Application for admission to Fall 2023 Graduate Programs is now closed.

Application Deadlines

Doctoral (PhD) & Master's (ThM & MA)

First Round Application Deadline: 12 noon (EST), Thursday, December 1, 2022 

Second Round Application Deadline: 12 noon (EST), Thursday, February 16, 2023    

 NOTE: Applicants may submit only one application per academic year.

Supplementary Materials

Applications to all graduate degree programs are made to the Graduate Centre for Theological Studies (GCTS), at the Toronto School of Theology, by completing the online application form. All supplementary application materials, including English proficiency test results, must be submitted as attachments in the online application form, or electronically to gcts.office@utoronto.ca, or by regular postal mail to:

Graduate Centre for Theological Studies
47 Queen's Park Crescent East
Toronto, ON  M5S 2C3
Canada

Official Transcripts - Special Note

1. an official e-transcript service (e.g., E-Script or Parchment) or
2. a printed transcript (sent directly to the GCTS from the issuing institution) by regular postal mail (mailing address listed above). Please ensure that NO signature is required upon delivery.
3. a printed transcript (sent directly to the GCTS from the issuing institution) by courier service (mailing address listed above). Please ensure that NO signature is required upon delivery.  

​TST reserves the right to withdraw the option to receive materials submitted via courier service at any time due to public health restrictions relating to COVID-19.

Indicating a College

In the application, applicants must indicate the member college in which they seek to register. Applicants must contact the Graduate Director of the college of application, before the application deadline, in order to receive information about financial aid and other aspects of the school’s resources and requirements for graduate students.

Financial Aid

Applicants who wish to apply for financial aid must do so directly through the member college to which they are applying. Applicants who have applied for financial assistance must ensure that their application, letters of reference, and all supporting documentation are received by the application deadlines.

Application Deadline and Instructions (MA, ThM, PhD)

• All application fees are non-refundable.
• It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all documentation is received by the application deadline 12:00 noon (EST), December 01, 2022 for a first round application, or 12:00 noon (EST) February 16, 2023 for a second round application.  
• Applications for entrance into a program at the mid-point of the academic year (January) will not be considered and no deferrals of admission will be granted.
• All required application materials (see below) must be received by the application deadline in order for an application to be considered for admission. Only applications that are complete will be processed for review by the Admissions Committee.

Applications to the graduate program are considered by the Admissions Committee. Decisions made by the Admissions Committee concerning admissions and related matters are not subject to appeal. All materials submitted to the Admissions Committee may be used in the assessment of an application, including information submitted which is not listed as a requirement. Application materials will be destroyed as per the TST document retention policy.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to consider more recent study alongside qualifying degrees obtained more than five years prior to the year of admission as indication of current ability to be successful in the program. If this is the case, then this may impact the eligibility of courses of the more recent study for transfer credit or advanced standing. 

All questions relating to scholarships and financial aid should be directed to the college of application. Please contact the member college to which you are applying.

International applicants are advised that it is their responsibility to ensure that they are able to obtain the necessary study permits in time for registration. 

A confirmation fee may be requested by the TST college of registration within a month of acceptance into a Graduate Degree program. Please contact the registrar's office of the member college for more information.

PhD Application Material

MA Application Material

ThM Application Material

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

PhD Application Material 

• Online Application Form.
• Application Fee: $125 (CAD).  The fee is payable by PayPal. Please see Payment Methods for TST Fees for more information.
• Statement of Intent. You must submit a statement not exceeding 750 words outlining your academic interests and academic purposes. You are required to identify the nature of the research topic that you would like to explore at TST, along with your methodological and theoretical approach(es). You should indicate how your previous academic studies and language preparation have prepared you for your research area and identify TST faculty members who could support your research. Faculty members must have "GCTS Full" status to serve as a primary supervisor. Please ensure that your name and the program you are applying for are on every page of your statement. Your statement of intent is to be attached to the online application form as a PDF file using the following file naming convention: Last Name,First Name_Name of Program you are applying to_Intent.pdf (e.g. Smith,Jane_PhD_Intent.pdf). 
• Curriculum Vitae (optional). You may submit a brief two to three page curriculum vitae. The CV should be attached to the online application form using the following file naming convention: Last Name,First Name_Name of Program you are applying to_CV.pdf (e.g. Smith,Jane_PhD_CV.pdf). 
• Writing Sample. You must submit an academic writing sample (between 20-50 pages) as part of your application, demonstrating independent research and writing ability. The writing sample is to be attached to the online application form as a PDF file using the following file naming convention: Last Name,First Name_Name of Program you are applying to_Writing.pdf (e.g. Smith,Jane_PhD_Writing.pdf). 
• Evidence of Facility in English (for applicants whose first language is not English): This evidence may be either:
  (a) graduation with an earned degree of a minimum duration of two years from a recognized post-secondary institution where the language of instruction and examination is English (please see the FAQ below for more information); or
  (b) a satisfactory score in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic version, the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), the Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE), or the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test, CE (Computer Edition); or
  (c) a minimum grade of B in the advanced (level 60) Academic Preparation course in the English Language Program of the School of Continuing Studies of the University of Toronto, or equivalent standing at a comparable institution.
  Minimum score requirements are as follows:
  • TOEFL internet-based test (iBT): 93, with a minimum of 22 in the writing section and 22 in the speaking section. The TST TOEFL institution code is 0655 and the department code is 99.
  • TOEFL paper-based test: 580, with a minimum 5.0 in the Test of Written English (TWE). The TST TOEFL institution code is 0655 and the department code is 99.
  • IELTS (Academic): 7.0 with no component below 6.5. Only the Academic version of the IELTS test will be accepted.
  • MELAB: 85.
  • COPE: 76, with at least 22 in every component and 32 in the writing component.
  • CAEL: 70 minimum total with at least 60 in each part.

