How do I apply?
Applications are made through an online system. Paper copies of application forms are not available. Carefully read the application instructions, complete the online forms and upload supporting documents before the deadlines. Click here for Application Instructions.
When must I apply?
On-line applications will be available October 16, 2024, and applications to degree programs in Public Health Sciences and Community Health will be available until 11:59pm EST on the following dates:
|
November 22, 2024 |
| MPH Advanced Standing: Nutrition & Dietetics 1-yr program | November 22, 2024 |
| MPH Indigenous Health (Summer 2025 start) | January 10, 2025 |
|
January 17, 2025 |
Degree programs offered by the Graduate Department of Public Health Sciences will not be available in the online admission application system after the posted deadline. Late applications cannot be considered.
All required application materials including supporting documents and letters of reference must be submitted by the application deadline dates indicated above.
What are the minimum admission requirements?
Our minimum admission requirements, which are based on those of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), can be found here.
Can I still apply if I don’t meet all the admission requirements?
If you have recently graduated, but do not meet the admission criteria, you will not be eligible for admission to PHS programs.
What documents are required for an application?
- Application form
- Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Intent
- Statistics Requirement form – applicable to Black Health, Epidemiology, Indigenous Health and Social and Behavioural Health Science applicants
- Letters of Reference – Two (2) letters are required for DrPH, PhD, MPH, MSc and MScCH programs, however the MHSc in Bioethics program requires three (3) letters. Letters of Reference are submitted online via the application portal. Do not solicit letters of reference from more than the required number of referees indicated here as only the requisite number of references will be reviewed.
- Scanned transcript of all undergraduate and graduate programs previously attended, even if a credential was not earned. The admissions committee must be able to review your complete academic history, including all courses completed and the grades received. Submitting a copy of your diploma is not sufficient.
- Un-official English Language Proficiency scores – if applicable. Official scores should be sent directly to University of Toronto (Enrolment Services) from the testing centre.
- Payment of $125 application fee (online payment, non-refundable and non-transferable)
- Release Letter from Employer – This additional document is required from applicants to the MHSc in Bioethics program only.
Do I need to submit an Official transcript?
University-issued transcripts are preferred, as they provide all of the important information necessary for accurate assessment of your academic history. Be sure to include one page of the back-side, which contains details about the institution’s courses, grading schemes and GPA calculation practices.
Academic records available from university online systems are also acceptable, as long as they include all of the necessary information. Please see information on scanned transcripts in the Application Instructions for more details.
Must I write a test of English Language Proficiency (ELP)?
Proficiency in the English language is required and must be established by all applicants from universities outside of Canada where the language of instruction is not English. However, a university education in English may not be considered sufficient (e.g. ELP is still required for graduates from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia). The notation that English was the language of instruction should appear on the official transcript of the institution at which the admitting degree was completed. If you completed your admitting degree in a country where English is not the native language, you must take a test of English Language Proficiency (ELP) which includes a test of written English.
ELP scores from an approved test of must be no more than 2 years old and must be submitted at the time of application. Click here for more info.
IELTS Indicator test and results from the IELTS One Skill Retake will not be accepted. Applicants must achieve at least the minimum scores required for admission on a single date.
What if my English Language Proficiency scores are not available before the application deadline?
Whenever possible, enter your self-reported English proficiency test scores into your application profile.
If you will not have your results, and will not be able to enter your scores, before the application deadline, please email the Graduate Office at admissions.dlsph@utoronto.ca with your test date and the date you expect results to be available.
Remember to have the testing agency send your electronic scores directly to University of Toronto, Enrolment Services. You should make this request when schedule your test or when you arrive at the test centre on the testing day, so that the results may be transferred as soon as they are available.
I am applying to an MPH, what is the statistics requirement?
For several fields of study, at least one undergraduate statistics course is required before you can enter the program. Information can be found here.
Should I write the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
The GRE is not required for admission to any degree program or field of study in the Graduate Department of Public Health Sciences. Do not upload GRE test scores into your application; they will not be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
I am interested in the MPH degree, but I am not sure which field of study I should choose?
