Graduate Studies Application Guide
The information below is meant to provide a guide and applies to applicants looking to apply to a Graduate Program at Nipissing University.
Use the Undergraduate Application Guide to find how to apply instructions to an Undergraduate program
Before Applying
Choose a Program
Explore our graduate programs with innovative course design and hands-on learning opportunities.
Check Admission Requirements
Use the link to find all the requirements for your graduate program of interest.
Find a Supervisor
Review faculty and contact potential supervisors before applying. In your statement, highlight your research interests and name possible supervisors, where applicable.
Check Application Deadlines
Don’t miss your chance—check the key dates for graduate applications.
Check Required Documents
You will need to submit documents AFTER submitting an online application in the applicable portal. We encourage you familiarize yourself with these required documents in order to be more aware of what you will need to gather.
English Proficiency Requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to meet Nipissing’s English-language test requirements. Use the link below to learn more.
Questions About Admissions?
Explore our graduate programs with innovative course design and hands-on learning opportunities.
Apply to NU
Use the application link applicable to you!
Follow the instructions within in it to submit an online application.
After that, refer back this Graduate Application Guide to learn more about everything you need to know after applying.
Domestic Applicants
Domestic applicant means you are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
International Applicants
International applicant means you are studying in Canada (on a study permit), in Canada as a refugee claimant (you have applied for refugee protection but have not yet had a final decision on your claim), or you are studying or have completed your studies in another country (no status in Canada).
Graduate Student Resources
After Applying
Application Review Process and Admission Decisions
- The academic unit will review your application, which will not occur until after the application deadline has passed.
- Once the academic unit has selected the applicants it would like to admit, recommendations are made to the Faculty of Graduate Studies for final approval.
How Your Application is Processed
This information breaks down how your application is processed, admission type information.
Admission Process
Regular Admission
- Applications for each program are reviewed by the Program Admissions Committee (PAC). The PAC forwards a recommendation for admission to the Graduate Studies Office. Approved applications for admission are forwarded by the Graduate Studies Office to the Office of the Registrar.
Conditional Admission
- Conditional offers of admission may be made. Conditions will be outlined in the offer of admission.
Special Admission
- Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for exceptional or special admission at the discretion of the relevant program’s Graduate Coordinator/Chair.
Admission with Transfer Credit
- Applicants who have completed work towards a Masters degree but have not graduated may be eligible for transfer credit. Please contact the School of Graduate Studies for additional information.
- Admission decisions will be mailed to all applicants. Admission decisions can also be viewed on WebAdvisor. Funding information and programs of study will be included with offers of admission.
- Only offers of admission from the Office of the Registrar are valid. Communication with a program representative (including the Graduate Coordinator/Graduate Chair) or a faculty member does not constitute an offer of admission. Nipissing University may revoke an offer of admission or cancel registration in the program if it finds that the applicant has provided false or incomplete information.
Receiving your offer
- Admission decisions will be emailed to all applicants. Admission decisions can also be viewed on WebAdvisor.
- Only offers of admission from the Office of the Registrar are valid. Communication with a program representative (including the Graduate Coordinator/Graduate Chair) or a faculty member does not constitute an offer of admission. Nipissing University may revoke an offer of admission or cancel registration in the program if it finds that the applicant has provided false or incomplete information.
Accepting your offer
Domestic Applicants
To accept your offer of admission you must:
- Sign the Offer of Admission page located in your offer package
- Email the signed document to the email address indicated by the expiry date
- Late responses may jeopardize your position in the program and/or any scholarship and/or funding consideration.
International Applicants
Accept your offer of admission by the date indicated in the offer letter using the International Application Service Portal (IAS) or contact your agent to assist you with accepting your offer through the portal. International applicants are strongly encouraged to accept their offer within 2 weeks of the date on their offer of admission.
Registration, Enrolment & Orientation
Graduate Students Admission FAQ
We’ve collected some of our most common questions from graduate applicants below to help you plan and prepare.
Get in touch with our team if you still have questions – we’re happy to help.
Program and Admission Questions
How do I apply for admission?
For how to apply/application portal, refer to the Apply to NU section above or
What is the deadline date to apply for admission and/or to submit my documents?
Visit our Application Deadlines website for specific deadline dates.
How do I check the status of my application?
Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents
“My Nipissing” is a valuable online information system and we encourage you to regularly check WebAdvisor. Information on how to access “My Nipissing” is included in the email you receive acknowledging your application. You will be able to view up-to-date information about your application status, including whether your transcripts and other required documents have been received. You are also able to update personal details, such as your address, ensuring our records remain accurate.
