Application Forms and Requirements
Applications to our graduate programs must be submitted online and the Application Deadlines vary by program. Once the online application is completed, you will be required to upload additional documents to the application portal. For a list of required documents please locate your program below.
Please note: Students whose first language is not English and who have not attended an English language secondary school or have not completed a previous degree totally in English are required to take a standardized English Language Proficiency test. For more information on our Language Requirements please click here.
International application process
As an international applicant, you should ensure you give yourself the appropriate amount of time to obtain the necessary permits or VISAs to study in Canada. To view an estimate of processing times for permits/VISAs please visit the Government of Canada Website: Processing times for study permit applications processed by visa offices outside Canada.
Additional Requirements and Forms
Doctoral Programs
- Ph.D. in Applied Science
- Ph.D. in Astronomy
- Ph.D. in Business Administration
- Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Ph.D. in Global Development Studies
- Executive Doctorate of Business Administration (EDBA)
Masters Programs
Arts
- International Master of Teaching English
- Master of Arts in Atlantic Canada Studies
- Master of Arts in Criminology
- Master of Arts in Geography
- Master of Arts in History
- Master of Arts in Global Development Studies
- Master of Arts in Philosophy
- Master of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies
- Master of Arts in Women and Gender Studies
Commerce
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Business Administration (CPA Stream)
- Master of Business Analytics (MBAN)
- Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
- Master of Applied Economics
- Master of Finance
- Master of Management in Co-operatives and Credit Unions
- Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Science
- Master of Applied Health Services Research (Thesis Stream)
- Master of Applied Health Services Research (Professional Stream)
- Master of Science in Applied Psychology (I/O Stream) - in person or online option
- Master of Science in Applied Psychology (Forensic Stream)
- Master of Science in Applied Science
- Master of Science in Astronomy
- Master of Science in Computing and Data Analytics
Diploma Programs
Post-Baccalaureate Certificates
Visiting/Upgrading Graduate Applicants
Arts
International Master of Teaching English
Additional Documents Required:
1. Letter of Intent: Please explain why you are interested in pursuing a career as a teacher in the field, including any prior experience in teaching.
2. A current CV/Resume.
3. Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
4. Three (3) Recommendation Forms.
5. Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Master of Arts in Atlantic Canada Studies
Additional documents required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- Research Proposal: A statement of 300 to 500 words specifying your proposed thesis research interests.
- Sample(s) of academic or other written work (10-25 pages in length).
- Short description of the courses taken in Atlantic Canada Studies, or related courses.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms.
- A current CV/Resume.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Additional documents required:
- Research Proposal: Please submit a statement of approximately 1000 words specifying your proposed thesis research interests. (Please visit https://www.smu.ca/criminology/crim-graduate-program.html for details on the research statement.)
- Sample of academic or other written work (10-25 pages in length).
- A current CV/Resume
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Two (2) recommendation forms.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Additional documents required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- A current CV/Resume.
- A Research Proposal outlining your proposed area of research and indicating a potential supervisor with whose research your topic best aligns. Include potential data collection and analysis techniques and justification for your proposed project.
- Sample of academic or other written work (10 page maximum).
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms, two of which should be from academics familiar with your work.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Additional Documents Required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- Research Proposal: Outline the subject of your proposed thesis in a 1 - 2 page document. It is recommended you contact the graduate coordinator in the Department of History before preparing your application.
- A sample of academic or other written work such as a chapter from your honours thesis or a term paper from an upper level undergraduate seminar. (10-25 pages in length)
- A current CV/Resume.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Master of Arts in Global Development Studies
Supplemental Form - MA in Global Development Studies
Additional Documents Required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- Letter of Intent: Please expand on your areas of interest that briefly states your specific interests in pursuing International Development Studies at Saint Mary’s University. Make sure and include any work experience related to international development. Please note that this letter of intent will be used in the evaluation of your application. Acceptance into the program does not mean that you will necessarily be able to pursue the exact project detailed in the letter. You are encouraged to consult the GDS Graduate Handbook available at www.smu.ca/gds for an understanding of our research directions.
- Sample(s) of academic or other written work (10-25 pages).
- Short description of the courses taken in International Development Studies, or related courses, as well as those in the proposed area of specialization.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms.
- A current CV/Resume.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
PhD in Global Development Studies
Additional Documents Required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- Research Proposal: A 2,500-word document that addresses, in detail, your proposed research plan at the PhD level together with a definitive statement of your research question.
- Statement of Interest: Please address your previous work experience and general background related to International Development, along with any other details of your professional and personal life that you feel would be relevant to the successful adjudication of your application.
- Sample(s) of academic written work, preferably published. (10-25 pages in length)
- Short description of graduate level courses that were taken at the Masters level in International Development Studies together with related courses that are specific to the proposed area of specialization.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms. All three must be of an academic nature.
- A current CV/Resume.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Additional Documents Required
- A statement of your philosophic interests (1-2 pages)
- Two samples of academic or other written work in philosophy. (8-10 pages in length)
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms.
