The minimum admissions criteria is a Master’s degree or Professional degree, with minimum A- average AND demonstrable evidence of capacity to undertake research at the doctoral level AND demonstrable experience (minimum 3 years) working or studying in a context relevant to global health. See Admission Requirements for more information.
Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts, a statement of interest, a writing sample, two reference letters, a curriculum vitae, and supplementary materials. See Admission Requirements for more information.
Applicants can explore the research interests and disciplines of diverse Faculty Members appointed to the Graduate Program in Global Health and should communicate with them directly regarding potential PhD supervision.
A supervisor-supported application, that is where a Faculty Member confirms willingness to supervise, is recommended for all applicants. A supervisor-supported application is mandatory for international applicants. A supervisor’s support can be expressed through a letter of reference or a note within the applicant’s statement of interest.
Applicants should note that supervisors are unable to decide on admission. They can only support application packages by providing a letter of reference. Decisions on admissions are made by a broader Admissions Committee. See Admission requirements.
The PhD program is designed to be 4 years (12 terms) and taken on a full-time basis. A student’s typical pathway is depicted in the table below. The timeline is subject to the student’s progress in their Independent Learning Plan (ILP). Please also review the Degree Requirements.
The PhD program is designed to be in person with the flexibility to enable some online presence in Years 2–4 based on the student’s Independent Learning Plan (ILP), supervisor approval, doctoral research activities, and potential other obligations.
In Year 1, students are required to attend GH 6000 and GH 6100 in person, as per a schedule that is updated annually (see York Courses Website). In Years 2 and 3, attendance for GH 6100 (taken as GH 6110 and GH 6110) moves to online. Also in Year 2, students may be required to present their comprehensive examination in person. In Year 4, they may be required to defend their dissertation in person. In all years, students taking electives will be required to adhere to the schedule and format of those courses or trainings. In all years, most domestic students are also required to take on teaching assistantships (TA-ships) to maintain funding. The schedule and format of each TA-ship varies and should be discussed directly with the Course Director at the start of term.
Students admitted into the PhD program in Global Health will need to cover their program fees (tuition and related fees) as well as living and personal expenses.
Full-time domestic students are charged a program fee of approximately $5,190 per year (see Course and Program Fees for updates noting that each academic year comprises of three terms). The program fee is taken directly from students’ annual funding package; it remains stable regardless of the number of courses taken or even if no course is taken.
Living and personal expenses whilst in Toronto can be $20,000–30,000 per year depending on student needs. See Cost of Living in Toronto for more information.
International students should read ahead for specific information.
Full-time domestic students are eligible for a funding package from the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) of approximately $24,455 per year (see York Graduate Funding for updates). This includes a PhD fellowship that covers the program fee, health benefits, and a stipend attached to Teaching Assistantships (TA-ships). Students are required to TA up to two half courses or one full course per year, to a maximum of 135 hours in any given term, to maintain their funding package. Once the PhD program fee (approximately $5,190 per year) is deducted, students are left with approximately $19,265 per year.
Students are also encouraged to browse Internal and External Scholarship and Awards, staying attentive to the distinct criteria and deadlines. We especially cast attention to the Dahdaleh Institute Graduate Scholarships at York University.
Part-time students are not eligible for a funding package from FGS.
International students should read ahead for specific information.
The PhD program seeks to welcome international students. However, at this time, international students are not eligible for a funding package from the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS). Further, the program fee for international students is distinct (see Course and Program Fees for updates; noting that each academic year comprises of three terms).
As international students are required to have a potential supervisor’s support at the time of application submission (see Admission requirements), they are recommended to discuss potential funding opportunities with the supervisor as early as possible to support their doctoral research goals.
Students are encouraged to browse Internal and External Scholarship and Awards, staying attentive to the distinct criteria and deadlines. We especially cast attention to the Dahdaleh Institute Graduate Scholarships at York University, for which international students may be eligible. Students are also encouraged to review general information at York International, including immigration and visa information and the Cost of Living in Toronto.
The PhD Program in Global Health website contains the most up-to-date information about the PhD program in Global Health. Please bookmark it to keep abreast of updates.
For inquiries related to the PhD in Global Health program that are not addressed on the site, please contact us.
For inquiries related to PhD funding, visit Graduate Funding. Admitted students may schedule an appointment with a Graduate Funding Advisor.
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The Graduate Program in Global Health at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.