Global Health

Global Health

York University's PhD program in Global Health will examine global health issues in relation to intersecting challenges of wealth disparity, environmental degradation, government policy and human rights. The program will prepare the next generation of health leaders with the knowledge and skills to address these challenges and improve health for people worldwide, helping to create the conditions that enable equity. Graduates will fulfill leadership and advocacy positions in education, research, health systems, and business, in public and private sectors, in Canada and internationally.

The PhD program prioritizes interdisciplinary, critically-oriented and solutions-focused approaches to research, practice and innovation. Learning is centered around an independent plan that enables students to choose "their own adventure" and execute it over four years with local and/or international partners and, on a case-by-case basis, developing diverse dissertation outputs through novel cotutelle models.

See Program’s Website

Quick Links

Degrees Offered

PhD

Program Length (Part-time)

12 term(s)

Program Component(s)

  • Comprehensive examination(s)
  • AND Dissertation product

Minimum Required GPA

A-

Fall Entry

  • Full-time

Deadline - Fall (All Applicants)

2025-12-01

English Proficiency Requirement

Minimum TOEFL (Paper-based)600
Minimum TOEFL (Internet-based)100
IELTS (Academic Module)7.5
YUELIAcademic Program Level 9 with Distinction
YUELI Graduate Studies Preparation Program (GSPP)Graduate with distinction
CAELOverall score of 70, no component score less than 60
Minimum CPE ScoreC
Minimum CAE ScoreB
Duolingo140
PTE Academic76

Other Requirements

  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of interest (detailing proposed research, methods and timeline)
  • Writing sample
  • 2 Reference letters
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Proposed supervisor
  • Specified interest in academic or professional stream, full or part time
  • SGH based or via cotutelle (at York – 2 faculties, or at York + other university)
  • English proficiency
  • See Admissions Requirements on program page

Additional Admission Requirements

Number of Recommendation(s)

  • 2 recommendation(s)

Other Requirements

  • Transcripts
    • Official transcripts required, must be verified (and translated) as required by York University. 
  • Recommendations
    • At least 1 recommendation must be from an academic referee (the second may be professional/work-based or academic/university-based).
    • Applicants with a Bachelors or Bachelors Honors degree alone are required to submit 3 recommendations, and at least 2 of the 3 referees must be academic/university-based.
    • All referees are requested to assess the applicant's aptitude and suitability for graduate studies, research, and global health work. As referees are likely based at diverse institutions and countries, they are also requested to include a brief personal biosketch (100-200 words) and/or link their public profile to their letter. 
  • Language of materials submitted
    • Materials must be be submitted in English using font size 11 or 12. Exceptions include published works and transcripts. Published works and transcripts that are not in English must also be translated and translations verified and submitted.

Note: International applicants must have a confirmed supervisor to be considered for admission as an unfunded international student. This requires a letter of supervisory support in addition to two LOR.