Established in 1843, the University of Toronto’s medical school stands as a venerable institution with a rich legacy of medical breakthroughs that have profoundly impacted the world. From the groundbreaking discovery of stem cells to the life-changing isolation of insulin, has left an indelible mark on the field of medicine. On top of that, many policies improving UofT med school requirements have been made since the insititution of the university to improve application processes and extend application accessibility to diverse set of applicants across Canada and abroad.
Nestled in the heart of Canada, this illustrious institution is not only one of the longest-running medical schools in the nation but also a beacon of academic and research excellence that shines brightly on the global stage. Year after year, it has earned its place among the finest medical institutions worldwide.
To apply to the University of Toronto (UofT) medical school, you need to have some university experience; you cannot apply directly from high school. The earliest you can apply is in the third year of your undergraduate studies. Requirements vary based on your academic background:
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Internationally educated students
You also need to meet non-academic requirements.
Undergraduate Students in Canada
- Bachelor’s Degree
- You need to complete at least 3 years (15 full courses) of a Canadian bachelor’s degree in any field by April of the year you plan to start medical school.
- If you’re in your final year of a 3- or 4-year program, you must finish all degree requirements before enrollment.
- If you’re applying in your third year of a 4-year program, you must show you’ve completed the third year’s requirements before enrollment.
- Courses should match the level of your study year (e.g., third-year courses in your third year).
- If you’re in your third year, take at least three third-year courses. In your fourth year, focus mostly on third- and fourth-year courses.
- GPA (Grade Point Average)
- Minimum required GPA: 3.6/4.0 (but 3.8/4.0 is competitive).
- Your GPA will be calculated based on your previous academic years, excluding your current one during the application process.
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
- Must take the MCAT before the application deadline.
- Minimum scores: 125 in each section, but 124 is allowed in one section.
- Scores are not ranked competitively, and only your most recent MCAT score (within 5 years) is considered.
- Prerequisite Courses
- 2 full courses in life sciences.
- 1 full course in social sciences, humanities, or languages.
- Academic Explanations Form
- This optional form allows you to explain anything that affected your academic performance (e.g., personal challenges, medical issues, or co-op programs).
- You can list up to 3 situations, explain their impact, and request special consideration.
For Graduate Students
- Degree Completion
- You must finish your graduate program by June 30 of the year you plan to start medical school.
- If you’re still finishing your degree, you must submit proof of completion before enrollment. Missed deadlines mean losing your spot in the program.
- GPA Requirements
- Minimum GPA: 3.3/4.0 (but 3.7/4.0 is more competitive).
- Graduate-level work is considered in the admissions process.
- Academic Explanations Form
- Graduate students can also use this form to explain circumstances affecting their performance.
For International Students
- Degree Requirements
- You need a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a 4-year Canadian degree.
- If you studied outside Canada, submit your transcripts to World Education Services (WES) for assessment (not needed for U.S. degrees).
- If you’re in the final year of your degree, you must finish all requirements before enrollment.
- Special International Spaces
- A limited number of seats are available for students in specific international training programs. These are not funded by the government and are only for non-Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Domestic vs International Students
| Criteria | Domestic Applicants | International Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. | Limited number of seats available. |
| Application Process | Apply through OMSAS. | Same process as domestic, plus visa requirements. |
| Tuition Fees | Lower fees compared to international students. | Higher tuition fees. |
| Funding and Loans | Eligible for Canadian student loans and bursaries. | Limited access to financial aid. |
| Admission Preferences | Priority is given to domestic applicants. | Competitive; limited spaces available. |
Additional Notes:
- Electives or Observerships: UofT offers programs for international medical students and graduates to gain training experience.
- For details on applying as an internationally trained doctor, see the information on International Medical Graduates.
Academic Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Minimum of 15 full-year courses (equivalent to 4 years of undergraduate study). |
| GPA | Minimum cGPA of 3.6 on a 4.0 scale. |
| MCAT | Must meet minimum cut-off scores in each section (specifics vary by application year). |
| Prerequisite Courses | No specific prerequisite courses required. |
| Transcript Submission | Must be submitted to OMSAS by the stated deadline. |
Visit the related links or contact UofT for any questions.
Non-Academic Requirements for University of Toronto MD Program Admissions
Overview
The non-academic qualifications are assessed using personal essays, autobiographical sketches, and references. These materials are evaluated in alignment with the Faculty of Medicine’s mission, values, and the MD Program competencies. The goal is to select students who will become empathetic and highly skilled physicians.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation is based on four attribute clusters derived from the CanMEDS Framework:
- Professional: Demonstrates maturity, reliability, perseverance, and responsibility.
