Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Ready for world-class training in our research labs?
Our research-based Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs provide advanced training in physiology and significant experience conducting research in a lab.
Under the direct supervision of a member of our world-class faculty, students will apply modern experimental methods to further discovery and understanding of the systems of the body.
Students will also broaden their knowledge of physiology through coursework and seminars.
Both programs culminate with the oral defense of a written thesis based on original research. At the PhD level, the student's research will be of publishable quality. Students will graduate ready for a career as an independent scientist.
We encourage candidates to find their supervisor early — learn how here.
Who Should Apply?
Physiology welcomes applications from graduates with backgrounds in any of the biological or physical sciences.
Physiology is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Read the Faculty of Medicine's Diversity Statement here.
Find out full admission and deadline details for these programs below.
Admission Requirements - MSc
Candidates for Admission to the MSc program in Physiology require:
- An appropriate bachelor degree from a recognized university
- Average of at least A- in the last two years of study
- Completed relevant courses such as biology, biochemistry, calculus, organic and physical chemistry, general physics and physiology
Admission Requirements - PhD (Post-MSc, Direct Entry from Undergrad, and Transfers)
Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes. Admission requirements for each are as follows:
1. Direct Entry from Undergraduate Studies:
- An average grade equivalent to A- or better in courses in the relevant discipline is required.
- Completed relevant courses such as biology, biochemistry, calculus, organic and physical chemistry, general physics and physiology
- Exceptional research experience as demonstrated in the application
- Specific approval by the Graduate Studies Committee
2. After Completion of an Appropriate MSc:
- Completion of an MSc with a minimum A- average
- Completed relevant courses at the graduate level such as biology, biochemistry, calculus, organic and physical chemistry, general physics and physiology
3. Transfer during a University of Toronto MSc program:
- Enrollment in a University of Toronto MSc program
- All MSc course work complete with a minimum A- average
- Demonstrated desire and potential to meet the requirements of a rigorous research training program
- Demonstrated potential for publishable work
Application Components
All applicants to the MSc and PhD programs must submit:
- An essay summarizing background strengths and scientific aims
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- At least two confidential Letters of Reference
- Electronic or scanned transcripts (with legends & grading scales) from each post-secondary institution attended
- Certified English translations of all documentation written in a language other than English or French
Click here for full details on how to apply.
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 applications.
Application Deadlines
Please note: Physiology is the only department in the Faculty of Medicine that offers a May start option. This allows students to get a headstart on their graduate degree.
| Program Start Month | Recommended Deadline for Submission (Submitting by this deadline gives your references a minimum of 2 weeks’ time to upload their letters of recommendation.) |
Final Deadline (Fee payment and all documents including references must be received by this date. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.) |
| May | January 15th | January 28th |
| September (Round 1) | January 15th | January 28th |
| September (Round 2) | June 1st (Domestic applicants only*) |
June 15th (Domestic applicants only*) |
| January | October 1st | October 15th |
*All international students should apply by the international application deadline (January 28th for September start) even if they are currently in Canada. There is no Round 2 deadline for September start for international students.