Admissions

Come join our research community!

The University of Toronto is a leading academic institution, and provides many opportunities for our grad students. Toronto is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city—one of the most desirable in the world to study and live.

MSc & PhD Requirements

The Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology offers programs leading to MSc and PhD degrees. Applicants holding a BSc should apply to the MSc program, though exceptional candidates may apply for direct entry into the PhD program. Applicants holding an MSc should apply to the PhD program.

MSc Program

Previous degree

Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a four-year Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto.

Academic achievement

Grade average equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ in the final year of undergraduate studies, and mid-B in the preceding year.

Background knowledge

Students are expected to have an adequate background in ecology and/or evolution based on coursework and/or research experience.

Unfortunately, due to the university’s funding structure, we are unable to accept international students into the MSc program.

PhD Program

Entry with an MSc

Applicants with an MSc degree or its equivalent from a recognized university may be admitted with an average grade equivalent to at least a University of Toronto A– during the MSc, and an average of at least B+ in the final year of the bachelor’s program.

Transfer from our MSc program

Applicants accepted into our MSc program may transfer into the PhD program within the first 11.5 months of the MSc, if approved by supervisory committee.

Direct entry with a BSc

Exceptional applicants may be accepted for direct entry into the PhD program with only a BSc degree or equivalent if they: (1) have an average grade equivalent to at least a University of Toronto A– in courses in ecology and evolutionary biology, and (2) show evidence of excellent research potential.

International applicants must meet the English language requirement (see Application Materials, below).

Application Process

The graduate program begins in September each year, though it is possible to enter the program in January or May under special circumstances. Applications are due in January to begin the program in September of that year.

Complete applications, including reference letters, must be received by January 13, 2021 (note, deadline has been extended from Jan. 8)  to receive full consideration for admission as well as awards and fellowships. Applications received after this date will be considered for any remaining spots in our graduate program.

Finding a Supervisor

To be admitted to the graduate program, a member of the graduate faculty must agree to supervise you and provide the financial support required for your degree. We strongly advise you get in touch with potential supervisors via email several weeks or months before the application deadline. In your email, you should:

  1. Describe a bit about yourself (e.g. relevant interests, background, experience)
  2. Explain why you are interested in working in that professor’s research group
List of EEB Grad Faculty

Online Application (due: January 13th, 2021)

Applications are completed through the School of Graduate Studies Online Admissions Application portal.

All application materials must be submitted by January 13th, 2020. Applications received after the deadline will be considered with reduced priority.

Offers of Admission

Offers of admission are made between February and May. If you require a status update or an expedited admissions decision, please email both gradadmin.eeb@utoronto.ca and your prospective supervisor(s) describing your situation.

Application Materials

Each of the following must be submitted through your Online Admissions Application. Your application will only be considered once all materials are received.

Statement of Interest

A one-page statement describing your interest in EEB, your goals, and your reasons for choosing our department for graduate studies. Include the name(s) of potential supervisor(s) and areas of research in which you are interested. 

Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Provide a current copy of your résumé or CV. If you have published papers, please provide a URL for each paper on your CV.

Letters of Reference

Two letters of reference must be submitted electronically by the referees via the SGS Online Admissions Application. Referees will be emailed instructions after you complete the appropriate section of the online application. Applicants should contact their referees early, and check in regularly to ensure their references are submitted by the deadline.

Transcripts

One electronic or scanned (paper) transcript is required from each post-secondary institution attended. These must be up to date and include the transcript legend (usually printed on the back). Ensure the file(s) are complete and readable before submitting. If you are admitted to the program, an official verified copy of your transcript is required before registration.

Current/former University of Toronto students do not need to submit official copies of U of T transcripts after acceptance—the original digital submission will suffice.

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $125 CAD, paid by Visa or MasterCard through the online application system.

Language Requirement (International Applicants)

If language of instruction at university was not English

You must submit an official English Language Facility Test (e.g. TOEFL, MELAB, IELTS, COPE). Please review the instructions on the School of Graduate Studies website for electronic submission of official scores. 

If language of instruction at university was English, but institution is located in a country where official language is not English

You must arrange for the institution to send an official statement to the EEB Graduate Office, confirming the use of English as the language of instruction and examination. 

GRE scores are not required.

Funding

EEB’s MSc and PhD programs are both fully funded, meaning all students are paid an annual stipend to cover living expenses and the cost of tuition. The base income is approx. $30,000/year ($21,000 for rent, living expenses, etc. and approx. $9000 for tuition and other fees). To receive this base income, graduate students are expected to work as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for only 140 hours per year, which is a very low teaching load by North American standards.

Financing Your Studies
Detailed Stipend Breakdown

Resources

For More Information

Please contact: grad.eeb@utoronto.ca