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How to Apply

Interested in graduate studies in Physics and Astronomy at York University? We welcome applications for graduate studies towards an MSc or PhD. Details on how to apply can be found below.

Graduate Admissions are managed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The steps for applying to the Graduate Program in Physics and Astronomy are laid out on this page. Answers to frequently asked questions about York University graduate admissions are provided on this page.

To receive full consideration for Fall admissions, please apply by the following deadlines:

  • International PhD and MSc: February 10, 2025
  • Domestic PhD and MSc: March 3, 2025 (Applications are accepted after the deadline).

Applications received after these dates will be considered on a rolling basis until all seats are filled. The majority of admissions occur for the Fall term. In exceptional circumstances, and subject to available seats, the program will review applicants for Winter or Summer terms with the following deadlines:

  • March 13th for Summer admission
  • October 10th for Winter admission

An application fee of $140.00 (Canadian) is required. Admission files will not be considered without an application fee.

If additional information is required, please contact the Physics and Astronomy Graduate Program Assistant.

Applicants to the Graduate Program in Physics & Astronomy should make note that all documents save transcripts are now uploaded online. Transcripts should be sent to the following address:

York University
Office of Graduate Admissions
P.O. Box GA2300
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON
CANADA M3J 1P3

York University
Office of Graduate Admissions
W322 Bennett Centre for Student Services
99 Ian MacDonald Blvd
Toronto, ON
CANADA M3J 1P3

If you require any further information you can contact the Graduate Program Office.

Because facility in the English language is essential to the pursuit of advanced studies at York University, a foreign applicant whose first language is not English will normally be required to demonstrate competence to the satisfaction of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the sponsoring graduate program as a condition for admission in the program. Normally for programs in the Sciences, the following minimum scores will be required: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 550 paper-based, 79-80 internet-based, or IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.5 academic module.

Inquiries about TOEFL can be directed to Test of English as a Foreign Language, CN 615, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, U.S.A. In China and Ukraine, the following places administer TOEFL: China International Examinations Coordination Bureau, #35 Da Mu Cang Hu Tong, Xi Dan, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Educational Advisory Centre, 64 Volodymyrska Street, 252017, Ukraine.

Applicants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh should note that normally they cannot be considered for admission directly to the doctoral program. A student must have an M.Sc. degree from the home country to be eligible to be considered for admission to an M.Sc. program at York.

Note that international students are not eligible to be accepted into the coursework MSc program in Physics and Astronomy.

The Graduate Program in Physics and Astronomy offers generous funding and benefit packages to its students. Detailed information about income and benefits as well as expenses to anticipate is provided on this page. Any offer of financial support will be made by letter by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. International students will be required to show this letter to Canadian consular officials before an Entry Visa will be issued.

MSc applicants with A- averages in the two most recent years of study are encouraged to apply for an NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS-M) and an Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS). Applications for both competitions must be completed by December 1.

Likewise, PhD students with first-class GPAs are encouraged to apply for awards from NSERC and OGS. The deadline for PhD students is in October.

Learn More

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