Frequently Asked Questions

Mila is primarily a machine learning research center focused on deep learning and reinforcement learning. 

At Mila, we continually push the boundaries of cutting-edge research. Mila is best known for its scientific breakthroughs in deep learning, having contributed many of the first papers in the field, such as:

• introducing word embeddings in neural nets
• denoising autoencoders
• deep networks using ReLU instead of tanh or sigmoid functions self-attention and the consequential revolution in machine translation and natural language processing (NLP)
• generative adversarial networks (GANs)
• and more. 

Mila also published one of the most successful  textbooks on deep learning (MIT Press 2016) and co-founded the International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR). 

Mila has been a hothouse for the development of deep reinforcement learning and the theoretical foundations of deep learning (mechanisms, optimization methods and analysis, generalization, in and out-of-distribution, causality, generative and probabilistic methods), building a critical mass of expertise at the intersection of theoretical neuroscience and deep learning (a.k.a neuro-AI), most recently by focusing on high-level conscious processing to help deep learning move from its current system 1 competence (intuitive knowledge) to a joint competence of system 1 and system 2 levels (verbalizable knowledge, reasoning, systematic generalization). 

Mila has also developed expertise in many application areas of machine learning (with a focus on AI for social good), from traditional areas such as computer vision, NLP and robotics to applications in healthcare (e.g., medical imaging, drug discovery), the environment (co-founding the Climate Change AI organization), AI4Science (to help modeling and discovery in physics, chemistry, biology, etc.) and social sciences (fighting sexual exploitation, contributing to the legal and philosophical aspects of Responsible AI, notably through the Montreal Declaration for the Responsible Development of AI).

Visit the Core Expertise page to learn more. 

Deep learning is a new and exciting field of research. A student with good mathematical skills can easily assimilate most of the central ideas of this field and quickly contribute to the research. Recently, deep learning has proven to be a resource-intensive field, with large neural networks powered by cutting-edge GPUs or distributed implementations making great leaps forward in object recognition and speech recognition. Deep learning research presents an unparalleled opportunity for students with strong mathematical backgrounds and programming skills to make a big impact.

Please visit the Supervision Requests page for more information about the supervision request process at Mila.

• A stimulating research environment: At Mila, we are passionate about the advancement of knowledge in the field of artificial intelligence. On any given day, you’ll find students discussing all kinds of ambitious research ideas. Our faculty is also very involved and engaged with the student community, which contributes to an interactive and open research climate.
• Work-life balance: At Mila, we produce quality research while maintaining a balance between work and personal life, a mindset deeply rooted in the Quebec culture. 
• Substantial computing resources: Mila students have access to several powerful computers equipped with GPUs. The institute’s resources are supplemented with access to shared computer clusters across Quebec and Canada.
• Opportunities to participate in conferences: Professors strongly encourage students to submit papers and  participate in conferences, viewing these events as an essential part of their training as researchers.
• Research funding: This type of funding is usually linked to industrial research projects that often lead to publications. Most students find this arrangement preferable to some of the arrangements at other universities where funded students must concede a significant portion of their work to non-research activities.
• Internships: Mila students regularly do internships at top industrial research groups around the world.

International students do need to pay additional fees, but Mila students supervised by a Mila affiliated member can usually have these costs covered by the research grants of their supervisor. They can also, when applicable, obtain a waiver for these fees.

Your supervisor will inform you of the financial assistance you will be granted. Your home university will also inform you ​​of your tuition waivers.

French is the official language of Quebec, however, Montreal is a bilingual city. It is a good idea to learn French if you choose to live in Montreal in order to make the most of all that the city has to offer. 

To facilitate our researchers’ integration into our dynamic city, Mila offers free French and English language courses to its entire community, including students, postdocs, faculty and staff.

It’s true that Montreal is quite cold in the winter (and, in fact, very hot in the summer), but the city is well adapted to winter climate conditions: Montreal’s snow removal is incredibly fast and efficient. You will need to get a good coat, hat, gloves, and boots, but most international students don’t find that they mind the cold too much, which compares to other cities like Boston or Toronto.

Winter also has its advantages. You can go skating on the frozen lake of Mount Royal, go sledding in one of Montreal's many parks or take advantage of the nearby cross-country and downhill ski centres.

No, Mila is not a university and does not grant diplomas. 

Supervision requests at Mila and university admission applications are separate processes that must be completed in parallel. You must be sure to register with the professor's department and affiliated university, even if you have not received confirmation of supervision from him or her.