Even when the above standards are met, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to require additional evidence of fluency in English. When results of multiple attempts are submitted or scores submitted in addition to transcript evidence, only the evidence with the the most recent date will be considered.

• Transcripts:  Unofficial transcripts (e.g. scans, copies, or transcripts received from the student) will be accepted for initial admissions assessment - providing that the transcripts are fully legible, are complete copies of the original, and include the grading legend. Transcripts of all postsecondary educational institutions attended and whether or not degrees were conferred, must be received by the GCTS by the PhD application deadline in order for your application to be considered. Unofficial transcripts should be included as PDF attachments at the end of the application form using the file naming convention LastName,First Name_Name of Program you are applying to_Transcript_Name of Issuing Instition.pdf (e.g. Smith, Jane_PhD_Transcript_UofT.pdf). If admitted, all official transcripts must be received by the GCTS Office, sent directly from the issuing institutions, by 12 noon (EDT), June 30, 2023. *PLEASE NOTE*: TST strongly recommends applicants requisition official transcripts at the beginning of the application process:  failure to submit official transcripts by the specified deadline will result in the automatic rescission of your offer of admission.

Transcripts from International Institutions: the GCTS Office, on behalf of the Admissions Committee, may require the applicant to obtain a credential evaluation by an accredited credential evaluation service. All costs associated with the credential evaluation is the responsibility of the applicant. Information relating to accredited evaluation services can be found here.

Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.

• Academic References. You must arrange for two letters of academic reference to be sent directly by your referees, to the address above to be received by the GCTS Office by the PhD application deadline. Referees should have taught or supervised the applicant and should comment candidly on the candidate's qualifications to pursue and complete graduate studies. Letters may be sent as PDF attachments to gcts.office@utoronto.ca providing they are sent directly to the GCTS by the referee from his/her institutional email address and are in the form of high-quality scans of original, signed letters, written on institutional stationery. References issued to students or photocopies will not be accepted. TST does not provide a letter of reference form. However, notes for Academic Referees can be found below.
• GRE scores (optional). Applicants may submit GRE scores to support their applications. The Toronto School of Theology's institutional code is 0534.
• Checklist. Applicants must submit a completed copy of the PhD Application Checklist.

MA Application Material

• Online Application Form.
• Application Fee: $125 (CAD). Please see Payment Methods for TST Fees for accepted methods of payment.
• Statement of Intent. You must submit a statement not exceeding 750 words outlining your academic interests and purposes, along with your methodological and theoretical approach(es). You should indicate how your previous academic studies (and language preparation, where applicable) have prepared you for your master's studies and identify the TST graduate faculty members who could support your research interests (on the website, graduate faculty have a "GCTS" teaching level.) The statement of intent is to be attached to the online application form as a PDF file. Please ensure that your name and the program you are applying for are on every page of your statement. Your statement of intent is to be attached to the online application form as a PDF file using the following file naming convention: Last Name,First Name_Name of Program you are applying to_Intent.pdf (e.g. Smith,Jane_MA_Intent.pdf). 
• Curriculum Vitae (optional). You may submit a brief two to three page curriculum vitae. The CV should be attached to the online application form using the following file naming convention: Last Name,First Name_Name of Program you are applying to_CV.pdf (e.g. Smith,Jane_MA_CV.pdf). 
• Evidence of Facility in English (for applicants whose first language is not English): This evidence may be either:
  (a) graduation with an earned degree of a minimum duration of two years from a recognized post-secondary institution where the language of instruction and examination is English (please see the FAQ below for more information); or
  (b) a satisfactory score in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic version, the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), or the Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE), or the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test, CE (Computer Edition); or
  (c) a minimum grade of B in the advanced (level 60) Academic Preparation course in the English Language Program of the School of Continuing Studies of the University of Toronto, or equivalent standing at a comparable institution.
  Minimum score requirements are as follows:
  • TOEFL internet-based test (iBT): 93, with a minimum of 22 on the writing section and 22 on the speaking section. The TST TOEFL institution code is 0655 and the department code is 99.
  • TOEFL paper-based test: 580, with a minimum 5.0 in the Test of Written English (TWE). The TST TOEFL institution code is 0655 and the department code is 99.
  • IELTS (Academic): 7.0, with no component below 6.5. Only the Academic version of the IELTS test will be accepted.
  • MELAB: 85.
  • COPE: 76, with at least 22 in every component and 32 in the writing component.
  • CAEL: 70 minimum total with at least 60 in each part.