International Applicants
The Nipissing International Application Service portal (IAS) is a one stop shop for everything related to your application. You will be able to view up-to-date information about your application status, including whether your transcripts and other required documents have been received. This is also where your offer of admission and fee receipt(s) will be posted. Make sure you check it regularly.
Should I be contacting prospective supervisors prior to submitting my application?
- It is recommended that you reach out to potential supervisors prior to submitting your application. The Statement of Interest requires at minimum names of two or three faculty members with whom you would be interested in working with/completing your MRP or thesis with. Some programs also encourage prospective students to discuss their research interests and degree path prior with potential supervisors.
- You will also want to ensure that your top choices for supervisor(s) are accepting new graduate students for the next academic year in advance of submitting your application.
- The program admissions committee considers whether there is a faculty member who can supervise your research as part of their decision-making process.
How long is my program? What if I require more time to complete the program?
Time to completion information can be found on the Graduate Studies website. Students that require additional time can request an extension using the Degree Extension form.
How is my admission average calculated?
Domestic applicants should visit our Average Calculations website.
International applicants should contact [email protected] regarding country/educational system specific information.
English is not my first language. Do I need to provide proof of English proficiency?
- Visit English Proficiency Requirements page for more info
- Duolingo is not accepted
- Official results must be sent to Nipissing directly by the testing company. The required minimum scores must be submitted before you can be considered for admission.
Documents & Submission Questions
What documents are required?
All Graduate Studies programs require the following documents.
- Official transcripts from ALL postsecondary institutions previously or presently attended including on a Letter of Permission, on an Exchange program, and non-Canadian institutions, whether they are related to the graduate degree applied to or not.
- Two (2) confidential academic recommendations from professors OR other appropriate professionals who can speak to your level of preparation and readiness for graduate studies.
- Resume
- Statement of Interest
In addition to the above documents the Master of Arts in History and the Master of Arts in Sociology also require a sample of written work. Applicants to the PhD program will require proof of completion of a thesis or major research paper.
Applicants are required to submit transcripts from every university attended. Those who have attended an exchange program can ask their home university to send “certified true copies” of the international transcript directly to the Admissions Office (domestic applicants) or the International Admission Office (international applicants) at Nipissing University.
Detailed information will be in the supplemental document included in the information you receive from Nipissing acknowledging your application.
How do I know if you have received all my documents?
- All required documents must be submitted by the deadline dates indicated. It is the applicants’ responsibility to log into either “My Nipissing” and check WebAdvisor (domestic applicants) or the International Application Service (IAS) portal (international applicants) to verify that required documents have been received.
- Login information and instructions are included in the information domestic applicants receive from Nipissing acknowledging your application. International applicants receive information during the application process through the IAS.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- It is recommended that you check your email regularly as we may email you with a question or concern that requires a timely response. Failure to read your email and respond promptly, if necessary, could affect the status of your application.
How do I submit my documents to Nipissing?
Transcripts: Applicants are required to declare and submit transcripts from every university attended/currently attending even those that you attended on a Letter of Permission. Transcripts must show all courses required for admission consideration as either completed or in progress. It is your responsibility to ensure that all courses (completed and in progress) appear on your transcript.
- Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents
- Current and Former Nipissing Students: Current Nipissing students and Nipissing former students and/or graduates do not need to order or send Nipissing transcripts. However, if you attended Nipissing prior to 1992, you are considered a Laurentian University student and must request that transcript.
- Applicants with Canadian Credentials
- Ontario: The fastest and most effective way to send your official transcripts is by ordering them through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) when you apply. Otherwise, you will need to contact the institution(s) directly to request your transcript(s) and have them sent to Nipissing University.
- All Other Provinces: You will need to contact the institution(s) directly to request your transcript(s) and have them sent directly to Nipissing University by one of the following methods:
- Email: [email protected] – All documentation can be sent to this email address. As for official transcripts, emailed transcripts will only be accepted when we can verify that they come directly from the issuing institution.
- Third-Party Companies (e.g., MyCreds, Parchment): Please contact your institution directly for assistance with these platforms. Send to [email protected].
- OUAC: Official transcripts from Ontario universities and colleges should be ordered through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) as part of the application process.
