Rehabilitation Sciences Programs

• Find your interests early in your undergraduate years by visiting departmental and researchers’ websites and following up on lecture topics that have sparked your interest.
• Find out which undergraduate courses you need for your chosen graduate program and what grades you need for admission.
• Get hands-on experiences. This could be through undergraduate internship courses, research projects, work, or volunteer experiences in your field of interest. 
• Talk to course instructors/professors, lab instructors, teaching assistants, working professionals and graduate students in your area of interest.
• Use the U of T Blue Book bluebook.utoronto.ca to find professors.
• Speak with undergraduate and graduate student societies/unions, which often provide information sessions and seminars.
• Visit your career centre and speak to a career counselor about career management, networking, cover letters, resumes and interviews.

• Find the right fit for you by looking at several programs. 
• Know what you want to get out of the program and understand its admission requirements.

Some questions to consider:

• Is there a clear description of the program available to students?
• What is the average time to completion for students in this program?
• What is the course load?
• How much does the tuition and fees cost?
• What bursaries, internal and external awards are available?
• What kind of clinical, internship or research opportunities exist?
• Are there opportunities for formal student presentation of research?

Carefully review the SGS website and department website to make sure you have met all of the admission requirements.

Academic Requirements for Masters Programs

In general, you will need a 4-year bachelors degree from a recognized university, with a minimum of a mid-B average in the final year of study to apply.* 

*Some programs may have additional prerequisites (e.g., coursework) or higher GPA requirements than the minimum SGS requirement. Review the department website carefully. 

Language Requirements

Applicants who have completed their degree at a recognized institution whose language of instruction is not English, are required to provide a recent English-proficiency test scores (less than two years).

Other Requirements

Check with the graduate unit to confirm if a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Casper test is required as part of the program application. Most programs require a minimum of 2 reference letters and may also require your CV and a statement of interest. Some programs may require prerequisite courework, a portfolio of work, or other documented experiences. Check the department website carefully.

• Start applying at least one year before starting a program. Programs can be competitive and there are a limited number of seats available.
• Keep track of application deadlines on departments websites and on the ORPAS website.
• Contact your referees ahead of time to ask if they would be willing to provide you with a reference.
• For your referees, choose a faculty member and health care professional who know of your interests, research, work and volunteer experiences. Chose people who can provide an evaluation of your work habits, academic and clinical potential and research skills. Make sure you give your referees time to write something meaningful.
• Prepare your supporting documents (e.g., letter of intent, personal statement, resume, etc.).
• Apply through the ORPAS website.

Applicants are expected to be in a state of health that allows for participation in the academic and clinical programs without posing a risk to oneself or others. Applicants who have been offered admission to the program will be required to submit medical certification that confirms immunization against against polio, diphtheria, tetanus, rebella, measles, mumps, chicken pox and hepatitis B, as well as medical certification confirming a negative tuberculosis test result.  Other vaccines may be required.

Check with the department website for details on what type of police record check and/or vulnerable sector screening is required.

You are advised to apply for awards prior to acceptance into the program. In addition to financial aid, you may apply for other financial opportunities, such as teaching/research assistantships. Take some time to review our section on Funding for Professional and Clinical Students.

Given the level of competition in graduate programs, it is important to have a backup plan.  Make your application stronger and reapply in the next session.  Contact the program admission staff and/or faculty to talk about ways to make your application stronger.