- Communicator/Collaborator/Manager: Skills in communication, collaboration, teamwork, time management, and leadership.
- Advocate: Exhibits advocacy, community service, and social responsibility.
- Scholar: Academic excellence and achievements in leadership, research, and social responsibility through awards, presentations, publications, and scholarships.
The applicant’s proficiency in English is also considered, with possible requests for additional information.
Non-Academic Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Brief Personal Essays | Two essays (250 words each) addressing provided questions. Evaluated independently. |
| Autobiographical Sketch | Comprehensive list of activities since age 16, including employment, volunteer work, research. |
| ABS Statement | 500-word essay describing a significant experience demonstrating personal growth and values. |
| Attribute Clusters | Evaluation based on Professional, Communicator/Collaborator/Manager, Advocate, and Scholar. |
| Verifiers | Contact information required for activities; verifiers subject to random checks. |
| References | Three references submitted to OMSAS; must not include family or peers. |
Required Submissions
1. Brief Personal Essays
Applicants must submit two original essays, each up to 250 words (excluding titles, references, and verifiers).
- Purpose: To reflect the Faculty’s mission and values, particularly social responsibility.
- Evaluation: Essays are reviewed independently of other application materials.
- Questions for 2025-2026 Cycle:
- Essay 1: In what way(s) are you a product of the world around you? How has it, or how will it, impact your journey in medicine?
- Essay 2: Reflect on Charlie Munger’s quote about modifying and destroying ideas when appropriate. Explore how this applies to a career in medicine.
Essays are subject to plagiarism checks. Applicants may opt-out of this by emailing the admissions office by January 6, 2025.
2. Autobiographical Sketch (ABS) & ABS Statement
- Autobiographical Sketch: A comprehensive list of activities and achievements since age 16, such as:
- Employment
- Volunteer activities
- Extracurriculars
- Awards and accomplishments
- Research
- Other significant experiences
- ABS Statement: A 500-word essay detailing an impactful experience from the ABS that demonstrates personal growth, character, and values. This experience should highlight how it prepared the applicant for medical school.
The ABS and ABS Statement are evaluated together but independently of other application materials.
3. Verifiers
For each activity listed in the ABS or essays, provide the name, address, and phone number of a contact person who can verify the activity. Verifiers are subject to random checks and must be informed about this possibility.
4. References
- Number Required: Three references submitted directly to OMSAS.
- Eligibility: References must not include family members, family friends, or peers. Acceptable referees include academic mentors, supervisors, or spiritual advisors (if not family or close friends).
- Submission Deadline: October 1, 2024. Applications with late references will not be considered.
Key Deadlines
- Essay Plagiarism Opt-Out: January 6, 2025
- Reference Submission: October 1, 2024
Additional Notes
Applicants must notify all verifiers and referees in advance. Ensuring timely submission of all required materials is the applicant’s responsibility.
Tuition Fees (2024-2025 Academic Year)
St. George Campus
| Category | Ontario Domestic | Non-Ontario Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Year One) | $23,090 | $26,200 | $91,760 |
| Incidental + Ancillary Fee | $2,326.88 | $2,326.88 | $2,326.88 |
| University Health Insurance Premium | – | – | $756 |
| Total Fee Payable (Year One) | $25,416.88 | $28,526.88 | $94,464.88 |
Mississauga Campus
| Category | Ontario Domestic | Non-Ontario Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Year One) | $23,090 | $26,200 | $91,760 |
| Incidental + Ancillary Fee | $2,904.84 | $2,904.84 | $2,904.84 |
| University Health Insurance Premium | – | – | $756 |
| Total Fee Payable (Year One) | $25,994.84 | $29,104.84 | $95,420.84 |
Additional First-Year Student Budget Items
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Equipment | $1,000 |
| Living Expenses | $17,577 |
| Total Costs | $18,577 |
Scholarships and Awards Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Types of Scholarships | Merit-based scholarships are offered based on: |
| – Academic standing | |
| – Community or faculty involvement | |
| – Extracurricular activity | |
| – Financial need | |
| – Indigenous ancestry | |
| Eligibility | Recipients must be in good standing (satisfactory progress in every program element, including professionalism). |
| Financial Need Criterion | Determined by unmet need as assessed by OSAP or UTAPS. |
| Application Requirements | Most scholarships require no application; eligible students are contacted by email for those that do. |
| Monetary Value | Variable and typically supplementary. |
| Donor Acknowledgment | Recipients may write a thank-you note to donors through the Donor Appreciation page. |
| Additional Financial Aid | Information on bursaries, loans, and other assistance is available on the financial aid page. |