- Mail: Nipissing University
Office of the Registrar – Admissions
100 College Drive, Box 5002
North Bay ON P1B 8L7
- Applicants with International Credentials
- If you attended a postsecondary institution at the undergraduate or graduate level outside of Canada or the United States, you MUST have your foreign transcripts assessed by World Education Services (WES). We require a WES Credential Evaluation Report, including a course-by-course analysis. WES evaluations must be sent directly to the Admissions Office and must be received by the transcript deadline. It can take upwards of 6 weeks for WES to receive official transcripts from a foreign academic institution, after which point the WES evaluation can take a week or longer to complete. You should begin the evaluation process as early as possible. This requirement cannot be waived. No exceptions.
- If you attended an international institution on exchange from your Ontario-based home university, you do not need a WES evaluation.
- International Applicants
- All required documents can be uploaded to the International Application Services (IAS) portal. Follow all instructions provide to you during the application process. Applicants are required to declare and submit transcripts from every university attended/currently attending. Current Nipissing students or Nipissing graduates do not need to order or send Nipissing transcripts.
Recommendation Forms: Recommendation forms along with the reference letter are confidential; therefore, they must be sent directly by the Referee to Nipissing University either by
- Mail (referee must sign the seal of the envelope)
- Given to the applicant in a sealed envelope (referee must sign the seal of the envelope)
- Sent by email to [email protected] for domestic applicants or [email protected] for international applicants. Referees must use their professional email account.
- Dropped off directly to the Office of the Registrar by the referee.
Resume/Statement of Interest/Sample of Written Work/Proof of Thesis or MRP
- Domestic applicants can email these documents to [email protected].
- International applicant will upload these documents to the International Application Service (IAS) portal.
- All applicants should ensure that their name and ID are included on all documents submitted.
I completed some of my education at a non-Canadian institution. Do I need to have my transcripts evaluated?
Domestic Applicants
If you attended a postsecondary institution outside Canada or the United States, you must have your foreign transcripts assessed by World Education Services (WES). We require a WES Credential Evaluation Report, including a course-by-course analysis. WES evaluations must be sent directly to the Admissions Office and must be received by the transcript deadline. If you attend an international institution on exchange from your Ontario-based home university, you do not need a WES evaluation.
WES evaluations must be sent directly to the Admissions Office and must be received by the transcript deadline. It can take upwards of 6 weeks for WES to receive official transcripts from a foreign academic institution, after which point the WES evaluation can take a week or longer to complete. You should begin the evaluation process as early as possible.
International Applicants
If your application was submitted through the Nipissing International Application Service (IAS) portal, please follow the instructions provided to you on how to submit your transcripts.
How does my referee send in the recommendation form?
Recommendation forms along with the reference letter are confidential; therefore, they must be sent directly by the Referee to Nipissing University either by
- Mail (referee must sign the seal of the envelope)
- Given to the applicant in a sealed envelope (referee must sign the seal of the envelope)
- sent by email to [email protected] for domestic applicants or [email protected] for international applicants. Referees must use their professional email account
- Dropped off directly to the Office of the Registrar by the referee.
Should my referee also send a reference letter?
A comprehensive letter (written specifically for the purposes of the application to Graduate Studies at Nipissing) included with the recommendation form will be most beneficial in determining your eligibility for admission.
Transfer Questions
I was previously in a graduate program at Nipissing. How can I come back to finish my program?
Students who apply for readmission to the same graduate studies program they were previously in are required to submit a new application and resubmit all required documentation listed within the current supplemental package. Students should be aware that readmission is not guaranteed, and, in the event of readmission, continuation of the same research project and/or supervisor cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, students might not be able to count previously earned graduate credits towards the completion of their degree.
I completed some graduate level courses at another institution. Will I receive transfer credit?
Applicants who have completed work towards a master’s degree but have not graduated may be eligible for transfer credit. Please contact the School of Graduate Studies for additional information.
I am a graduate student at another Ontario university. Nipissing offers a course that would compliment my studies. How do I register for the course, and have it counted toward my degree at my home institution?
Ontario Visiting Graduate Students:
The Ontario Visiting Graduate Student (OVGS) program allows an Ontario graduate student in good standing to take graduate courses at another Ontario university (host university) without completing further admission processes. No tuition fees will be assessed by the host university (incidental fees may apply).
The course(s) selected must be at the graduate level and required for the student’s degree program. Courses may not be ‘extra’ (over and above degree requirements) or ‘audit’ courses for the student. If the student enrolls in a course at another university that is not required for his/her degree requirements, the student will be billed the fee of the course through their home university. The student is subject to any regulations of his/her home university with respect to the maximum number of courses which may be taken at another Ontario university.
