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IMS Student Handbook

2025-2026 Academic Year

Dr. Lucy Osborne

Welcome to the Institute of Medical Science

On behalf of the Institute of Medical Science, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you, whether you are joining us as a new student or continuing your graduate studies. Here at IMS, you will find a vibrant community that supports academic curiosity, prioritizes professional development, and celebrates scientific discovery.  

The IMS provides graduate training for more than five hundred students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. We’re nearing the end of our Strategic Plan 2021-2026: Community, Connections and Impact. This plan highlights our vision, mission and top three priorities: improving student-driven graduate training, connecting our IMS community of scholars, and attracting and engaging diverse and talented students and faculty. I am inspired by the progress we’ve made in reaching our goals and am excited for what we will collectively accomplish next.

You will graduate with a Master of Science (MSc) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from the University of Toronto, School of Graduate Studies - Division IV, Life Sciences. This virtual Student Handbook provides an overview of important information and resources to help you succeed during your graduate school journey. I encourage you to explore and take advantage of the full range of opportunities our Institute offers – whether in your laboratory, in the classroom, at conferences, or in conversations with colleagues at IMS events.

I hope this year will be productive and fulfilling for you, and I look forward to seeing the impact you will make as scholars and scientists.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lucy Osborne, PhD

Interim Director, Institute of Medical Science
Professor, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics
Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

Our Student Handbook is fully online.

Visit the links below to find all the information you need to succeed as an IMS graduate student. 

IMS Community

The IMS is one of the largest graduate units at the University of Toronto with over 500 students and 700 faculty members. The IMS is run by a dedicated team of academic administrators and administrative staff and supported by a number of committees. We have many different fantastic students groups that you can become involved in.

Staying Connected

The IMS Student Listserv includes all registered doctoral (MSc & PhD) students. It is updated at the beginning of each semester (September, January and May). The email address used is the one listed in your ACORN account. 

Graduate Program

The IMS aims to provide an enriched graduate culture with emphasis on scholarship in translational medical research, and advanced research training for both physician and non-physician graduate trainees leading to MSc and PhD degrees.

Awards

You are strongly encouraged to apply for all awards for which you are eligible. There are dozens of awards, internal and external to the University. As award competitions become available, they will be announced to you and the faculty via email.

Fees & Funding

The University of Toronto requires that all new and continuing doctoral stream students receive an annual student stipend. A “stipend” refers to the funds a student receives during the program funding commitment period.

Graduate Courses

Completion of graduate course requirements is an essential part of ensuring that you have a working knowledge of the fundamentals in your chosen discipline, are adequately specialized in your field, and have a broad appreciation of modern health sciences.

Degree Completion

You will graduate from the University of Toronto, School of Graduate Studies - Division IV, Life Sciences with either a Master of Science (MSc) OR Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).  Eligible MSc students also have the option of transferring to the PhD, i.e. doctoral program, hence the term doctoral-stream programs.

Version

The Student Handbook was last updated August 2025.