As a resource person, the research supervisor supervises the student, helping him or her to define the program of study, formulate the research project, plan the direction the program will take, and find the required financial support. The research supervisor provides the student with  intellectual — scientific and technical — and human support and attentive supervision from the initial phase of studies to the final evaluation of the research project.

When should you choose your research supervisor?

GPS Academic Regulations set a deadline for finding a research supervisor for a Master's degree or doctorate (Ph.D.).

Master's degree: no later than the end of the first session (art. 83)

Doctorate (Ph.D.): preferably before admission and no later than the end of the second session (art. 128 b)

Ideally, students should choose their research supervisor as soon as they are admitted. The earlier the choice is made, the sooner they will be able to count on that person’s support and make important decisions for their studies without delay.

Note: For many academic units, the choice of a research supervisor is part of the admission process and must be determined before the student is accepted for the program of study.

Visit the Documentation page for more information on graduate supervision.