PhD in Bioinformatics

Students entering the PhD program will have completed a Master of Bioinformatics (M.Binf.), an M.Sc. in Bioinformatics, or a master's in a related discipline with a minimum average of A- (80% and higher). Applicants without a master's degree (i.e., direct entry) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Bioinformatics graduate program committee. It is recommended that applicants with a master’s degree contact the Bioinformatics graduate coordinator before submitting an application to the university.

PhD applicants must indicate an agreed advisor at the time of application. Prospective students interested in the PhD program should commence discussions with faculty well in advance of applying. Offers of admission will only be issued in cases where a member of Bioinformatics Graduate Faculty has agreed to be the advisor.

Students must apply for the PhD program through the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Guelph. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply at least four months prior to the intended start date (six to eight months prior for international applicants).

All applicants should include a statement of research intent with their application.

Please note that once an application is submitted for a specific program, it cannot be switched to one of the other programs. The applicant will have to re-apply to the other program and therefore pay the application fee again. Thus, it is important to ensure that the correct program was selected.

PhD applicants must indicate an agreed advisor at the time of application. Prospective students interested in the PhD program should commence discussions with faculty well in advance of applying. Offers of admission will only be issued in cases where a member of Bioinformatics Graduate Faculty has agreed to be the advisor.

If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit the results of a standardized language test. For applicants who speak English as a second or additional language, you may request consideration for a waiver of the English language requirement once you have submitted your application if you have successfully completed a Bachelor's or Master's university degree in English from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and/or the United Kingdom. Please email bioinformatics@uoguelph.ca for more information. In all other situations, an English proficiency test score is required with your application.

Apply through the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Guelph.

Having an established supervisor is required for admission into the PhD in Bioinformatics program. Visit Before You Apply for helpful advice on identifying and reaching out to faculty members. Before contacting members of our graduate faculty, please review some of our suggested tips below to optimize the success of your communication: 

1. Be informed: Ensure you review the research areas of our graduate faculty before contacting them. Take some time to review their information, publications, and the specifics of the faculty member’s research by browsing their departmental webpage and research group website (if available). 
2. Use concise, targeted communication: Graduate faculty supervisors receive numerous emails from prospective graduate students on a daily basis. Therefore, as most faculty members have very limited time, you must communicate your information as clearly and concisely as possible. Use short paragraphs, keep the length of your email to a minimum, use a descriptive email title and be professional. 
3. Stand out from the crowd: Highlight specific and clear reasons why you would be a good candidate for working with the chosen faculty member. Include information that will set you apart from other candidates such as notable achievements/scholarships, publications, similar research interests and/or related experience. 
4. Communicate early: Start contacting faculty members at least nine to 12 months in advance of the application deadlines. This is especially important for international applicants to ensure you have sufficient time to apply for a study permit/visa. Finding a supervisor can sometimes take months to establish. 
5. Be patient: Our graduate faculty members are very busy, especially during the start and end of the semester. Therefore, it may take some faculty members days or even weeks to respond to your email. Follow up if it has been a couple of weeks with no response.

A funding package is offered to thesis-based graduate students with their offer letter, which may vary by home department (i.e., the department of the primary supervisor). The package may consist of Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) and Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA). You are required to contact prospective advisors to discuss the availability of projects prior to applying to thesis-based programs, and we suggest you also discuss the availability of GRA funding or prospects for applying for suitable scholarships. Please note that offers of admission will only be issued in cases where a member of the Bioinformatics Graduate Faculty has agreed to be the supervisor.

Scholarships and bursaries are available from the university, which can be searched for here. For some scholarships and bursaries, you are automatically considered and do not need to apply. Other scholarships and bursaries require a separate application. Please read over the description for each one you are interested in.

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is provided by the Government of Ontario, and the Government of Canada's Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) offers a number of scholarships. These scholarships require a separate application, typically due in the fall for the following academic year. You are encouraged to speak to potential supervisors regarding these government-sponsored scholarships.