Steps to Apply for the University of Toronto MD Program
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Review Academic Requirements: Ensure you meet all academic prerequisites outlined for admission. |
| 2 | Review Non-Academic Requirements: Understand the personal essays, autobiographical sketches, and references needed for assessment. |
| 3 | Apply Online via OMSAS: Submit your application through the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) by October 1, 2024, at 4:30 PM ET. |
| 4 | Submit All Required Materials: |
| – Arrange for all academic transcripts to be sent to OMSAS. | |
| – Include transcripts for all university-level courses, even incomplete ones or those without granted credit. | |
| – Release MCAT scores to OMSAS. (Scores must be released annually, regardless of test date.) | |
| – Send any additional required materials directly to OMSAS. | |
| 5 | Check the OMSAS Verification Report: |
| – Review the online report to confirm all application materials (transcripts, references, MCAT scores) have been received before the deadline. | |
| – Incomplete files will not be reviewed. | |
| Important Notes | – False or Misleading Information: Discovery of false, misleading, or withheld information will result in immediate disqualification or revocation of admission. |
| – Firm Acceptance Elsewhere: If you have firmly accepted an offer from another Ontario medical school, your application to U of T will be automatically canceled. |
Additional Resources
- OMSAS Application Guide: For detailed instructions and deadlines.
- Important Dates: Visit the University of Toronto MD Program website for key application dates.
Interview Stage Overview
The interview is the final step in the admissions process, with about 640 applicants invited for interviews.
Selection Process
- Candidates are chosen for interviews based on their application review scores.
- Interview dates are randomly assigned as reviews are completed, with no correlation to applicant rankings.
- Applicants not selected for interviews receive a refusal letter.
- Invitations and refusals are sent continuously until the last interview date.
Interview Dates
MD Virtual MPI:
- Sunday, February 9, 2025
- Saturday, March 15, 2025
- Sunday, March 23, 2025
MD/PhD Virtual MPI:
- Saturday, March 8, 2025
- Sunday, March 9, 2025
There are no alternative dates for the MD/PhD interviews.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Invitations are sent by e-mail via OMSAS. Update your e-mail address on OMSAS if needed.
- Invitations are typically sent at least two weeks before the interview but may be sent as late as the week of the interview.
- Respond to your invitation by the deadline provided. Failure to respond may result in your application being canceled.
- For accommodations (e.g., technical or accessibility needs), notify the Admissions Office at md.applicants@utoronto.ca as soon as you receive your invitation. Supporting documentation may be requested.
- Religious or extenuating circumstances may be accommodated if notified via e-mail or the RSVP form.
Interview Format
The University of Toronto uses the Modified Personal Interview (MPI) format.
In-Person MPI:
- Four independent interviews assessed by different interviewers (physicians, students, professionals, and community members).
- Each interview lasts about 12 minutes.
Virtual MPI (vMPI):
- Four video-based interviews assessed by different raters.
- Applicants provide 5-minute video responses to questions asynchronously.
- Raters include members of U of T’s medical community.
The MPI and vMPI assess qualities like communication, problem-solving, and alignment with the values of U of T’s medical program.
UofT Student Financial Support
1. Purpose
No student should miss out on studying at the University of Toronto because of financial difficulties.
2. Who This Policy Covers
This policy applies to all types of financial support offered by the University, including:
- Grants, Bursaries, Scholarships, and Fellowships: Financial help to reduce education costs.
- External Awards: Awards funded by outside organizations.
- Institutional Loans: University-arranged loans with favorable terms.
- Work-Study Programs: Jobs that help students earn money while studying.
- Teaching and Research Assistantships: Paid positions for assisting professors.
| Type of Aid | Examples |
| Grants & Scholarships | Merit-based or need-based awards |
| Work-study Programs | Campus jobs |
| Assistantships | Teaching or research roles |
| Loans | University-arranged financial aid |
3. How the Policy Works
3.1. Financial Support Guarantee
- Every eligible student will get enough financial support to cover their needs.
- Needs are assessed using a method similar to the Ontario Student Assistance Plan (OSAP).
3.2. Support by Student Type
A. Full-Time Students (Non-Doctoral)
- Must first use OSAP loans.
- Any remaining unmet needs will be covered by:
- Grants for undergraduate students.
- Mix of grants and loans for professional program students.
B. Doctoral Students
- Guaranteed multi-year funding, including:
- Grants, fellowships, and assistantships.
- Loans only as a last resort.
