MSc & PhD in Physiology

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

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

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.

• 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.

Click here for detailed information on acceptable English proficiency tests and scores (bottom of page).

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.

*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.

Determine your research interests:

• Research in Physiology is divided into four platforms.
• Read through the descriptions of each platform and see what stands out to you.
• Choose a couple of Primary Investigators (P.I.'s) from the platforms that interest you, look up their recent publications, and get a sense of their research.

Please note:

• Some faculty members publicly announce when they are seeking new students.
• Some faculty members prefer to review the skillsets of students who have reached out, and decide the needs of their lab based on that.
• If you'd like to work with a faculty member who hasn't specified that they're accepting new students, you may still contact them with a carefully tailored email. 

What's Next?

When you've narrowed down a few P.I.'s you might wish to work with, move on to 2. Contacting Potential Supervisors.

Write your emails carefully:

The emails you write to potential supervisors are:

1. A job application.
2. Your first impression on the faculty member.

Remember to:

• Tailor the email to the specific P.I. and their research.
• Explain why you are interested in their field and how you see yourself fitting into their lab.
• State your longterm goals. If you plan to go to a professional school in the future, it is advisable to note this.
• Attach a CV or resume and a transcript to your email.
• Proofread for spelling and grammar.

Following Up:

• If you haven't heard back from a potential supervisor, you may write a brief follow-up after a few weeks.
• Our faculty members have many competing demands, and are looking for students who take initiative and show persistence in a professional manner.
• If a P.I. has indicated that they will not be accepting you as their student at this time, that decision should be respected and not pursued further.

What's Next?

Once you've received a favourable response from a potential supervisor, move on to 3. The Interview - Ensuring a Good Fit.

Schedule an opportunity to talk:

• An in-person interview or telephone call will help determine if the lab is a good fit on both sides.
• Use this opportunity to ensure you understand the lab's research and what your role would be.
• Ask questions about the organization of the lab to ensure that it fits with your working and learning styles.
• Ask the professor to share contact information for some of their lab members and reach out to them as well.

Contact lab members:

• Deciding on a lab is a big decision; make sure you have all the information.
• Reach out to lab members by email and ask relevant questions such as:
  • What is the P.I.'s leadership style?
  • Do you enjoy working with the P.I.? Why or why not?
  • Is the atmosphere collaborative or more independent?
  • If I am a particular type of learner, do you believe I will be supported in this lab?
  • What is the publication record for this P.I.'s graduate students?

What's Next?

Once both you and the P.I. have established a good fit, move on to 4. Finalize the Arrangement.

Finalization happens in this order:

1. Once you secure a Supervisor, you must notify the Graduate Office.
2. Once the department approves the supervisory arrangement and you have set up your U of T email address, you will be invited to complete the GEMS Student - Supervisor Agreement Form online.

• Apply through our application system.
• Once you have paid the SGS application fee, you will be able to upload your required documents to your application.

Physiology's application process requires an autobiographical essay 1-2 pages in length that summarizes:

• Why you want to do research in Physiology at the University of Toronto
• Your research background, interests, and scientific aims
• Explanation of your choice of supervisor if you have one (Learn more here)
• Any special accomplishments
• Your future plans
• A brief explanation of any gaps in educational history if applicable

Upload the completed essay to your SGS Online Admission Application.

At least two letters of reference are required.

Preferably, these letters should be from:

• Professors who know you well enough to assess your demonstrated abilities in research and suitability for graduate work
• Professors who have taught you in science courses

To submit to SGS: 

1. Inform your referees that you are submitting an application and that SGS will contact them by email.
2. Submit your referees' contact information to your SGS Online Application.

Please Note: 

• PhD applicants require a Letter of Reference from the supervisor of their Master's program
• If you are enrolled in or have completed your MSc in Physiology at U of T and are applying for the PhD program, the MSc thesis defense committee's recommendation for admission to the PhD program is required.

• Prepare a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and upload it to the SGS Online Application.
• Upload electronic or scanned transcripts (with legends & grading scales) from each post-secondary institution you attended to your SGS Online Application.
• Appliants given a conditional offer of admission will be required to provide an official paper transcript (in a sealed envelope) from all institutions attended in order to meet the conditions for registration.
• The final official copy of the applicant's transcripts indicating that the degree has been granted must be submitted to the Department of Physiology before the student will be given a Final Offer of Admission. 
• Certified English translations of all international documentation written in a language other than English or French must also be submitted.

Please note:

• The Admissions Committee may defer their admission decision regarding students in the final year of undergraduate studies until all final year marks are available.
• Applicants to the PhD program may, at the discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee, be permitted to register conditionally pending proof that their MSc degree has been granted. Failure to submit such proof will result in termination of the PhD program.
• Internal applicants do not need to send original University of Toronto transcripts as ROSI print-outs are acceptable.

If your primary language is not English, and prior degree(s) have been completed at a non-Canadian university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, you must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of the application.

Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months of the submission of an application. Electronically reported scores should be sent directly by the testing agency to the University of Toronto (Enrolment Services). The only test for which the University of Toronto will accept paper scores is MELAB.

Physiology's English Proficiency Requirements: