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.
Admission 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.
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:
- Describe a bit about yourself (e.g. relevant interests, background, experience)
- Explain why you are interested in working in that professor’s research group
Online Application (due: January 8th, 2021)
Applications are completed through the School of Graduate Studies Online Admissions Application portal.
All application materials (including application fee) must be submitted by January 7th, 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 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.
Apply Now
Click below to be re-directed to the School of Graduate Studies Online Admissions Application
Resources
- SGS Online Admissions Application FAQAnswers to common questions about the online application system
- EEB Grad Application FAQAnswers to common questions about the EEB grad applications process
- EEB Application Check ListMake sure your application is complete.
- Letter of RecommendationThis is the letter that will be sent to your referees.
For More Information
Please contact: grad.eeb@utoronto.ca