C. Part-Time Students
- A program to assess and meet their financial needs is being tested.
D. Out-of-Province Students
- Use home province financial aid.
- If their aid is less than OSAP, the University offers loans to cover the difference.
E. International Students
- Must show financial resources when applying for a visa.
- Eligible for emergency help and competitive support packages for doctoral students.
| Student Type | How Needs Are Met |
| Full-time Undergraduates | OSAP + Grants |
| Professional Students | OSAP + Mix of Grants & Loans |
| Doctoral Students | Multi-year grants, assistantships, & limited loans |
| Part-time Students | Pilot support program |
| Out-of-Province Students | Home province aid + University loans for shortfalls |
| International Students | Emergency assistance & competitive doctoral packages |
4. Merit-Based Awards
- Separate awards recognize academic excellence, encouraging talented students to attend and excel at the University.
5. Financial Counselling
Students can access financial counselling for help managing their finances and understanding available support.
6. Administration
- Rules for managing this policy will be created by the Vice-Provost and Registrar.
- These rules will be shared with the academic policy committee.
7. Annual Reports
Each year, the University will publish a report including:
- Levels of financial need.
- Types and sources of aid provided (e.g., grants, loans).
- Financial aid breakdown for doctoral students.
- Graduate debt levels.
- Student feedback on program accessibility.
8. Advocacy
The University supports government policies that promote accessible, well-funded educati
The achievements – including academic and non-academic areas – of each applicant are assessed in
Extra:
Verifiers: Authenticating Your Achievements
In cases where certain information highlighted in your ABS requires verification, applicants are expected to provide the name, address, and phone number of at least one verifier for each significant achievement or activity. Verifiers play a crucial role in confirming the authenticity of your experiences and achievements, ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the admissions process.
Letters of Reference: Building Your Professional Reputation
UofT requires applicants to submit three references to the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) to supplement their applications. Each reference consists of a narrative letter and an Assessment form. These references serve as a window into your character, work ethic, and potential as a future healthcare professional. The admissions team carefully considers the insights provided by your referees as they assess your application in alignment with the four clusters of criteria mentioned earlier.
Black Student Application Program: Fostering Inclusivity
UofT’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity is exemplified through programs like the Black Student Application Program. This initiative actively supports Black medical student representation at UofT, offering an optional application stream for Black medical applicants who identify as Black African, Black North American, or Black Caribbean. This inclusive approach also extends to multi-racial applicants who identify with their Black ancestry.
Indigenous Student Application Program: Embracing Cultural Diversity
The Indigenous Student Application Program at UofT is designed to increase the number of medical students from First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities. This optional stream provides a platform for applicants to share their experiences and connections with Indigenous communities, reflecting UofT’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusivity.
MD/PhD Program: Bridging Clinical Expertise and Research Excellence
The MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto is a national leader in training and mentoring future clinician scientists. This program is a gateway to achieving both clinical and research excellence, allowing students to benefit from the guidance of renowned researchers in their chosen medical field. The funding packages available within this program, particularly beneficial for international students, provide access to unparalleled knowledge and a unique opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the world of medicine.
Conclusion: Forging the Future of Healthcare at UofT’s Medical School
The University of Toronto’s medical school program is not merely a place of learning; it’s a transformative journey that nurtures students into empathetic, highly skilled healthcare professionals. Rooted in an evidence-based approach, this program emphasizes student-centric learning, recognizing the diverse talents and experiences each individual brings to the table.
In the pursuit of medical excellence, UofT takes a holistic approach that extends far beyond the classroom. The institution proudly partners with world-renowned healthcare centers and hospitals, offering students unparalleled exposure to every facet of medicine. Through these collaborations, students gain a profound understanding of the intricacies of healthcare, harnessing the knowledge, skills, and compassion required to excel in their chosen fields.
But UofT’s commitment to medical education doesn’t stop at the hospital doors. Community-based activities are integral to the educational process, providing students with an intimate understanding of the impact they can have on the health and well-being of individuals and communities. This approach creates an environment of engagement, fostering a profound sense of purpose and dedication in each student.
As we bring our journey through the University of Toronto’s medical school to a close, it is evident that this institution is not just one of the best in Canada; it is among the very best in the world. The combination of academic rigor, real-world exposure, and a commitment to nurturing future healthcare leaders places UofT’s medical school on a global stage, where it continues to shape the future of healthcare, one student at a time. The impact of this remarkable institution reverberates far beyond its walls, touching the lives of individuals and communities, and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of medicine. It is an institution that has and will continue to redefine the boundaries of medical education, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future.