Welcome to the Department of Molecular Genetics!

Deadlines

This program runs three admissions rounds each year, all for a September start date. Students may apply only once per academic year.

The key deadlines are:

• November 15th: For international and early domestic applicants (decision in December).
• January 15th: For all applicants (decision in March).
• May 1st: For domestic applicants only (decision in June).

Supporting documents must be submitted by the selected deadline.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A four-year BSc degree or nearing completion.
• A B+ average or higher for MSc admission.
• An A- average or higher for PhD (Direct Entry).

Applications are reviewed holistically, considering transcripts, research experience, references, and the personal statement.

Transcript Requirements:

• MSc: Minimum cumulative B+ GPA.
• PhD: Minimum cumulative A- GPA.
• Consideration is given to academic trajectory and scientific course performance.

Competitive Applicants:

• Non-classroom experience in laboratory work (wet or dry).
• Strong backgrounds in relevant fields such as genetics, molecular biology, or quantitative sciences with an interest in biology.

International Applicants: Degree equivalencies are evaluated upon application submission. English language proficiency is required if prior education was not in English.

Minimum scores for English tests:

• TOEFL IBT: 93 (Writing/Speaking 22)
• IELTS: 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in each component)

Meeting minimum standards does not guarantee admission.

Funding

Starting September 2024, PhD students are guaranteed five years of funding with two automatic one-year extensions, while MSc students receive three years of funding with a one-year extension. Those starting before September 2024 receive full program duration funding.

Funding sources include scholarships, fellowships, and supervisor grants. Stipends follow the Harmonized Base Funding Agreement, with tuition reductions for extended PhD students. Top-ups of $2,000–$4,000 apply to external awards, but exclude certain UofT Fellowships.

The Medical Genomics Program offers two rounds of admissions for a September start. The key deadlines are:

• January 15th: For all applicants (decision in March).
• May 1st

Admission Requirements

Applicants entering the program in either stream who have NOT completed an advanced (graduate level) degree will have obtained a minimum undergraduate B+ grade average. Applicants entering the program following the completion of an advanced degree will have received a minimum undergraduate B grade average. 

Applicants will complete an application package including:

• All previous university transcripts

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• Letter of intent (1 to 2 pages maximum), including how this program will have an impact on their future career path

• Three reference reports from professional, academic, or other qualified referees

Preferred applicants will have relevant research and/or clinical experience and demonstrate an immediate and substantive use of this degree in professional practice. We will invite them for a 30-minute interview to confirm student excellence. Twenty students will be accepted per year.

Deadlines

Applications open on Thursday, September 12, 2024

Required Prerequisites

All Applicants must register with the National Matching System (NMS). The Application Procedures page provides instructions.

Four-year bachelor's degree preferably in the biological sciences, including the prerequisite courses listed below in bold from a recognized university. Please note the following prerequisite courses must entirely pertain to the specified subject matter (i.e. a segment within another course will not qualify). Please also note that the application form will require you to list the course code, title and URL link to the syllabus of courses you have taken that meet the prerequisite requirements. We have indicated comparable courses at the University of Toronto (where indicated). We will not review applications that do not satisfy the prerequisite requirements. If you did not yet complete prerequisites at the time of application, you must provide proof of enrollment.

Biology

Molecular Biology/Genetics

Biochemistry – comparable course at the University of Toronto BCH210H1: Biochemistry 1: Proteins, Lipids and Metabolism

Embryology – comparable course at the University of Toronto: ANA301H1: Human Embryology. If a comparable course is not offered at your institution, a comparable online course from a recognized post-secondary institution (e.g. University of Cincinnati, Clinical Embryology) that provides a grade is acceptable.   We will accept Developmental Biology in lieu of the Embryology pre-requisite requirement if it focuses heavily on development. 

Statistics (an introductory course is acceptable)

Psychology (an introductory course is acceptable)

***We do not accept Advanced Placement (AP) courses*** 

**Please note that the Molecular Biology/Genetics prerequisite must be completed in the last 5 years or less.**

**All prerequisites must be completed by April 30.**

**Please consider applying for the next academic year cycle if you have two or more outstanding requirements.**

Academic Standing

 Cumulative GPA of 3.3 (77%-79%) out of a possible 4.0

Academic standing of a minimum of B+ in the above required pre-requisite courses. 

Experience In Counselling Setting 

This experience can be paid or volunteer and can include a family planning centre, a crisis intervention centre or a textline/hotline.

This experience should promote the development of communication and interpersonal skills. Therefore, a component of training supervision would be beneficial. This must be 1-1 counselling experience

Language Requirements

If your primary language is not English and you graduated from a non-Canadian university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, you must complete an English facility exam. You must meet this requirement at the time you submit your application. You may complete any of the following tests:

TOEFL (U of T Institutional code: 0982-00)

Paper-Based Test & TWE: Overall Score 580, TWE 5

Internet-Based Test IBT: Overall Score 93, Writing/Speaking 22

IELTS: (Academic) 7.0, with at least 6.5 in each component

MELAB: 85

COPE: 76 (with at least 22 in each component and 32 in the writing component)

Academic Preparation Course: Final grade of B in Level 60

Starting September 2024, PhD students are guaranteed five years of funding with two automatic one-year extensions, while MSc students receive three years of funding with a one-year extension. Students who achieve "permission to write" within their funded period will be supported through thesis defence and corrections. Those starting before September 2024 receive full program duration funding.

Funding sources include scholarships, fellowships, and supervisor grants. Stipends follow the Harmonized Base Funding Agreement, with tuition reductions for extended PhD students. Top-ups of $2,000–$4,000 apply to external awards, but exclude certain UofT Fellowships.

Students are responsible for tuition, and stipends may be paused for leaves of absence or delays in thesis writing. Award applications are encouraged from external agencies, and several departmental awards are also available.

For more details, refer to the Graduate Handbook and RHSE website.