How to Apply

The Application Process

Review the information available on this website to determine your interest in the program and whether you meet the program requirements. Contact GWC2 Faculty members in the research areas you are interested. Any questions related to the application process should be directed to the GWC2 Program Administrative Coordinator ([email protected] or [email protected]).

Admission intake occurs for each of the terms: Fall (September start date), Winter (January start date) and Spring (May start date). It is always advisable to apply early as faculty members may have already completed their complement of graduate students for the term you are applying for.

Deadline for Applications

The application deadlines are: June 1st for Winter admission, October 1st for Spring admission and February 1st for Fall admission.

For Domestic students (Canadians and Permanent Residents), applications will be considered after these deadlines, although this may impact your eligibility for major awards and scholarships in your first year.

Please note that your application must be complete and all supporting documentation uploaded by the application deadline date.

We strongly recommend that international students apply at least nine months prior to the start of the term, to allow sufficient time to arrange for a study permit.

University of Guelph Applications

OUAC applications are made on-line through the following website: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/guelphgrad

Your application materials must be uploaded using WebAdvisor as per the instructions noted at the following website: https://www.uoguelph.ca/graduatestudies/future/applying-guelph

University of Waterloo Applications

Applications are made on-line through the Graduate Online Application System at the following website:
https://uwaterloo.ca/graduate-studies-postdoctoral-affairs/future-students/applying-graduate-school/applying. Please contact [email protected] for assistance during the application process.

Your application materials must be uploaded using Applicant QUEST as per the instructions noted at the following website: https://uwaterloo.ca/discover-graduate-studies/application-process

Application Process

  • Compile the necessary documentation (transcripts, letters of reference, proof of English Language Proficiency (as required) and proof of Canadian landed immigrant or permanent residency status (as required).
  • Submit payment of the OUAC or Graduate Online Application fee. For the University of Guelph, your application materials must be uploaded using WebAdvisor. For the University of Waterloo, your application materials must be uploaded using Applicant Quest.
  • The application is reviewed and if it meets the program requirements, it is forwarded to the faculty members to ascertain their interest.  If the application does not meet the program requirements, the applicant is informed.
  • The faculty members, if interested, will contact the applicant to ascertain if they are a good fit for their research program.  If the faculty members are not interested, the applicant is informed that GWC2 is unable to offer the applicant a place in our graduate program.
  • The application is then forwarded to the appropriate University Graduate office, where a final review is made and, if acceptable, an official letter is sent to the applicant.
    • An official letter of offer (definite or conditional and provisional status if applicable) is posted to the online account.  The University may request certain documentation in the form of official transcripts showing final marks and conferment of degree, the presentation of a Student Visa, proof of English competency, permanent residency or landed immigrant status, etc.
    • In the case of International Students, this official letter from the University is then used by the applicant to apply for a Student Visa.
  • Please note that the complete process can take approximately 4-6 weeks once your application is completed. You will be notified when there are updates on the status of your application.

Submission of Documentation

University of Guelph:

Your application materials must be uploaded using WebAdvisor. If you are not able to upload your application materials on WebAdvisor, please contact [email protected] for help.

University of Waterloo:

Your application materials must be uploaded using Applicant Quest. If you are not able to upload your application materials on Quest, please contact [email protected] for help.

Online Application Package

Check List

  • Online Application
  • Payment of Fees
  • Transcripts. Academic transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended must be uploaded, including all marks and the awarding of degrees. The grading scale must be provided. A certified translation is required if the transcript is not in English. Official academic transcripts (received in a closed university envelope) are only required if you are offered admission

Note: For applicants applying for a PhD program, who are currently in the MSc program but completed their BSc elsewhere, they may email [email protected] requesting that the BSc on file in the Graduate office be uploaded. Please provide your Name and UW ID# with the request.

References

  • MSc – 3 reference letters, two of which must be from academic sources (faculty, lecturer etc.).
  • PhD – 3 reference letters which must be from academic sources (faculty, lecturer etc.).
  • Your referees will be emailed with instructions on submitting forms electronically.

The reference form looks for an evaluation of the applicant’s preparation for graduate study, range of abilities and accomplishments, and creative and intellectual promise.

Supplementary Information

University of Guelph

Completed areas of research interest and goals and objectives (Supplementary Information Form)

University of Waterloo

Completed areas of research interest and goals and objectives accessed through QUEST

Additional Documentation (if applicable)

  • English Proficiency Certification
  • GRE – The GRE and the GRE subject area test in chemistry and/or biochemistry are not required
  • Funding Support Letter. If an applicant will be funded through scholarships provided by their country or institution, this letter must be provided to the University of Guelph or for the University of Waterloo, detailing the duration and level of funding.
  • Proof of Immigration Status (if applicable). Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a copy (front and back) of their Record of Landing form (IMM 1000) or Permanent Residence card