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Graduate Program in Development Studies Faculty of Graduate Studies
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Admission Requirements

Preparing your application to graduate studies at York University and/or other interested universities requires research and planning. Some students start preparing their plan for graduate studies as early as two years before they submit their application. Consider the following information below to help guide you through a successful application process.

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The program expects to accept a maximum of 20 students per year (16 domestic and 4 international). Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible given the high level of interest in the program and the small admissions target.

The minimum requirements for admission to the Masters Program in Development Studies include:

  • a completed (120-credit) Honours degree in a relevant humanities, social science, or related applied program;
  • a B average in the last two years of study.

Note: Files from applicants who do not meet these minimum requirements will not be considered for admission.

Applicants must submit on-line the following documents:

  • a two-page statement of interest discussing the applicant’s academic background, specific research interests, relevant non-academic experience, skills and career goals. The statement should provide evidence of commitment to advanced work in studies in development.
  • three (3) letters of recommendation written by academic and/or non-academic referees. At least two of the letters should be from academics who know the applicant well.
  • a recent research paper or report to demonstrate writing, analytical and research skills. The paper should be anywhere between 10 and 15 pages in length, double-spaced;
  • a completed Supplementary Information Form (accessed through MyFile and available on-line within 48 hours after the application is submitted)
  • a CV / resumé;
  • official university transcripts;
  • students whose first language is not English must provide evidence that they  have a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper based) or 250 (computer based); or YELT score 1.

Note: It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that their application files are complete and that they include all required documents. Students can monitor the status of their files on-line.

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Given the relatively small number of admits, not all candidates who meet the program requirements will be admitted. Applicants will be selected on the basis of their academic achievement and potential and/or demonstrated capacity for advanced work in the field of development. The submitted statement of interest, research paper or reports and letters of reference will provide a basis for evaluating that potential. Efforts will be made to attain a balance among new admits, taking into account thematic and regional interests and the program’s supervisory resources.

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The Graduate Program in Development Studies at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.

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