PhD in Computational Sciences

Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements of both the University and the School of Computer Science (SoCS). For admission to the PhD in Computational Sciences program, entrants require the following:

1. Thesis-based master's degree: Admission to the PhD program normally requires a recognized thesis-based master’s degree. Applicants possessing a recognized course-based master's degree may be considered if the applicant demonstrates an outstanding academic record and research accomplishments through publications in scholarly journals and/or conferences. We do not require students entering the program to have a credential in Computer Science. Such students are required to identify their experience using computerized techniques and demonstrate that they have the necessary background to complete the tasks outlined in the Statement of Interest.
   
2. Minimum B average: Applicants are required to have a minimum average of 75% ('B') during the previous two years of full-time university study for an accredited university graduate degree. For information on international degree admission requirements, please see: International Credential Evaluation and select country. Admission average is calculated using the last 2 years of university-level study.
   

3. TWO faculty research advisors: Each PhD candidate will conduct thesis research by working closely with two chosen faculty research advisors, a School of Computer Science (SoCS) advisor and an Application Discipline (AD) co-advisor, who will share equal responsibility in supervising the candidate's research.The confirmed SoCS advisor and AD co-advisor must be established BEFORE applying to the PhD.CSCI program, and must be included in the application's Statement of Interest.
   
   To find a faculty advisor, we recommend all applicants:

   A. Get in touch with prospective advisors directly, and review related SoCS faculty research areas. You are encouraged to connect to suitable prospective advisors by email.
   
   B. Review current grad opportunities and SoCS current research projects to determine which prospective faculty research advisors in SoCS are currently recruiting graduate students.
   
   C. Consider our Tips for Finding a Research Advisor to assist you in communicating effectively with our SoCS faculty members.

4. English proficiency test: An English proficiency test will be required for any applicant whose first language is not English.
   

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies Requirements, the School of Computer Science (SOCS) requires all of the documentation noted on the application page including:

1. Academic Transcripts
2. A current resume or CV (including publications)
3. A Statement of Interest (maximum 1500 words):
   • The applicant must identify their potential supervisors (SoCS advisor and AD co-advisor) and explain their choice
   • They should describe the general area of research in which they are interested
   • The area must be at the crossroads between computer science and another discipline (the “application discipline”) in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, etc.
   • They may also describe a specific research problem in the area and their initial ideas on how to approach it
   • They should clearly explain the importance and interdisciplinary nature of the area or problem
   • They should summarize the related research and refer to publications where appropriate
   • As an appendix (not included in the 1500-word limit):
     • An applicant without a master’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science should highlight their computational knowledge and experience (e.g., computer science courses taken; use of Matlab, Mathematica, R, Maple, Weka)
     • An applicant without a master’s or bachelor’s degree in the application discipline should highlight their knowledge and experience in that discipline
     • The applicant should list any other reasons why they consider themselves a strong applicant
4. Three Academic References
5. A test of English proficiency is required of all applicants whose first language is not English. The English language requirements for the PhD program are higher than other programs. Required scores are shown below:

• TOEFL (and TOEFL Special Home Edition): 100, speaking and writing 25, at least 21 in each category
• IELTS (and Computer-delivered IELTS): 7.0, at least 6.5 for each component
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-A): 60, a minimum score of 60 must be achieved in each individual component.
• Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL): 70, writing and speaking 70, no score lower than 60
• University of Guelph English Language Certificate at the Advanced Level
• DuoLingo Test: 120

*Please note, the test may not be more than two years old. The proof of English proficiency requirement may be waived in exceptional circumstances. For example, applicants may be eligible for an English Waiver who have conferred a degree in a country where English is the native language AND in a university where English is the language of instruction (e.g. Canada, UK, USA, Australia, etc.). School of Computer Science Graduate Admissions Committee approval is required.

