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.

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).

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

Complete applications, including reference letters, must be received by January, 2022 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.

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.

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