Admission to graduate studies

• Before progressing to this stage, you will have determined the nature of the research you wish to undertake: theme, subject, research problem, field in which your research project falls. You can find this information in the index of research classes and fields.
• Next, find out about professors' research projects by consulting their websites directly. Also, check to see if they are available for graduate supervision. For an overview of the research conducted at the Faculty, you can consult the Faculty's 12 poles of research excellence, in which faculty members unite and invest. You can also consult the list of research units, which presents the networks, centers and research chairs that help give rise to major research projects at the Faculty.
• Once you've done this, you're likely to have identified one or more faculty members whose areas of research have caught your attention. Ask yourself the following questions: Are they close to your research concerns? Do you know any of the students they supervise? Have you found information about their laboratories?

You will need to identify the graduate program for which you wish to apply. In the description of the targeted program, we invite you to consult the "admission requirements" section. There you'll find information on required degrees and minimum grade point averages. Please note that the deadline for applying to the program in question varies according to your profile. *Please note that there are 2nd cycle programs (master's with thesis) and 3rd cycle programs (doctorate).

Once you've found a faculty member whose area of research matches your interests, you can prepare your first communication with that person by following these guidelines:

• Write a short, catchy cover letter, referring to this checklist.
• Provide a legible copy of your most recent transcript.
• Update your curriculum vitae, which should include your scientific achievements (publications, laboratory experiments, etc.) and relevant employment experience, by referring to this CV writing guide.
• You can also identify 2 to 3 referees who can testify to your academic abilities, research skills and any other relevant qualities, in writing by completing this appraisal report. 

• Specify the purpose of the request, e.g.: Application for a Master's degree in biology with thesis.
• Attach your documents of interest to the e-mail: cover letter, curriculum vitae, assessment reports and transcripts.
• Message content: in a few sentences, specify the targeted admission session, the research project(s) you wish to collaborate on and invite them to consult the attached documents. Conclude politely by including your contact details.

Request follow-up : 

• After about ten working days, if you haven't received a response to your communication, you can write another brief follow-up e-mail from your first message, making sure to attach your documents again.
• Even though you've submitted an excellent application, it's possible that your framing request remains unanswered. There may be many reasons for this: the maximum number of candidates has been reached, the profile does not correspond to the needs of the research in progress, research funding is limited or pending, and so on. Please note that you may contact more than one faculty member.
• If you receive a positive supervisory response, you must keep written proof (copy of e-mail or acceptance letter). This positive response is not proof of your admission to Université Laval, as you still have one last step to complete.

When completing your application on monPortail :

• Select the desired study cycle and program;
• Specify the field of research in which you are interested;
• Mention the name of the faculty member who has agreed to supervise your research;
• If applicable, mention the funding you have obtained;
• Provide all documents required for admission, including written proof of acceptance of supervision by the professor. If you do not have this proof, your application will not be analyzed.

IMPORTANT: You will be admitted only if a faculty member agrees to supervise you, your application meets the program's admission requirements and is approved by the program director.

Some faculty members post research projects for which they are currently recruiting. In addition to a description of the project, you'll find the name of the person to contact, the profile and requirements sought, the documents you need to submit to apply and the deadline for doing so. Make sure, however, that recruitment is still in progress. To view them, click on the link below and filter by faculty.

View research projects