Admission Requirements

Master's of Science (MSc)

• Admission is based on academic record, an essay summarizing backgroud strenghts and scientific aims, a curriculum vitae (CV), and at least two confidential letters of reference.
• Applicant must have an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with an average of at least A- in the last two years of study and with courses such as biology, biochemistry, calculus, organic and physical chemistry, general physics and physiology.
• Physical stream students from undergraduate programs in physics, mathematics, engineering and other sciences are encouraged to apply to the MSc program.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes:

1. following completion of an appropriate MSc degree;
2. transfer from the University of Toronto MSc program; or
3. direct entry after completing a bachelor's degree

PhD (following completion of a MSc)

• Admission is based on academic record, a statement summarizing background strengths and scientific aims, a curriculum vitae (CV), and at least two confidential letter of reference.
• Applicants may be admitted to the PhD program after completion of an appropriate MSc degree program with an average of at least A- from a recognized university.  Students with excellent research experience are encourage to apply.
• Applicants should have taken courses such as biology, biochemistry, calculus, organiz and physical chemistry, general physics, and physiology.

PhD (Transfer)

• Students may be admitted via transfer from the University of Toronto MSc program in Physiology.  Transfer from the MSc into the PhD program is encouraged for students who have made substantial progress in their research and have demonstrated the desire and potential to meet the requirements of a rigorous research training program.  Such students will have fulfilled all course requirements for the MSc with at least an A- average and have demonstrated potential for publication of their work.  Student with excellent research that continues, or is consistent with, work already underway.  Too large a project for the MSc is not a reason for transfer to the PhD.

PhD (Direct Entry)

• Admission is based on academic record, a statement summarizing background strengths and scientific aims, a curriculum vitae (CV), and at least two confidential letter of reference.
• For exceptional students with an A- standing in appropriate courses taken during the two preceding undergraduate years, direct entry into the doctoral program is possible.  However, this will require specific approval by the Graduate Studies Committee.  Students with excellent research experience are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants should have taken courses such as biology, biochemistry, calculus, organic and physical chemistry, general physics, and physiology.

English Proficiency Requirements

As English is the primary language of instruction and communication at the University of Toronto, applicants must demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in English, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. 

Applicants from universities outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application.   Minimum score requirements must be met before students are considered for the graduate program. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of their application.

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language
Web: www.toefl.org

Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
Web: www.lsa.umich.edu/eli/testing/melab/
Required score: 95

International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS)
Web: www.ielts.org
Required score: 8.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component.

Certificate of English Proficiency (COPE)
Web: www.copetest.com
Required score: 86 minimum total with at least 22 each component and 32 in writing.
(Prior to 2008:  5 minimum total with at least 2 in writing, 2 in one of the other components and 1 in one of the other components)

School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto
International ESL Program - Academic Preparation Course
Web: http://english.learn.utoronto.ca/
Required score: a final grade of 'B' in the highest level (Level 60)
**************
Lower scores are not acceptable, and applicants are encouraged to improve their scores before applying for admission to the Department of Physiology.  Electronically reported test scores should be sent directly by the testing agency to the University of Toronto (Enrolment Services).  The only test for which U of T will accept paper scores is MELAB (see below).​​

When the language of instruction and examination has been in English, there must be an official statement from the applicant's home university, or a notation on the official transcript, clearly stating that fact.  At the discretion of the Physiology Graduate Studies Committee, applicants may be exempted from providing further proof of English Language Facility.