Upon successful completion of the course(s), it is the student’s responsibility to arrange that a transcript be sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies.
Please review the Ontario Visiting Graduate Student Policy and Procedure document. If you wish to apply for an OVGS course, please complete and submit the OVGS Application Form.
I completed some of my education at a non-Canadian institution. Do I need to have my transcripts evaluated?
Domestic Applicants
If you attended a postsecondary institution outside Canada or the United States, you must have your foreign transcripts assessed by World Education Services (WES). We require a WES Credential Evaluation Report, including a course-by-course analysis. WES evaluations must be sent directly to the Admissions Office and must be received by the transcript deadline. If you attend an international institution on exchange from your Ontario-based home university, you do not need a WES evaluation.
WES evaluations must be sent directly to the Admissions Office and must be received by the transcript deadline. It can take upwards of 6 weeks for WES to receive official transcripts from a foreign academic institution, after which point the WES evaluation can take a week or longer to complete. You should begin the evaluation process as early as possible.
International Applicants
If your application was submitted through the Nipissing International Application Service (IAS) portal, please follow the instructions provided to you on how to submit your transcripts.
I am a graduate student at another university. I would like to carry out some of my research at Nipissing and work closely with a particular professor. Is this possible?
- Graduate students registered at a home university may be registered as “visiting graduate research students” at host institutions. No fee will be charged to visiting graduate research students provided they are registered full time, are paying fees at their home institutions, and are not taking courses at the host institutions. However, incidental fees may be charged at the discretion of the host university.
- A faculty member at the host institution must agree to supervise and take responsibility for the visiting graduate research student during his/her stay. It is the responsibility of the visiting student to find a supervisor at the host institution.
- Acceptance of any visiting graduate research student is at the discretion of the host institution.
- Those interested in becoming a Visiting Research Student must apply using the Visiting Research Student Request Form and have it signed by the host supervisor and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.
Decision & Offer of Admission Questions
When will I receive a decision on my application?
Visit our When to Expect a Decision website for information on decision timelines.
How do I accept my offer of admission?
Domestic Applicants
To accept your offer of admission you must:
- Sign the Offer of Admission page located in your offer package
- Email the signed document to the email address indicated by the expiry date
Late responses may jeopardize your position in the program and/or any scholarship and/or funding consideration.
International Applicants
Accept your offer of admission by the date indicated in the offer letter using the International Application Service Portal (IAS) or contact your agent to assist you with accepting your offer through the portal. International applicants are strongly encouraged to accept their offer within 2 weeks of the date on their offer of admission.
How do I decline my Offer of Admission?
Domestic Applicants
To decline your offer of admission you must:
- Check the “I decline this offer of admission” box as well as sign the Offer of Admission page located in your offer package
- Email the signed document to the email address indicated by the expiry date
International Applicants:
You can decline your offer of admission by the date indicated in the offer letter using the International Application Service Portal (IAS) or contact your agent to assist you with declining your offer through the portal.
What does it mean if I have a conditional offer of admission?
If you currently have courses in progress or have not yet graduated from your current program, your offer will be conditional upon successfully completing your courses and degree. A final official transcript showing all courses are completed and/or your degree has been awarded must be submitted by the deadline date indicated in your Offer of Admission.
Do I have to pay a deposit when I accept my offer of admission?
If you are an international student studying in Canada (on a study permit), in Canada as a refugee claimant (you have applied for refugee protection but have not yet had a final decision on your claim) or you are studying or have completed your studies in another country (no status in Canada), you will be required to pay a deposit of $2000 CAD.
Funding & Enrollment Questions
Where can I find information about funding opportunities (scholarships, bursaries, awards)?
Visit our Funding website to learn more about internal and external funding opportunities, Graduate Teaching Assistantship, Graduate Research Assistantship, and other potential funding/award sources.
Applicants to MEd (Full-time)
Schulich Scholarship: This scholarship, valued at $7,500, is available to 5 students enrolled in MEd entering the thesis route for year 2. You must have a minimum 80% average and at least one of the following: volunteer work; community involvement; or financial need. Further information will be provided to all thesis route students during their first year.
Applicants to PhD
Schulich Scholarship: This scholarship, valued at $7,500, is available to 5 students entering year 3 or 4 of the PhD program. You must have a minimum 80% average and at least one of the following: volunteer work; community involvement; or financial need. Further information will be provided to all students during their second and/or third year.
Does Nipissing offer Teaching and/or Research Assistantships?
Nipissing offers both Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research Assistantships. Visit the following websites for more information.