- A current CV/Resume.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Master of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies
Additional Documents Required
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- Letter of Intent: Please expand on your areas of interest in a letter of intent that briefly states your specific interests. Include your goals and specifically how you see this program meeting them (1-2 pages).
- Sample of academic writing (10-25 pages in length).
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms.
- A current CV/Resume.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Master of Arts in Women and Gender Studies
Additional documents required:
- Statement of Interest (maximum 500 words): Clearly explain your proposed area of research, especially those aspects of it that will be interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary. List any previous experience you have that is relevant to Women and Gender Studies, and discuss any specific skills you have that would assist you in undertaking your research.
- References: Please provide three (3) recommendation forms, at least two of which are academic and one other relevant to Women and Gender Studies.
- A current CV/Resume.
- Writing Sample (10-25 pages in length): You may want to write a brief paragraph pointing out why you consider this paper to be a good example of your potential for graduate work.
- List of relevant courses: Please include a list of all courses you have taken that are relevant to this program of study. Where the relevant content (to Women and Gender Studies) is not evident in the title of the course, please explain, briefly, how the course content provides relevant background for graduate study in Women and Gender Studies.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Science
Master of Applied Health Services Research (Thesis stream)
Additional Documents Required:
- Statement of Interest: Please address your previous work experience and general background relate to Applied Health Services Research, identify any research areas/topics of interest that you may be interested in pursuing, plus any other details of your professional and personal life that you feel would be relevant to the successful adjudication of your application (maximum of 2 pages).
- A current CV/Resume.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Master of Applied Health Services Research (Professional stream)
Additional Documents Required:
- Statement of Interest: Please address your previous work experience and general background relate to Applied Health Services Research, identify any research areas/topics of interest that you may be interested in pursuing, plus any other details of your professional and personal life that you feel would be relevant to the successful adjudication of your application (maximum of 2 pages).
- A current CV/Resume.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Graduate Diploma in Personnel Psychology
Additional documents required:
- A personal statement: (maximum 2 pages), including:
- Your potential research interests
- A mention of any faculty members with whom you would like to work
- Any relevant research, volunteer, and work experience
- Your career objectives and long-range goals
- Academic honours, awards, and/or scholarships
- A list of any publications, conference papers, and/or technical reports
- Any university committee work
- Other information that is relevant to your application
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms (preferably 2 of which are academic references).
- A current CV/Resume.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Master of Science in Applied Psychology (I/O Stream) - in person or online option
Additional documents required:
- A personal statement: (maximum 2 pages), including:
- Your potential research interests
- A mention of any faculty members with whom you would like to work
- Any relevant research, volunteer, and work experience
- Your career objectives and long-range goals
- Academic honours, awards, and/or scholarships
- A list of any publications, conference papers, and/or technical reports
- Any university committee work
- Other information that is relevant to your application
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms (preferably 2 of which are academic references).
- A current CV/Resume.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Master of Science in Applied Psychology (Forensic Stream)
Additional documents required:
- A personal statement: (maximum 2 pages), including:
- Your potential research interests
- A mention of any faculty members with whom you would like to work
- Any relevant research, volunteer, and work experience
- Your career objectives and long-range goals
- Academic honours, awards, and/or scholarships
- A list of any publications, conference papers, and/or technical reports
- Any university committee work
- Other information that is relevant to your application
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms (preferably 2 of which are academic references).
- A current CV/Resume.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Additional documents required:
- A personal statement: (maximum 4 pages), including:
- Your potential research interests
- Any faculty members with whom you would like to work
- Any relevant research, volunteer, and work experience
- Your career objectives and long-range goals
- Academic honours, awards, and/or scholarships.
- A list of any publications, conference papers, and/or technical reports
- Any university committee work
- Other information that is relevant to your application
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms (preferably 2 of which are academic references).
- A current CV/Resume.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Master of Science in Applied Science
Supplemental Form - MSc in Applied Science
Additional documentation required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- A current CV/resume.
- Research Proposal: On a separate sheet of paper (with your name at the top), please state your research area and potential supervisor (see Saint Mary’s University web site for a list of faculty and their research interests. Also outline your career aspirations, interests and long-range goals.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
PhD in Applied Science
Supplemental Form - PhD Applied Science
Additional documentation required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- A current CV/resume.
- Research Proposal: approximately 2500 words in which the student describes a proposed research program with relevance to available supervisory opportunities and research specialization areas within the faculty participating in the program.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms.
- Writing Sample: sample of non-thesis written work (preferably published - maximum 25 pages).
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Master of Science and PhD in Astronomy
Additional Documents Required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms.
- A current CV/Resume.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Master of Science in Computing and Data Analytics
Additional Documents Required:
1. A letter of intent describing how the program will benefit your educational and career goals, as well as your organization (if applicable).
