Admission to Candidacy

The Admission to Candidacy Process is one of the major milestones in a PhD student's journey.

GSE Candidacy Policy MDCH Program Candidacy Page

Requirements for Admission to Candidacy

Please note that MDCH students should refer to their own program's policy and timelines.

Completion of Program Requirements

- All program-specific certifications (see candidacy policy for details)
- All program specified academic course requirements 
- Research Integrity Day 
- Sex & Gender in Biomedical Research Training Module(s) 

Deadlines:
Completion prior to the Field of Study Exam.

 

 

 

Thesis Proposal Evaluation (TPE)

The proposal is an academic exercise testing the student’s ability to write and defend a preliminary graduate-level research proposal. 

 

 

Deadlines:
Direct Entry PhD students - 24 months
Msc to PhD transfer students - 32 months

Field of Study (FOS) Examination

The FOS is a formal and closed oral exam. The student is expected to have an in-depth understanding of the topics related to their core field of research, as well as a strong foundational knowledge in areas related to their research. 


Deadlines:
Direct Entry PhD students - 28 months
Msc to PhD transfer students - 36 months

Set Up Forms

Please note that the supervisor is responsible for scheduling the Thesis Proposal Evaluation (TPE) and the Field of Study Exam (FOS).

TPE Set Up Forms

Deadline: 3 weeks before Evaluation Meeting date

TPE Set Up Form

FOS Topics List

Deadline: 3 months before estimated Field of Study Exam

Field of Study Topics List

FOS Set Up Forms

Deadline: 4 weeks before Field of Study Exam 

Field of Study Set Up Form

Indigenous Cultural Protocol Plan

Indigenous Cultural Protocol Plan

Indigenous graduate students and those who are working with Indigenous Elders or Knowledge Keepers are encouraged to incorporate Indigenous ceremonies and/or traditions into their exams. Please contact your GPA if you have any questions.

Office of Indigenous Engagement

Student Accommodations

Student Accommodations

The GSE Office is committed to creating an accessible, equitable and supportive learning environment. Students who require accommodations should speak to Student Accessibility Services first.

Student Accessibility Services

FGS Candidacy Resources

FGS Candidacy Resources

The Faculty of Graduate Studies has information about general candidacy policies, how to prepare for candidacy examinations, and conflict of interest guidelines on their website.

FGS Candidacy Exam Page

Questions? Please contact your Graduate Program Administrator