited. Please plan the submission of your application in accordance with the application deadlines mentioned above.
Supporting Documents Required:
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions.
- Letter of Interest which shall not exceed one page in length, single-spaced, 12 pt font.
- CV/resume
- Two Academic Referee Assesments
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if first language is anything other than English. Please refer to the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies website for approved English Proficiency tests and minimum score requirements.
Contact Us
OVC Graduate Programs Services
Heather Hamilton, Graduate Program Assistant
Stewart Building #45, OVC, Room 2509
Ext. 54780 / bmsgrad@uoguelph.ca