International students are encouraged to read about the University of Guelph's International Doctoral Tuition Scholarship. Admitted international students who meet all eligibility criteria will receive the scholarship automatically.

For information about tuition and fees for the PhD in Bioinformatics program, please see the Cost of Tuition/Living webpage.

A detailed breakdown of semester fees can be found on the Student Financial Services website.

I have some general questions about the application process for graduate programs at the University of Guelph. Is there a place where can I find some answers?

Many of your questions have undoubtedly been asked by other students. Please visit the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies: Frequently Asked Questions website.

I completed my previous degree(s) outside of Canada. How do I determine my eligibility and my approximate Ontario-equivalent GPA from those studies?

Please look at the International Credential Guidelines and select the country your previous degree was in to determine information regarding eligibility and approximate GPA. Please note that your previous educational institution(s) must be accredited in order for your application to be considered.

I am an international applicant. Do I need to submit English proficiency test scores?

English proficiency test scores are not required for applicants whose first language is English. For applicants who speak English as a second or additional language, you may request consideration for a waiver of the English language requirement after you submit your application if you have successfully completed a Bachelor's or Master's university degree in English in Canada. In all other situations, an English proficiency test score is required with your application.

I am an international student. How do I apply for a study permit? Can I apply for a student permit with a conditional offer of admission?

Please use the official offer of admission that you received from the Office of Graduate Studies to apply for your study permit. You can apply for a study permit with a conditional offer of admission. You may contact the University of Guelph's International Student Advisors with questions about your transition to the University of Guelph.

I am an international student. Can I apply for a post-graduation work permit once I complete one of the programs?

Please contact the University of Guelph's International Student Advisors for information regarding post-graduation work permits.

I have been out of school for a while now. Can I use professional references instead of academic references?

Yes, if you have relevant work experience, you are welcome to use professional references instead of academic references. Remember that your references should be able to speak of your research potential and other skills relevant to the graduate program to which you are applying.

Is there an application deadline for the PhD program?

There is no application deadline for the program. However, applicants are required to have secured a faculty advisor prior to submitting an application to the University. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply at least four months prior to the intended start date (6-8 months prior for international applicants).

What documents do I need to submit for my PhD application?

The program requires your OUAC application, unofficial transcripts* and any relevant supporting documents, CV, statement of research intent, and two referee assessment forms with your application.

*Please do not upload Exam Marksheets; transcripts are required.

When can I start the PhD program?

Students can begin the program January 1, May 1, and September 1 each year. Please note that offers of admission will only be issued in cases where a member of Bioinformatics Graduate Faculty has agreed to be the advisor.

Will I be funded during my PhD degree?

Yes, students can expect to receive a stipend when enrolled in either the M.Sc. or PhD degree. The funding scheme for the student will depend on the department/college to which your faculty advisor belongs. For example, if the student’s faculty advisor is in the College of Biological Sciences, then the student’s funding scheme will abide by the rules of this college. See the Funding page for more details.

Will I have the opportunity to apply for graduate teaching assistantships (GTA) during my PhD degree?

Similar to the funding scheme, GTAs are handled according to the rules and regulations established in the department and college of your faculty advisor. Therefore, your ability to apply for GTAs will depend on the department and college to which your faculty advisor belongs.

Am I eligible for scholarships and awards?

There are a number of graduate awards available at the University of Guelph. For a complete list of these awards, please go to: Graduate Award Search. Please note that the application process will depend on the department and college to which your faculty advisor belongs. All students can apply for external scholarships managed by provincial and federal funding agencies (e.g., NSERC, CIHR, OGS, etc).

Do I have to take courses during my PhD program?

Yes, you will be required to take courses.

For the PhD program, students are required to take BINF*6500. This course is typically taken in the first year of graduate work and lasts two semesters. The student’s advisory committee may require that additional courses be taken.