Even when the above standards are met, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to require additional evidence of fluency in English. When results of multiple attempts are submitted or scores submitted in addition to transcript evidence, only the evidence with the most recent date will be considered.

• Transcripts. Unofficial transcripts (e.g. scans, copies, or transcripts received from the student) will be accepted for initial admissions assessment - providing that the transcripts are fully legible and are complete copies of the original, and include the grading legend. Transcripts of all postsecondary educational institutions attended and whether or not degrees were conferred, must be be received the GCTS by the MA application deadline in order for your application to be considered. Unofficial transcripts should be included as PDF attachments at the end of the application form using the file naming convention LastName,First Name_Name of Program you are applying to_Transcript_Name of Issuing Instition.pdf (e.g. Smith, Jane_MA_Transcript_UofT.pdf). If admitted, all official transcripts must be received by the GCTS office, sent directly from the issuing institutions by 12 noon (EDT), June 30, 2023.  *PLEASE NOTE*: TST strongly recommends applicants requisition official transcripts at the beginning of the application process: failure to submit official transcripts by the specified deadline will result in the automatic rescission of your offer of admission.

Transcripts from International Institutions - the GCTS Office, on behalf of the Admissions Committee, may require the applicant to obtain a credential evaluation by an accredited credential evaluation service. All costs associated with the credential evaluation is the responsibility of the applicant. Information relating to accredited evaluation services can be found here.

Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.

• Academic References. You must arrange for two letters of academic reference to be sent directly by your referees, to the address above, to be received GCTS Office by the MA application deadline. Referees should have taught or supervised the applicant and should comment candidly on the candidate's qualifications to pursue and complete graduate studies. Letters may be sent as PDF attachments to gcts.office@utoronto.ca providing they are sent directly to the GCTS by the referee from his/her institutional email address and are in the form of high-quality scans of original, signed letters, written on institutional stationary. References issued to students or photocopies will not be accepted. TST does not provide a letter of reference form. However, notes for Academic Referees can be found below.
• GRE scores (optional). Applicants may submit GRE scores to support their applications. The Toronto School of Theology's institutional code is 0534.
• Checklist. Applicants must submit a completed copy of the MA Application Checklist.

ThM Application Material

• Online Application Form.
• Application Fee: $125 (CAD). Please see Payment Methods for TST Fees for accepted methods of payment.
• Statement of Intent. You must submit a statement not exceeding 750 words outlining your academic interests and purposes. The statement of intent is to be attached to the online application form as a PDF file. Please ensure that your name and the program you are applying for are on every page of your statement. Your statement of intent is to be attached to the online application form as a PDF file using the following file naming convention: Last Name,First Name_Name of Program you are applying to_Intent.pdf (e.g. Smith,Jane_ThM_Intent.pdf). 
• Evidence of Facility in English (for applicants whose first language is not English): This evidence may be either:
  (a) graduation with an earned degree of a minimum duration of two years from a recognized post-secondary institution where the language of instruction and examination is English (please see the FAQ below for more information); or
  (b) a satisfactory score in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic version, the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), or the Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE), or the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test, CE (Computer Edition); or
  (c) a minimum grade of B in the advanced (level 60) Academic Preparation course in the English Language Program of the School of Continuing Studies of the University of Toronto, or equivalent standing at a comparable institution.
  Minimum score requirements are as follows:
  • TOEFL internet-based test (iBT): 93, with a minimum of 22 on the writing section and 22 on the speaking section. The TST TOEFL institution code is 0655 and the department code is 99.
  • TOEFL paper-based test: 580, with a minimum 5.0 in the Test of Written English (TWE). The TST TOEFL institution code is 0655 and the department code is 99.
  • IELTS (Academic): 7.0, with no component below 6.5. Only the Academic version of the IELTS test will be accepted.
  • MELAB: 85.
  • COPE: 76, with at least 22 in every component and 32 in the writing component.
  • CAEL: 70 minimum total with at least 60 in each part.