When will I hear If I received any funding and/or scholarships/bursaries/awards?
Graduate students who are awarded a scholarship, graduate assistantship, or funding from their supervisor will be notified via email of their funding package early in April. This includes students who applied for Tri-Agency and Ontario graduate level scholarships at Nipissing University. Eligible students are automatically considered for scholarships and graduate assistantships offered through the School of Graduate Studies – no application is necessary. Questions regarding graduate student funding can be directed to [email protected]
What is the Registration Status for Graduate Students?
Graduate Students are referred to as full-time or flex-time-full-time. Regardless of this classification, all students have access to university facilities and are expected to take part in the academic life of their program and the university. All graduate students are deemed to be full-time unless declared otherwise.
Will I have to maintain Continuous Enrollment?
As per the Continuous Enrollment policy, Graduate students are required to maintain continuous enrollment in every Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer term until the completion of their program requirements. All graduate students will automatically be registered in GSCF-0500: Program Continuation each term unless a Leave of Absence (LOA) has been granted, or a financial restriction has been placed on the student account. All students will be charged appropriate term fees upon registration in GSCF-0500. An email will be sent out every term with important information, including the Program Continuation and fees information. Please make sure you read the email every term.
What happens if I don't maintain continuous enrollment?
- Students who have failed to maintain continuous enrollment for at least one term and have not been granted a Leave of Absence by the last day to register, will be withdrawn from their program.
- Students wishing to complete their program after they have been withdrawn must apply for re-admission, pay the application fee, and resubmit all application documentation. Students should be aware that readmission is not guaranteed, and, in the event of readmission, continuation of the same research project and/or supervisor cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, students might not be able to count previously earned graduate credits towards the completion of their degree
When do I register for courses?
PhD Students
Registration for the Year 1 Summer Residency courses (only) will automatically be done for you by the Registrar’s Office in June. However, you will be responsible to register for all future courses through WebAdvisor. An email is sent to all PhD students informing them of when Fall registration opens.
Masters Students
The opening date for course registration varies by intake. An email will be sent to you confirming the date.
How do I obtain a Proof of Enrollment (POE) letter?
Proof of enrollment requests can be made once you have registered for courses. Students who require confirmation of their current registration status at Nipissing University can visit our Proof of Enrolment website.
Is residence available to graduate studies students?
- Nipissing now offers accommodations to students enrolled in an on-site (in person) Fall intake Graduate level program. There are limited spaces available to new incoming graduate students, and they are offered on a first come first serve basis to those who submit their application and deposit by the required deadline.
- Any applications received beyond the deadline will be considered for any remaining availability in the residence waitlist.
- Nipissing residence accommodations are single occupancy only in a 4-bedroom suite or 6-bedroom townhouse. Family housing is not available.
- Information about applying to residence will be included in your offer of admission.
What kind of housing is available in the City of North Bay?
There is a variety of housing available in the City of North Bay. The Off-Campus Living ffers housing rental lists, maps of the city and bus schedules to assist you in finding suitable accommodation. Students will also find information that covers safety tips, legal resources, and tips on being a good tenant. Great information that will assist you in navigating renting a place to live in North Bay! The search for a place to live should begin early as housing can be more difficult to find toward the end of the summer. We encourage all students to search early for housing
International Students Specific Questions
I am an international applicant. Is my program PWGP eligible?
Eligibility will be indicated when you select the program on the International Application Service (IAS) portal.
I am an international applicant. How do I receive a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
As per the Government of Canada’s Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) website you don’t need a new PAL/TAL when moving from the post-secondary level to a degree-granting graduate program at a public Designated Learning Institute (DLI).
As an international applicant, why should I sign up with BorderPass?
Nipissing has partnered with BorderPass to ensure your immigration journey – starting with your study permit application, to your arrival in Canada and beyond is as smooth as possible. BorderPass will assist with and assess visa applications for all incoming students. Securing a study permit is an important step that is necessary to start your academic journey with Nipissing. We want to make sure you have all the support you need to ensure your application is done right!
I did not get my study permit approved. What is your refund policy?
Your first payment of $2,000 is non-refundable unless you have been denied a study permit. If your study permit is denied, and you submit proof, you will receive a partial refund of $1,700. Students who withdraw from Nipissing may be eligible for a tuition refund based on the refund schedule found on our Student Financial Services website, less your non-refundable tuition deposit. Please note that at the time of offer the refund schedule for your intake may not be available. Please continue to check the website as it will be updated as soon as the information is available for your intake.