FAQs
Who is considered an international student?
Anyone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada and will be studying in Canada with a study authorization is considered an international student.
I'm an international student, can I apply before I find a supervisor?
MSc. Applicants: No, International MSc. applicants must have a confirmed supervisor from within the Department of Molecular Genetics before submitting an online application. A faculty sponsor must also fill out the sponsorship form found here.
Ph.D. Applicants: Yes you may apply without submitting a confirmed supervisor.
I have a copy of my transcripts, can I submit those?
You may scan and upload transcripts that have been issued to you as long as they include a transcript legend. If you are admitted to the program you are applying for, you will be asked to submit an official transcript. Transcripts are considered official if they are received by this Department directly from the issuing institution, in an envelope sealed by the issuing institution.
Do I require transcripts from all of the post-secondary institutions attended?
YES, you must scan and upload transcripts for all the post-secondary institutions you have attended. Applicants who attended universities outside North America must provide notarized English translations to accompany all foreign documentation not written in English.
How do I know if my documents have been received?
Application and document submission is done completely online. You can check your online application regularly to ensure that your referees have submitted their references.
My transcripts do not show my final year marks since my courses are still in progress. Should I wait until after my marks are on my transcripts before I order them?
No, your transcripts must be received by us by the application deadline in order for the admissions committee to review your application. If the committee feels that they need to look at your final marks prior to making a decision, you will be contacted.
Are there reference forms?
Referees will receive an e-mail requesting the completion of a reference report for you. The e-mail will include a link to an e-form that they will submit electronically.
My referee(s) do not have an institutional email address, should they send a reference via regular mail?
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All applications are reviewed electronically; therefore hard copies of reference letters cannot be accepted.
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An institutional email address is required for each of your referees. If you are submitting two references, it is imperative that both referees' institutional email addresses are provided. Should you choose to include three references, the department is open to considering one non-institutional email address. However, if you opt for a reference with a non-institutional email address, we kindly request that you reach out to us at mgy.info@utoronto.ca, providing the referee's name, title, institution, phone number, relationship to you, and a non-institutional email address.
My referee(s) have told me that they have submitted the reference online, but my records say that the letters are still pending.
If your referees have tried to submit their references online but your records show that the references have not been received, the documents were not uploaded properly. Ask your referees to resubmit the references. You can send a reminder via your online application.
Do I have to complete rotations if I already know the lab I want to work within?
Students who have already completed an M.Sc. or are in the M.D./Ph.D. program may choose either to do rotations or directly enter a lab (with the prospective supervisor's permission). An email from both the applicant and the prospective supervisor stating that both are willing to forgo the rotation process should be emailed to the Department before the application deadline.
When will I know the outcome of my application and how will I be notified?
Most applicants who meet the Early Bird (November) or First Round (January) of admission deadline can expect to receive feedback on their application within 2 months of the deadline. Anyone applying after these deadlines will receive feedback on their application after the Final deadline (May) date. All admission decisions are communicated via the online application portal. If the department requires any additional information for your application, we will reach out to you via email.