Doctoral Stream Programs Requirements
Entry into the Institute of Medical Science graduate program is evaluated on three essential criteria:
- Academic Requirements
- Motivation
- References
In order to be considered for admission, you must meet our minimum entry requirements, which are higher than the School of Graduate Studies’ minimum entry requirements. If you are not sure whether your degree is from a recognized university program, check the International and Exchange Students page on the School of Graduate Studies website.
1. Academic Requirements
You must meet our minimum academic requirements to be considered for graduate studies in the IMS.
The original transcript(s) you submit are central to determining your academic readiness for entry to the IMS. An elaboration of the transcript (what the grades mean, difficulty of the course, explanation for low grades) can be included in the referee’s letter or by the student during the interview. You are expected to have taken level 3 and 4 courses in your senior undergraduate years, including most courses in the general area of your proposed graduate degree.
Academic preparation is also reflected in research skills and achievements, especially for those whose schooling ended more than 5 years prior to application.
MSc Program Requirements
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PhD Direct Entry Program Requirements
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PhD Program Requirements
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2. Motivation
Academic excellence is necessary, but will not guarantee admission. Motivation to conduct research is important. This can also be demonstrated through:
- Application for external funding prior to admission. The application itself, even if unsuccessful, speaks to motivation
- Summers spent in laboratories or other research settings pertinent to your graduate program
- Participation in research presentations
- Authorship on publications
- Presentation of a proposed research project at the time of interview
- A letter of intent that contains a relatively specific outline of the proposed thesis work
- Early attempts to contact potential supervisors
- Early application for graduate studies
3. References
Your three required references must be from University/College faculty members who know you well enough to be familiar with your strengths and abilities. At least one reference must be from a faculty with whom you conduct research as a summer or project student. We want to know how you might function in an active research environment. Referees receive requests and instructions for references electronically, as part of the on-line admission process.
Ineligible references include:
- Sessional Lecturer
- Adjunct Professor
- Post-doc Fellow
- Teaching Assistant
- Research Assistant/Associate
- Manager
Admissions Guide
To assist you in your decision, review the Admissions Guide on graduate studies at the University of Toronto here.