Even when the above standards are met, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to require additional evidence of fluency in English. When results of multiple attempts are submitted or scores submitted in addition to transcript evidence, only the evidence with the most recent date will be considered.

• Transcripts. Unofficial transcripts (e.g. scans, copies, or transcripts received from the student) will be accepted for initial admissions assessment - providing that the transcripts are fully legible and are complete copies of the original,  and include the grading legend. Transcripts of all postsecondary educational institutions attended and whether or not degrees were conferred, must be received the GCTS by the ThM application deadline in order for your application to be considered. Unofficial transcripts should be included as PDF attachments at the end of the application form using the file naming convention LastName,First Name_Name of Program you are applying to_Transcript_Name of Issuing Instition.pdf (e.g. Smith, Jane_ThM_Transcript_UofT.pdf). If admitted, all official transcripts must be received by the GCTS office, sent directly from the issuing institutions by 12 noon (EDT), June 30, 2023.  *PLEASE NOTE*: TST strongly recommends applicants requisition official transcripts at the beginning of the application process: failure to submit official transcripts by the specified deadline will result in the automatic rescission of your offer of admission.

Transcripts from International Institutions - the GCTS Office, on behalf of the Admissions Committee, may require the applicant to obtain a credential evaluation by an accredited credential evaluation service. All costs associated with the credential evaluation is the responsibility of the applicant. Information relating to accredited evaluation services can be found here.

Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.

• Academic References. You must arrange for two letters of academic reference to be sent directly by your referees, to the address above, by the ThM application deadline. Referees should have taught or supervised the applicant and should comment candidly on the candidate's qualifications to pursue and complete graduate studies. Letters may be sent as PDF attachments to gcts.office@utoronto.ca providing they are sent directly to the GCTS by the referee from his/her institutional email address and are in the form of high-quality scans of original, signed letters, written on institutional stationary. References issued to students or photocopies will not be accepted. TST does not provide a letter of reference form. However, notes for Academic Referees can be found below.
• GRE scores (optional). Applicants may submit GRE scores to support their applications. The Toronto School of Theology's institutional code is 0534.
• Checklist. Applicants must submit a completed copy of the ThM Application Checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the GCTS confirm that my materials have been received? We will confirm receipt of your application form. Due to high volume of emails, we are unable to respond to further questions relating to the receipt of documentation. We therefore strongly encourage you to submit all application materials well in advance of the deadline.  

2. May I submit more than one writing sample? Only one writing sample may be submitted. If you submit more than one, the first sample received, or the first attached to your application form, will be used.

3. If I am not accepted to the college or degree of my choice, will I be considered for admission into another college or degree? If you have indicated your consent for your application to be considered by other colleges and/or to other programs, you may receive an alternative offer of admission. Alternate offers are subject to admission requirements for that degree and availability of space. If you wish to be considered for alternative offers be sure to check the box indicating your consent.

4. Is it possible to apply to more than one TST college? No. If you wish to be considered for other programs or colleges if you are not successful with your first choice be sure to check the box indicating your consent.

5. Will you contact my references? The GCTS reserves the right to contact your references to verify the written references or to request further information relating to your application.

6. When will I hear the results of my application? If you submitted a complete application by the stated deadline, decision letters will be sent via email by February 10, 2023 for first found considerations and April 10, 2023 for second round considerations. 

7. Does my previous degree earned in an English language institution qualify to meet the English language proficiency requirement? If your first language is not English, you would not normally be required to provide proof of English-language proficiency at the time of application if you have completed (at least) a two-year degree (full-time) at a recognized post-secondary institution from an institution recognized by the University of Toronto and where the language of instruction and examination is uniformly English, or if you have completed a degree of at least two year's duration (full-time) in one of the following countries/regions:

Australia, Barbados, Botswana, Ghana, Guyana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

NOTE: Some applicants from the above-mentioned countries/regions may still be required to provide proof of English proficiency as English is not the sole language of instruction at all universities.

When results of multiple attempts are submitted, or scores submitted in addition to transcript evidence, only the evidence with the most recent date will be considered.

The language of instruction and examination must be verified by TST. Applicants should provide an official academic transcript with a note confirming the use of English as the language of instruction and examination. If the official academic transcript does not have this note, applicants should make arrangements for an official statement to be sent from their institution directly to TST confirming the use of English as the primary language of instruction and examination.

8. What do I do if  I am having difficulties in uploading my documents?  You can send them to gcts.office@utoronto.ca.  Ensure that you have used the correct file naming convention and send them as attachments. Please do not send documents that you have uploaded.

If you have further questions about the information on this page, please contact the GCTS Office.