All research students at Mila are affiliated with one of our partner universities or academic institutions that manage the formal admission process to the research master’s program. Mila facilitates the matching of students with potential supervisors through the Mila Supervision Request Form available online from October 15 to December 1. Visit the Supervision Requests page to learn more. 

Please note that the Mila supervision request is one of the steps to be advised by a Mila-affiliated professor. Some professors do not participate in the Supervision Request process. If you would like to be supervised by a professor who is not listed in the Supervision Request form, you can contact that person directly by email.

Keep an eye on each university's admission deadlines to make sure you apply on time:

• Université de Montréal
• McGill University
• Polytechnique Montréal 
• HEC Montréal

You must fill out the Mila Supervision Request Form between October 15 and December 1. For more information, visit the Supervision Requests page.

In February or March, though the delay can sometimes extend into April.

Fall and Winter

2 years

Typically, when students receive a stipend it is paid from their supervisor's research funds in the form of an award or a  scholarship. While the details and components may vary by individuals, academic departments, and universities the student stipends average between the following:

• MSc Research: $20K - $27K per year
• PhD: $25K - $31K per year

However, many students receive significantly more than the average. It is therefore recommended that you inquire about the amount your potential supervisor can offer you before accepting any supervision offer.

Furthermore, Mila also offers an annual EDI Scholarships Program to ensure the strong participation of women in the AI ecosystem and to encourage diversity as a lever for innovation in research:

• Category 1 — Excellence Scholarships - Women in AI
• Category 2 — Excellence Scholarships - EDI in Research 
• Category 3 — Emergency Scholarships

To learn more about Mila’s EDI Scholarships Program, click here.

Yes! In fact, we encourage all students to do so. You should discuss with your potential/current supervisor how external scholarships are combined with other awards/stipends.

Example of scholarships students have applied for:

• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Fond de recherche du Québec (FRQNT)

Whether your supervisor covers your tuition fees depends on their university’s affiliation, labs and departmental policies as well as various other factors. You should discuss this topic with your potential/current supervisor.

The type of membership (core or associate) determines the level of contribution and involvement expected within Mila as well as the privileges associated with each category of members and the students they supervise.

For example, students supervised by core academic members have access to the following Mila resources:

• Access Mila's computing infrastructure
• A Mila email account (@mila.quebec)
• Several accesses to Mila's digital tools and resources
• Access to a desk space (assigned, or reservation-based) in the Mila academic space
• A magnetic key card to access Mila's physical spaces

Students supervised by associate academic members have access to the following Mila resources:

• A Mila email account (@mila.quebec) with activity restricted to the mila.quebec domain
• Access to most of Mila's digital tools and resources
• Access to a shared desk space in the Mila co-working zone
• A magnetic key card to access Mila's physical spaces

*Students supervised by associate academic members do not have access to Mila's computing infrastructure.

Yes, if you meet the required qualifications.

The Quebec government requires all international students to speak French in some capacity if they are to attend a French university, which is why they ask for TEF or TOEFL results when you apply for a CAQ or study permit. However, the DIRO department of Université de Montréal is an exception. No French exam is required.

Please note that if you wish to stay in Quebec and enter the job market, learning French would be an asset for you.

Yes, we encourage international students to apply.

No, Mila is not a university and does not grant diplomas. 

Supervision requests at Mila and university admission applications are separate processes that must be completed in parallel. You must be sure to register with the professor's department and affiliated university, even if you have not received confirmation of supervision from him or her.

All research students at Mila are affiliated with one of our partner universities or academic institutions that manage the formal admission process to the PhD program. Mila facilitates the matching of students with potential supervisors through the Mila Supervision Request Form available online from October 15 to December 1. Visit the Supervision Requests page to learn more. 

Please note that the Mila supervision request is one of the steps to be advised by a Mila-affiliated professor. Some professors do not participate in the supervision request process. If you would like to be supervised by a member who is not listed in the Supervision Request form, you can contact this person directly by email.

Keep an eye on each university's admission deadlines to make sure you apply on time:

• Université de Montréal

• McGill University

• Polytechnique Montréal 

• HEC Montréal

Every year, from October 15 to December 1. For more information, visit the Supervision Requests page.

In February or March, though the delay can sometimes extend into April.

Fall, Winter and Summer

From 4 to 5 years on average.

This is possible in exceptional cases, for students who have demonstrated previous research experience.

Normally, if you have a Bachelor's degree from the United States, you must apply for a Master of Science degree in Quebec (MSc). If you are eligible for accelerated entry into the PhD program, you may enter the PhD program after one year of MSc. Recently, it has been possible, in exceptional cases, to enroll directly in the PhD program without a Master's degree (with the number of courses required for the PhD program in this case).

