Oral examinations

Once you've completed the written portion of your thesis or dissertation and each supervisory committee member has read the thesis or dissertation and agreed that it is examinable, you must complete an oral examination. Details can be found on the following pages:

• Guidelines - master's and doctoral
• PhD oral examination by audio
• PhD oral examination by video
• PhD oral examination by video - rates
• Expenses associated with PhD oral examinations

In addition to a student's supervisory committee, an External Examiner and Chair will attend the oral exam.  The External Examiner must be chosen by the supervisor and in the case of PhD oral exams must be approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.  Guidelines for the Appointment of External Examiners of Doctoral Candidates.

If you are a Doctoral student, make sure that your supervisor completes a confirmation of arms-length status form prior to your examination. If you have two co-supervisors, they each must complete a copy of confirmation of Arm's Length status form.

You must also submit a copy of the thesis approval form to your supervisor at the time of your examination.