faqs

FAQs

Do you offer a master’s degree program?

We do not offer a formal master’s degree program. Since the main focus of our graduate programs is doctoral research, the default entry point for an applicant with a qualifying bachelor’s degree is the PhD direct-entry program. Our direct-entry program is structured as five years with the first year of study akin to a master’s curriculum.

In rare instances, an applicant who has applied to the PhD direct-entry may be admitted to the MSc track. For example, if an applicant were to have an exceptional research record but fell just short of the minimum GPA requirement for direct-entry (as stipulated by the School of Graduate Studies), the Admissions Committee could make the assessment to change the degree track at that time. The intent is to then transition the student from MSc to PhD 4 year track after upon satisfactory completion of the master’s.

Will I be considered for admissions if I don’t have an undergraduate degree in astronomy or astrophysics?

Since many universities do not offer extensive undergraduate training in astronomy and astrophysics, you will still be considered for admissions if you have completed a major in physics or have a substantive background in physics that includes a significant number of advanced courses (preferably including electromagnetism and quantum mechanics) along with a solid mathematical foundation.

Please note that in addition to academic excellence in affinity coursework, the Admissions Committee will place a strong emphasis on related research experience within astronomy & astrophysics and/or physics (e.g. a directed-research course, research lab/group experience, publications – in particular refereed journals) which serves as an indicator of the applicant’s ability to engage in doctoral level research. The Admissions Committee will determine whether an applicant has sufficient background based on the application as a whole.

Can you evaluate my academic background for eligibility for graduate studies in your program? What are my chances of acceptance?

We are not able to provide pre-assessments on admissions eligibility. Please do not send any documents for evaluation. Only materials uploaded to the SGS admissions application will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

Please refer to the International Degree Equivalencies Tool to assess minimum eligibility for consideration for graduate studies at the University of Toronto.

Note that we are considered an exceptionally competitive program. Please keep in mind that applicants who are admitted consistently exceed the minimum requirements, especially so in the area of research experience within the scope of a university or research institute.

Do I need to contact potential faculty supervisors during the application stage?

No. You do not need to find a faculty supervisor during the application stage. We do not admit students at the onset to work with a particular faculty member. Our direct-entry PhD students are supported by university and departmental fellowships and teaching assistantships in the first year which allows them the flexibility to search for a suitable research supervisor and explore thesis projects after entering the program.

Students entering with an affinity master’s degree (to the 4-year PhD program) will be matched with potential faculty supervisors based on their research profile.

Do I need to submit a funding application?

No. There is no separate application for consideration for scholarship funding. You will automatically be considered for any available funding for which you are eligible. The University of Toronto has a guaranteed minimum funding package plus tuition and fees for the period of the funded cohort. For full details on funding, please refer to the Financial Support section.

Applicants are, however, encouraged to apply for external awards for which they may be eligible (e.g. scholarship opportunities may be available through your country of citizenship for doctoral studies).

Is there a January admissions round?

We do not hold a January admissions round. Applicants are only admitted for September start dates.