6. The Declaration of Committement form is an additional document required for applicants of the One Health Collaborative Specialization ONLY

7. The GRE is NOT required for admission

Application processing times may vary and take approximately two to three months for decision. As such, is in your best interest to secure your faculty research advisors and submit your application (and all required supporting documentation) early. Our application deadline dates for each semester of enrolment are as follows:*

• Winter 2027:
  • International: Closed
  • Domestic: October 1, 2026
• Spring 2027:
  • International: November 1, 2026
  • Domestic: February 1, 2027
• Fall 2027:
  • International: March 1, 2027
  • Domestic: June 1, 2027

*The application deadlines are for both Domestic and International applicants. We strongly encourage International applicants to apply a minimum of 9 months in advance of the semester's start date to ensure study permits can be processed in time for admission. Please see the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (OGPS) Recommendations for International Applicants for suggested application timeline.

Important: Please ensure you have all required application documentation submitted by the specified admission deadline, or your application will be considered incomplete.

The PhD in Computational Sciences is a full­-time, four-­year program (12 semesters of continuous enrollment) during which students will complete the Technical and Communication Research Methodology course (CIS*6890) and any additional graded courses or modules assigned by their Advisory Committee. Students will also give two public seminars, pass a qualifying exam, conduct research and successfully defend a written PhD thesis at the final oral examination. We also offer the option to complete the PhD with a collaborative specialization in One Health. Our PhD will prepare students for both academia and industry.

Each PhD candidate will conduct thesis research by working closely with TWO chosen faculty research advisors, a School of Computer Science (SoCS) advisor and an Application Discipline (AD) co-advisor (from discipline outside of computer science), who will share equal responsibility in supervising the candidate's research.

Visit Guelph Graduate Fees for the costs of graduate program tuition and fees at the University of Guelph. Please also review the cost of living information for domestic and international students to determine the approximate cost of living fees (as these are in addition to tuition).

If you are applying to a thesis-based Master's or PhD program in the School of Computer Science (SoCS), you will need to find a graduate faculty research advisor as securing an advisor to supervise your thesis research is required for admission.

Before contacting members of our graduate faculty, we strongly recommend visiting current available opportunities and reviewing the following tips (below) to optimize the success of your communications:

1. Be informed: Ensure you review the SoCS faculty Areas of Research of our graduate faculty before contacting them. Take some time to review their information, publications and the specifics of each faculty member's research.
   
2. Use concise, targeted communication: Graduate faculty advisors receive numerous emails from prospective graduate students on a daily basis. Therefore, as most faculty members have very limited time, you must communicate your information as clearly and concisely as possible. Use short paragraphs, keep the length of your email to a minimum, use a descriptive email title and be professional.
   
3. Stand out from the crowd: Highlight specific and clear reasons why you would be a good candidate for working with the chosen faculty member. Include information that will set you apart from other candidates such as notable achievements/scholarships, publications, similar research interests and/or related experience.
   
4. Communicate early: Start contacting faculty members at least 9-12 months in advance of the application deadlines. Finding an advisor can sometimes take months to establish.
   
5. Be patient: Our graduate faculty members are very busy, especially during the start and end of the semester. Therefore, it may take some faculty members days or even weeks to respond to your email. Follow up only after if it has been a few weeks with no response.
   
6. Reach out to multiple faculty: We recommend reaching out to multiple faculty members (not just one or two), as connecting with a larger number of potential faculty members may increase your chances of recruitment.

Guaranteed Funding

Normally, PhD students are (at minimum) partially funded by the School of Computer Science. That is, a minimum funding stipend of $25,000 per year (maximum 4 years) is guaranteed to all international and domestic PhD students who are able to secure a graduate faculty advisor and admission to the program. Funding is provided as a combination of Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) and Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA).

Scholarships

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the following scholarships:

• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC): Domestic students only; deadlines are normally in the fall
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): Domestic and International students; deadlines are normally in early winter

For more information about types of funding and scholarships available, please visit SoCS fees, funding and scholarships.