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 for the 2023-2024 school year (or in the foreseeable future).

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

A limited number of MSc students will be allowed to transfer to the PhD program each year. MSc students should not assume that they will be able to transfer into the PhD program. “Transfer” is one way an EEB MSc student may enter the PhD program but is not the main route. Students in the MSc program can apply to the PhD program via the regular admission process such that the MSc student could begin a PhD after completing the MSc if their PhD admission application is successful.

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).

Before applying – we recommend International students interested in completing a PhD submit a CV, unofficial transcript(s), and a list of 2-3 professors in EEB who could supervise their research for review to Professor Helen Rodd, Graduate Coordinator Chair, to determine if your application will be competitive. Professors accept students with research interests that overlap with their own.

To search professors by research concentration, click on the EEB Faculty list and select areas of interest from the ‘concentration’ and ‘location’ dropdown menu and click apply.

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

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

If you have been awarded a major scholarship or are applying for a major scholarship that requires a conditional offer of admission, please email Kitty Lam, Graduate Administrator.

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. 

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

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.

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.

EEB values equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI). The application will invite you to share with the Grad Admissions committee any thoughts you have about how you could contribute to enhancing EDI within EEB. These might be issues around race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic justice and the like. This could be by the prospective you bring through your lived experience (e.g., as a member of a historically underrepresented/excluded community) and/or your education or involvement in EDI-related activities. This section can be a brief as you like. If you choose not to share any thoughts, just put “omit” in the text box.

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

As a way to reduce barriers for applicants in need, EEB is offering a fee waiver system intended for students for whom the grad application fee ($125) might represent a meaningful financial hardship. EEB is offering 10 fee waivers this year using a stratified lottery system. Please complete the waiver form if needed.

If you are applying for the application fee waiver, please do not pay the fee until you hear from us (approx. Dec. 17).