2. A current CV/Resume.
3. Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
4. Three (3) recommendation forms, one of which should be from an academic source.
5. Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Commerce
Supplemental Form - Master of Applied Economics
Additional Documents Required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- Letter of Intent: Please expand on your areas of interest in a letter of intent, between 1-2 pages, that briefly states your specific interests, and how you expect the program to further your career goals.
- Sample of academic writing (10-15 pages in length).
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms.
- A current CV/Resume.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Additional Documents Required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- A satisfactory score on the GMAT/GRE will be considered an asset.
- A current CV/Resume.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Two (2) Recommendation Forms, one of which should be from an academic source.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Supplemental Form - MBA (CPA Stream)
Additional Documents Required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- Letter of Intent (see details in above Supplemental Form)
- A current CV/Resume. Chronological resume preferred.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Two (2) Recommendation Forms, one of which should be from an academic source.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Additional Documents Required:
- A current CV/Resume.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Two (2) Recommendation Forms, one of which should be from an academic source.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Executive Doctorate of Business Administration (EDBA)
Additional Documents Required:
- Personal Statement: (maximum 4 pages), including:
- Potential research interests
- Relevant research, volunteer, and work experience
- Career objectives and long-range goals
- Academic honours, awards, and/or scholarships
- A list of publications, conference papers, and/or technical reports
- Any other information that is relevant to your application
- A current CV/Resume.
- GMAT: Exceptions include, but aren’t limited to, those with a Masters Degree or PhD with a GPA of 3.6 or higher out of 4.3
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Two (2) recommendation forms, one of which should be from an academic source.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
- Interview: An interview may be required for further assessment, so applicants must agree to a virtual or in-person interview. If this is required, the program will contact the applicant.
Additional Documents Required:
- Letter of Intent – A letter that outlines current responsibilities and assignments, career accomplishments, reasons for applying to the Sobey School of Business Executive MBA, and professional and personal goals and plans
- Official GMAT Score - Exceptions include, but aren’t limited to, those with a Masters Degree or PhD., engineers, professional accounting designation, and other highly-qualified individuals.
- A current CV/Resume
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Two (2) Recommendation Forms, one of which should be from an academic source.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Supplemental Form - Master of Finance
Additional Documents Required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- A satisfactory score on the GMAT/GRE will be considered an asset
- A current CV/Resume
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Two (2) Recommendation Forms, one of which should be from an academic source.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Master of Management in Cooperatives and Credit Unions
Graduate Diploma in Co-operative Management
Additional Documents Required:
- Letter of intent: Please submit a two-page description that outlines how the MMCCU or Graduate Diploma program will benefit you and your organization.
- Letter of support: A letter from the co-operative sector organization (typically your employer) that you will use as a case study, indicating their willingness to have you study various aspects of the organization.
- A current CV/Resume.
- Two (2) Recommendation Forms, one of which should be from an academic source.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Supplemental Form
Additional Documents Required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- A one-page description of what the student expects to learn in the MTEI program and how it will benefit her/him and/or her/his organization.
- A current CV/Resume.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Two (2) Recommendation Forms, one of which should be from an academic source.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
PhD in Business Administration
Supplemental Form - PhD in Business Administration
Additional Documents Required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- Personal Statement: At the time of application, prospective students should submit a personal statement (Maximum 4 pages), including:
- Potential research interests
- Potential supervisors
- Relevant research, volunteer, and work experience
- Career objectives and long-range goals
- Academic honours, awards, and/or scholarships.
- A list of publications, conference papers, and/or technical reports
- University committee work
- Any other information that is relevant to your application.
Please note: You may wish to upload a separate research statement or research proposal document. This is optional.
- Supplementary Questions: Be specific in your answers and provide examples where possible.
- Why do you wish to pursue a Ph.D.? What do you expect to achieve?
- What draws you to the Saint Mary’s Ph.D. Program?
- To which other Ph.D. Programs have you applied or intend to apply?
- What are your main strengths and in what areas do you think you need improvement?
- Have you previously applied to the Saint Mary’s University Ph.D. Program? If yes, when?
- Please indicate whether your acceptance of a place on the Ph.D. program is contingent on a Fellowship.
- A current CV/Resume: Maximum of five pages, typed, detailing your academic and employment history, and community activities (e.g. volunteer work and other activities in the community). Please list most recent experience first.
- References: Three completed recommendation forms are required before applicants can be considered for the Ph.D. Program. All three references must be from university professors that have taught you and are familiar with your academic work, particularly at the Master’s degree level.
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- A valid Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) with a score above 600.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Applied Economics (PBCAE)
Supplemental Form - PBCAE
Additional Documents Required:
- Supplemental Form (see above)
- Letter of Intent: Please expand on your areas of interest in a letter of intent, between 1-2 pages, that briefly states your specific interests, and how you expect the program to further your career goals.
- Sample of academic writing (10-15 pages in length).
- Transcripts: We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Three (3) recommendation forms.
- A current CV/Resume.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
- Letter of Permission from Home University
- We will accept uploaded unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. Applicants must upload a grading scale with their unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants will be required to submit official final transcripts.
- Official Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).