Transfer to the PhD Program
Students who have not completed a MSc program may transfer to the PhD program within the same department upon recommendation to the Faculty of Graduate Studies by the student's major department. The coursework completed in the MSc program would normally become a part of the PhD program, and the number of years spent in the MSc program would be counted as years in the PhD program. Students must complete at least 24 credit hours of coursework. If the transfer occurs within 12 months of the initial registration in the MSc program, the student will be assessed PhD fees for three years. If the transfer occurs after 12 months, the student will be assessed PhD program fees for two years (as they will have already paid fees for the MSc program). Students are cautioned that such transfers may impact on the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship duration.

The request to transfer from the MSc to the PhD program must be submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies at least one month prior to the term for which the student intends to commence the PhD program. The following are required when making the request: A paper copy of the "Application for Admission" form (and application fee); "PhD Selection Committee Report" form, and; in the case where the student does not hold a MSc degree, a memo from the Department Head*.

NOTE: Where a student with a Master's degree or equivalent is initially admitted and registered in a MSc program; that student may be transferred to the PhD program within the same department on recommendation from the student's advisor and department head, provided the recommendation is made at the time of admission to the MSc program (i.e. "Possible transfer to PhD program within 12 months") and the follow up transfer recommendation occurs within 12 months of the initial registration in the MSc program. In such a case, the application fee is waived and fees assessed towards the MSc program will be deducted from the full two years of PhD program fees.

*The Department Head will provide the necessary letter for transfer from the MSc program to the PhD program upon fulfilment of the following requirements: 

  1. have been in the MSc program for less than 24 months
  2. have completed at least 6 credit hours of coursework
  3. have a GPA > 3.0 based on these graduate level courses
  4. have passed their MSc thesis proposal
  5. have received a satisfactory rating in their Annual Progress Report
  6. submit a request to the Department Head and Graduate Program Committee for permission to transfer
  7. provide a letter of support from their supervisor for transfer stating that the student has demonstrated a capacity for independent and original research appropriate for the PhD level
  8. obtain a letter from their supervisor stating that sufficient funds are available to provide a stipend for the student for at least 2 years
  9. obtain a statement of support from their supervisory committee stating that the student has demonstrated a capacity for independent and original research appropriate for the PhD level and containing a signature of each committee member (including the supervisor).
  10. complete a written report of 5-10 pages that a. demonstrates evidence of research productivity b. describes a project that is appropriate for a PhD
  11. provide to the supervisory committee and one member of the Graduate Program Committee with a thirty (30) minute presentation that encompasses research productivity and the proposed project (which may be a more comprehensive continuation of the MSc project), and
  12. pass with no more than one dissenting vote an oral defense (1-1½ hours) of their written report and presentation

Upon successful completion of these requirements, the student may transfer to the PhD program at the start of the September term. Please note, however, that if less than 15 credit hours were completed before transfer, the remaining coursework plus the 9 credit hours required for the PhD program must be completed to be eligible for graduation.