Academic Requirements for Admission
Master’s Programs
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An appropriate four-year University of Toronto bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent from a recognized university, is required. Under exceptional circumstances, for applicants with a three-year degree, equivalency may be demonstrated, for example, through relevant work experience or additional qualifications.
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High academic standing equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior courses, is required.
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At least two letters of reference are required.
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Other qualifications as may be specified by a graduate unit.
Doctor of Philosophy Programs
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An appropriate University of Toronto master’s degree, or its equivalent from a recognized university, is required. Direct entry from a four-year bachelor’s degree to a PhD program is also available when permitted by the graduate unit. See also Admission Requirements under Degree Regulations.
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An average grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in a previous master’s degree program. Where relevant, demonstrated research competence equivalent to at least a B+ grade will be considered. For direct entry applicants, an average grade equivalent to a University of Toronto A- or better in courses in the relevant discipline.
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At least two letters of reference are required.
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Other qualifications as may be specified by a graduate unit.
Other Doctoral Programs
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Normally, an appropriate University of Toronto master’s degree, or its equivalent from a recognized university, is required. See appropriate graduate unit entry for specific details.
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An average grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in master’s courses. Where relevant, demonstrated research competence equivalent to at least a B+ grade will be considered.
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At least two letters of reference are required.
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Other qualifications as may be specified by a graduate unit.
Applicants who graduated five or more years ago but without achieving sufficiently high standing for admission to the School may be considered for admission if, since graduation, they have done significant, intellectual work and/or made a significant professional contribution which can be considered equivalent to a higher academic standing. This contribution and its impact on the profession must be detailed and documented (e.g., publications, research, professional advancement, development of new skills, responsibility, etc.) and presented as part of the application. Such applicants may be considered for admission if they have achieved qualifications at least equivalent to those stated in the preceding sections and if a graduate unit so recommends.
Special Student Programs
Special Students must submit an application for admission for each academic year of study.
Applicants accepted as Special Student–Full Time must have completed an appropriate University of Toronto four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized university. They must have attained an average grade in the final year (or over senior courses) equivalent to mid-B or better.
Applicants accepted as Special Student–Part Time must hold an appropriate University of Toronto four-year bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized university. Before applying, applicants should specify the courses they wish to take and obtain approval from the teaching graduate unit or graduate units.
Those accepted with less than mid-B standing may not apply for admission to a degree program at a later date.
Advanced Standing
Advanced standing refers to academic credit awarded upon admission to a program of study which enables direct entry to an identified higher academic achievement level of the program. Students are eligible for advanced standing if they meet a clearly articulated set of objectives and/or course requirements for an advanced standing option as defined in the graduate program calendar entry. Not every program will offer an advanced standing option. Consult the graduate unit regarding advanced standing options.
Eligibility of Senior Faculty Members
Members of the faculty of the University or its federated or affiliated colleges, senior in rank to Lecturer, are normally not eligible to be graduate students proceeding to a degree at the University of Toronto. Exceptions may be granted by the SGS Admissions and Programs Committee when it is confident that the graduate program is sufficiently remote from the faculty member that academic impartiality is not compromised.
Courses Taken as a Special Student
On the recommendation of the graduate unit, and with the School’s approval, graduate courses taken as a Special Student may count for up to 1.0 full-course equivalent or 25% of the course requirements for the degree, whichever is greater, in a subsequent degree program at this University, provided that they have not already been credited towards another degree, diploma, certificate, or any other qualification. With the approval of the graduate unit, they may serve to satisfy prerequisite requirements. Special Students programs must include at least one graduate course. Any tuition fees paid as a Special Student cannot be transferred to a subsequent degree program.