Apply to PhD without having Master degree conferred

[oxpy]

I'm currently enrolling in a master program and will finish either in December 2012 or April 2013.

As the application deadline for PhD is usually December 31 or January 1, I'd like to start applying before my master degree is conferred, meaning start applying in October 2012.

I wonder if the probability of being admitted is lower, given that I don't have my degree conferred, although I'm eligible to apply...

Any suggestions?

Also, which PhD in Finance programs are among the best in Canada?

Thanks in advance !

[modernity]

No, this is not a problem, because you can just say that you are expecting your degree before you would start the PhD. Lots of people apply like this - its the same thing with people applying for grad school straight out of undergrad. They don't have their degrees yet but you still have to apply to continue.

[oxpy]

Thanks Modernity,

The evidence of research ability is one of the main elements, besides GPA. I'd think it's better to have my master thesis successfully completed, with or without awards. By looking at the completion of the thesis, the committee may be more likely to grant admission???

Anyway, I will go ahead and apply :-). Thanks !