Typically, a PhD in the U.S. takes about the same amount of time as a MSc + a PhD at Mila’s affiliated universities.

Here is a summary of the different paths to the PhD program:

• Master’s degree then PhD
• Master’s degree with fast-track into PhD 
• Direct admission to PhD from Bachelor’s degree

Typically, when students receive a stipend it is paid from their supervisor's research funds in the form of an award or a  scholarship. While the details and components may vary by individuals, academic departments, and universities the student stipends average between the following:

• M.Sc Research: $20K - $27K per year
• PhD: $25K - $31K per year

However, many students receive significantly more than the average. It is therefore recommended that you inquire about the amount your potential supervisor can offer you before accepting any supervision offer.

Furthermore, Mila offers an annual EDI Scholarships Program to ensure the strong participation of women in the AI ecosystem and to encourage diversity as a lever for innovation in research:

• Category 1 — Excellence Scholarships - Women in AI
• Category 2 — Excellence Scholarships  - EDI in Research 
• Category 3 — Emergency Scholarships

To learn more about Mila’s EDI Scholarships Program, click here.

Yes! In fact, we encourage all students to do so. You should discuss with your potential/current supervisor how external scholarships are combined with other awards/stipends.

Example of scholarships students have applied for:

• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Fond de recherche du Québec (FRQNT)

Whether your supervisor covers your tuition fees depends on their university’s affiliation, labs and departmental policies as well as various other factors. You should discuss this topic with your potential/current supervisor.

The type of membership (core or associate) determines the level of contribution and involvement expected within Mila as well as the privileges associated with each category of members and the students they supervise.

For example, students supervised by core academic members have access to the following Mila resources:

• Access Mila's computing infrastructure
• A Mila email account (@mila.quebec)
• Several accesses to Mila's digital tools and resources
• Access to a desk space (assigned, or reservation-based) in the Mila academic space
• A magnetic key card to access Mila's physical spaces

Students supervised by associate academic members have access to the following Mila resources:

• A Mila email account (@mila.quebec) with activity restricted to the mila.quebec domain
• Access to most of Mila's digital tools and resources
• Access to a shared desk space in the Mila co-working zone
• A magnetic key card to access Mila's physical spaces

* Students supervised by associate academic members do not have access to Mila's computing infrastructure.

Yes, if you meet the required qualifications.

Yes, we encourage international students to apply.

The Professional Master's in Machine Learning is offered by the Université de Montréal's Department of Computer Science and Operations Research (DIRO) and McGill University's School of Computer Science (SOCS).

Detailed application guidelines for applying to the Université de Montréal are available on this page on the DIRO website. Please read them carefully.

Detailed instructions for applying to McGill are available on the SOCS website. Please read them carefully.

Upon receipt of your notice of admission, you should start the student permit / visa process as soon as possible (unless you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident).

The official admission process is under the responsibility of the Université de Montréal (DIRO) and McGill (SOCS).

Mila also collaborates with these universities to help students in their search for an internship by putting students in touch with its vast network of industrial partners, namely through the organization of various networking activities. Mila's industrial partners offer, each year, several interesting internship opportunities to Mila affiliated students.

2 years (including a mandatory internship).

Please refer to the DIRO’s website (Université de Montréal) and the SOCS's website (McGill) for more information.

Yes

Fall only

Please refer to the information on the Université de Montréal and McGill websites. 

No. However, Mila has launched an EDI Scholarships Program to ensure the strong participation of women in the AI ecosystem and to encourage diversity as a lever for innovation in research:

• Category 1 — Excellence Scholarships - Women in AI
• Category 2 — Excellence Scholarships  - EDI in Research 
• Category 3 — Emergency Scholarships

To learn more about Mila's EDI Scholarships Program, click here.

Please refer to the information on the Université de Montréal and McGill websites.

The Quebec government requires all international students to speak French in some capacity if they are to attend a French university, which is why they ask for TEF or TOEFL results when you apply for a CAQ or study permit. However, the DIRO department of Université de Montréal is an exception. No French exam is required.

Please note that if you wish to stay in Quebec and enter the job market, learning French would be an asset for you.

Please refer to the DIRO (Université de Montréal) and SOCS (McGill) websites for more information.

Graduate courses are taught in French, English or in both languages. To find out the language of instruction for a particular course, please refer to the list of courses on the DIRO website.

Yes, however, this is not specific to Mila. Students from a Quebec university can enroll in courses at other Quebec universities through a program called Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire (BCI). To complete your 2 open electives, you can use this option to register for courses at McGill, HEC Montréal, Concordia and Polytechnique Montréal, depending on the approval of your home university.