Please review the program descriptions carefully and/or consult the appropriate Program Director for advice before you make your final decision.
Can I transfer my application from one degree program or field of study to another?
No. Each program has different admission criteria and you should be certain of the degree and program in which you are interested and eligible. If you select the wrong Graduate Unit or Program of Study by mistake, you may create a new application. A separate application fee payment may be required, depending on the stage of the incorrect application. Before you make your application payment, please make sure you have selected the correct program.
What if I haven’t completed my degree?
Applicants who are in a degree program at the time of application, should upload current transcripts reflecting work in progress. If possible, wait until your most recent Fall grades are available before uploading your current transcript to your application profile. Remember that all supporting documents, including transcripts, must be uploaded by the application deadline. Final official transcripts, with a notation indicating “Degree Conferred”, will only be requested of successful applicants after they have been admitted.
Can I complete the program as a Part-time student?
A part-time attendance option is available for the MPH, MScCH and MSc degree programs, however the full-time option is the standard for most degree programs in Public Health Sciences. In order to make our programs more accessible to students, we have introduced a range of program formats. However, most classes are held between 9:00-5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
MPH, MScCH and MSc program applicants must state their attendance intentions in the application. MPH students may transfer from full-time and part-time status once, within the first year of study. Students in MSc and MScCH programs may only transfer from full- to part-time status within the first academic session in which they begin their program.
The maximum time limit to complete the program as a part-time student is 6 years.
PhD students who are working and wish to study on a part-time basis must apply to the Flexible-time program. Flexible-time PhD students normally register and pay full-time fees for the first four years of the program, after which a transfer to part-time status can be made.
The MHSc and DrPH programs are only available for full-time study.
Do I need a supervisor before I can apply to the DrPH or PhD program?
PhD applicants will need to have a confirmed supervisor when they are admitted. Applicants should have a clear idea of the potential area of research, so that research interests can be matched with that of our faculty. Profiles of our faculty are available in the Faculty Database.
Applicants to the DrPH program do not need to have a supervisor at the time of admission, but should also have a clear idea of the potential area of research to facilitate supervisor selection.
Will I be funded during my program, and to what level?
PHS ensures a minimum threshold of funding to PhD students according to the PhD Funding Policy for PhD Students. This policy is reviewed and revised each year, and annual funding threshold is determined based on the policy established for the upcoming academic year.
DrPH and Master’s students are not included in the funded cohort, but there are a number of opportunities for awards and bursaries available. Information is available on the DLSPH and SGS website.
All applicants are encouraged to apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS). Application information and instructions will be posted on the PHS Student Awards & Funding Opportunities some time in October. Please check this page regularly for OGS and other award competitions.
How do I check the status of my application?
Log on to the SGS applicant website. You will be able to confirm that all documents have been received, included both of your references, when you see the green checkmark.
Please check your online application regularly. Your application will only be assessed after all documentation and the application fee payment have been received. You may need to follow-up with your referees to ensure timely submission of reference letters.
All supporting documents and letters of reference must be uploaded by the application deadline. Receipt of documents will not be confirmed by phone, fax, email or mail.
When will I be notified of my acceptance/rejection by the programs?
For applicants who submitted completed applications to programs with a November or December deadline, letters of acceptance or rejection will begin to be sent out in February-March.
For applicants who submitted completed applications to programs with a January deadline, letters of acceptance or rejection will begin to be sent by late March.
Every effort will be made to ensure that all applicants will have received an answer by June 30.
Please review the posted Application Timeline.
What are the tuition fees?
The current U of T schedule of fees can be viewed at the Student Accounts website.
Can I defer my admission?
Requests of admission deferral are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be permitted as a result of extenuating circumstances beyond the applicant’s control. Admission deferrals are generally not granted for reasons including financial constraints or other academic or employment opportunities.
Do you have a question that wasn’t answered here? Email admissions.dlsph@utoronto.ca