Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Community Health Sciences Medicine

The deadlines for the submission of complete applications are available on the Future Students website: http://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/explore-programs/community-health-sciences-doctor-philosophy-thesis-based.

Students applying to the MD/MSc or MD/PhD program must apply individually to each program and complete a supplementary application for the Leaders in Medicine Program.

In addition to the Cumming School of Medicine requirements, the program requires:

• Minimum admission grade point average of 3.30 on a four-point scale over the last two years consisting of a minimum of 60 units.

• A statement outlining the applicant’s interest and reasons for choosing the program.

• A letter from a faculty member of our Department indicating interest in supervising the applicant.

• Work and/or research experience in the health system, community rehabilitation and/or disability studies is highly recommended.

• Two letters of reference. Note: When choosing your references, it is preferred that you choose individuals, other than your supervisor.

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English Language Proficiency

For applicants required to provide proof of proficiency in the English language:

• a minimum TOEFL internet based score of 105 (with no section less than 20) (for tests taken prior to January 21, 2026), or

• a minimum TOEFL internet based score of 5 (with minimum section scores of 4.0 in reading, writing and speaking and 4.5 in listening) (for tests taken after January 21, 2026), or

• a minimum IELTS overall band score of 7.5 (with no individual band less than 6.0), or

• a CAEL overall score of 70 (with no section less than 70), or

• a minimum PTE academic version score of 75, or

• Duolingo with score of 145 (with no subscore below 125), or

• Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency with score of 200, or

This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of A- in each course.

Immunizations

All students in graduate programs in the Cumming School of Medicine are required to complete a series of immunizations and diagnostic tests as outlined on the Student Immunization Worksheet.

Throughout their graduate program, students are required to ensure that immunizations are current and provide proof of updates to the Cumming School of Medicine. Failure to do so may result in students being removed from the program until such time as adequate proof has been provided. Please note that requirements may change during the program as determined by Alberta Health Services guidelines. Contact your Graduate Program Administrator for more information.