Yes, and we encourage international students to apply.

Detailed application guidelines are available on the DIRO website. Please read them carefully.

Upon receipt of your admission notice from UdeM, you must begin the process of obtaining your CAQ and study permit as soon as possible. (unless you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident).

The official admission process is under the Université de Montréal and DIRO’s responsibility.

Mila also collaborates with the DIRO to help students in their search for an internship by putting students in touch with its vast network of industrial partners, namely through the organization of various networking activities. Mila's industrial partners offer, each year, several interesting internship opportunities to Mila affiliated students.

1 year (2 full-time terms + 1 internship term).

Please refer to the DIRO’s website (Université de Montréal) for more information.

Yes

Fall only

Please refer to the information on the Université de Montréal website.

No, however, DESS students can apply to the EDI Scholarships Program, offered by Mila, to ensure the strong participation of women in the AI ecosystem and encourage diversity as a lever for innovation in research:

• Catégorie 1 — Excellence Scholarships - Women in AI
• Catégorie 2 — Excellence Scholarships - EDI in Research
• Catégorie 3 — Emergency Scholarships
   

To find out more about Mila's Scholarships Program, click here.

Please refer to the information on the Université de Montréal website.

The Quebec government requires all international students to speak French in some capacity if they are to attend a French university, which is why they ask for TEF or TOEFL results when you apply for a CAQ or study permit. However, the DIRO department of Université de Montréal is an exception. No French exam is required.

Please note that if you wish to stay in Quebec and enter the job market, learning French would be an asset for you.

A 3.0/4.3 GPA or higher.
Knowledge in computer science, programming, mathematics, deep learning and machine learning is an asset.

Yes, however, this is not specific to Mila. Students from a Quebec university can enroll in courses at other Quebec universities through a program called Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire (BCI). To complete your 2 open electives, you can use this option to register for courses at McGill, HEC Montréal, Concordia and Polytechnique Montréal, depending on the approval of your home university.

Yes, and we encourage international students to apply.

Research internships are often short-term and can range from one month to one year.

Yes, but you must not take any full-time courses during your internship.

Doing a research internship at Mila not only gives you access to first-rate academic knowledge with renowned professors, but also enables you to forge ties and expand your network of contacts. It's also a wonderful gateway to further studies at master's and doctoral levels.

Your application does not guarantee that you will be selected and invited by a professor at Mila. If you want to have a better chance of being selected, we suggest you get in touch with the professor you'd like to work with, find out more about his or her research or simply take part in the various events organized by Mila. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the professors and establish initial contact.

Without a work permit, research trainees may be refused entry to Canada by immigration authorities.

Foreign research trainees need six to eight months to obtain a work permit. It is advisable to confirm that you have obtained a work permit before taking any steps to stay in Canada (buying plane tickets, renting accommodation, etc.).

Mila is not authorized to provide assistance in the process of applying for an entry permit to Canada. All questions concerning immigration procedures should be addressed to Immigration and Citizenship Canada.

International students must go through the same process, i.e. register for a program at their home university and then temporarily enroll for the research internship at the Mila Professor's home university. The university has all the information concerning the admission of international students, and it is with them that the student should communicate.

International students should check with Immigration and Citizenship Canada, and with the Canadian embassy in their home country, to find out whether they need a work permit to carry out their research in Canada.

It can take from 6 to 8 months to obtain a work permit.

Mila is not authorized to provide assistance in the process of applying for an entry permit to Canada. All questions concerning immigration procedures should be addressed to Immigration and Citizenship Canada.

Some Canadian universities charge an admission fee to complete the registration of research interns. To find out what these fees are, students should contact their supervisor's affiliated university.

International postdoctoral fellows must first be invited by a Mila professor. They must then register as a postdoctoral fellow at the Mila professor's home university. The university has all the information concerning the admission of international postdoctoral fellows, and it is with them that the student should communicate.

International postdoctoral fellows must apply to Immigration and Citizenship Canada for a work permit to carry out their research in Canada. It can take 6 to 8 months to obtain a work permit. 

Mila is not authorized to provide assistance in the process of applying for an entry permit to Canada. All questions concerning immigration procedures should be addressed to Immigration and Citizenship Canada.

The duration of the postdoctoral internship depends on the date of doctoral graduation. Postdoctoral fellows must have held a research doctorate or equivalent for less than five years.

Some Canadian universities charge an admission fee to complete the registration of research interns. To find out what these fees are, students should contact their supervisor's affiliated university.