Admission & Modes of Study

Application Information

The admission requirements for ICS's programs include competence and readiness to undertake advanced study. A complete application to an ICS program must include a number of components from writing samples to transcripts to letters of reference. For full instructions, please see the second page of the application form for the program to which you intend to apply (available at the top of this page).

All degree programs require proficiency in the English language, details on these requirements can be found on our International Students page.

The prerequisite for admission at the master's level (MWS & MA) is a four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent, preferably with an undergraduate concentration directly related to the applicant's intended field of study at ICS, and an overall average of B+.

For doctoral studies, a master's degree (including a thesis) in the area of intended study is required, and a demonstrable background in philosophy is encouraged.

2023/2024 Application Deadlines

MA & PhD

The application deadline for Fall 2023 MA & PhD program admission is February 1, 2023.

MA-EL & MWS-ART

The application deadline for Fall 2023 MA-EL & Summer/Fall 2023 MWS-ART program admission is April 1, 2023.

MA-EL (Winter Start)

The application deadline for Winter 2024 MA-EL program admission is November 1, 2023.

Late Applications

Late program applications will be considered on a case by case basis, but will not usually be eligible for financial aid.

Modes of Study

Full-Time

For full-time study, a complete application package must be submitted by the relevant application deadline listed above in order to be considered for admission to the program starting in September (a Winter start to the MA-EL program begins in January).

A complete application must include a number of components depending on the program to which you're applying. Please see the second page of the relevant program application form (available at the top of this page) for full instructions.

ICS considers full-time equivalency to be equal to registration in six (6) semester courses per academic year (for example: a student registering for three (3) courses in the fall semester and three (3) courses in the winter semester).

Part-Time

Part-time students must complete the full application process if they desire to work towards a degree. Individuals intending to apply to a program may take a couple courses for credit, which can later be credited toward the degree, before committing to the program. The normal prerequisite for part-time study is a four-year baccalaureate degree in the appropriate field or its equivalent.

Persons who wish to take courses for credit without pursuing a degree are welcome to do so. Non-degree students must complete a Course Registration Form (available directly from the Academic Registrar).

Please note: The PhD program is not offered for part-time studies.

Special Studies

ICS welcomes people who wish to take occasional courses for their own intellectual pursuits. As with full- and part-time studies, a four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent is required. Please contact academic-registrar@icscanada.edu for further information.

It is strongly recommended that persons in full-time employment limit their enrolment to one course per term.

Credit Transfer

Applicants who have completed courses at other institutions may request a credit transfer. ICS will accept a maximum of two (2) credit transfers if the courses are deemed to be of an appropriate academic level and fit into the applicant's program. Credits will not be transferred from any programs of study previously completed and for which a degree was granted.