Graduate Program Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A four-year bachelor's degree in kinesiology, physical education, human kinetics, or a complementary degree in health science, life science, and/or movement/rehabilitation science. In order to be eligible for admission with a complementary degree, practical experience in the area of kinesiology is required.
  • Applicants may also be considered for admission with a four-year bachelor’s degree in an area not described above, with at least 5 years of work experience in the area of kinesiology, and evidence of professional training or certification in the area of kinesiology (for example, strength and conditioning certification, physical literacy certification).
• A minimum mid-B average (73% to 76%) in the final year. This applies to all applicants, regardless of the admission pathway.
• Two letters of reference. At least one letter must be from an academic referee.
• A Statement of Intent
• Proficiency in the English language must be demonstrated by all applicants educated outside Canada whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English. The Faculty prefers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), with minimum scores:
  • *Paper-based test: 600 with 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE) and 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE). *Internet-based test: 100/120 overall and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

International Student Applicants

International students are a valuable presence in the Graduate Department of Kinesiology and are expected to meet the same requirements for admission as domestic students.

• Use the International Credentials Equivalencies tool to see which international credentials are required for admission. This tool will help you determine whether or not you have the minimum qualifications needed in order to apply to our graduate programs.
• Applicants from universities outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of their application.
• Applicants must follow the School of Graduate Studies' (SGS) policies on English Language Requirements. For more information on the policy and eligible testing, visit the SGS webpage on English Language Proficiency Testing.

The application deadline for the MPK program (including the application fee of $125 CDN and all supporting documents and references) for Fall 2024 admission is March 1, 2024.

• No late applications will be accepted and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all information and documentation is both correct and complete.
• Please note that if the application fee is not paid, the application will not be processed. We will not review applications that are paid after the Application Deadline.
• Create your account and submit your application to the University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies (SGS) through the secure SGS Online Admissions application website.
• On the SGS Online Admissions Application, select the Program "Professional Kinesiology" and the Degree Program "MPK-Professional Kinesiology".
• Pay your application fee $125 CDN online. Detailed instructions about payment options are outlined in the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to check the online system to verify that the documents have been received. Only complete applications will be considered (including online application, application fee payment, references and supporting documents).
• Review the MPK Admissions FAQs section for answers to the most commonly asked questions.

• Completion and submission of the online application form, including the non-refundable application fee payment of $125 CDN.
• Two letters of reference: At least one letter must come from an academic referee who is familiar with the applicant’s academic performance. The second letter may be from an academic or from a professional source who can comment on the applicant’s experience and aptitude for health care.
  • The references must be submitted through the online web form (no hard copies accepted). The applicant will provide the referee's institutional email address on the online application form. Personal email addresses will not be accepted. Once the application fee is paid, an email is sent to the referee with instructions.
  • References must be submitted by the application deadline specified. Please be sure to inform your referee well in advance of the deadline and let them know to expect to receive a request by email to complete the web form. It is your responsibility to remind your referee of the deadline to submit their reference.
• A Statement of Intent: Please use the provided Statement of Intent template and upload the completed Statement of Intent with your application.
  Statement of Interest Template
• An up-to-date resumé: Include your education, employment history (including names of employers, job titles, position responsibilities, dates employed, full or part time), awards, business and professional achievements, certifications, community activities, as well as any special skills.
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable): If you cannot provide proof of English language proficiency, your application will not be considered.
• Transcripts: One copy of your up-to-date transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, whether or not a degree was conferred. Transcripts (from all your post-secondary institutions attended) must be uploaded to the application form in the initial phase of the application process. The Graduate Department of Kinesiology will request official, original copies if you are offered admission.
• Please note: transcript and documents must be sent in specific formats which are outlined in the Transcripts and Supporting Documentation section below.

1. What is the difference between the MPK program and the MSc program?
   
   The MPK program is a course-based graduate program in the professional practice of kinesiology. This full-time, 16-month program offers a mix of classroom, case-based, laboratory and experiential education.
   
   The MSc program is intended to broaden students' understanding of the various interdisciplinary aspects of kinesiology as well as to provide them with the necessary scholarly and technical research skills so that they may pursue a high-quality research project.
2. What do you mean by equivalent degree?
   
   Applicants to the MPK program must have a four-year bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Physical Education, Human Kinetics or an equivalent degree, with a minimum B average in the final year. For questions regarding degree eligibility, please contact grad.kpe@utoronto.ca.
3. Is there a format to follow for the statement of interest?
   
   Please complete the statement of interest within the required page limit and upload it to your application. All documents should be single spaced, using Times New Roman and 12 pt font.
   
   Statement of Interest Template
4. Do I need to submit official transcripts?
   
   All applicants are required to upload one electronic or scanned transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
   
   Scanned copies of transcripts must be up to date, readable, and must include the transcript “legend” which is usually printed on the back of the paper transcript. More detailed requirements for scanning and submitting can be found in the Transcripts and Supporting Documentation section below.
   
   The admissions committee will make its decision about your application based on this scanned transcript. Please ensure that the file is complete and readable before submitting. For more specific information, please review the Transcripts and Supporting Document Submission section below.
5. What if I need help with my application?
   
   For specific questions about admissions and program requirements, please contact grad.kpe@utoronto.ca
   
   For determining the status of your application, please visit the 'My Applications' page after you log into your account.
   
   For information on international degree equivalencies, please visit the School of Graduate Studies' resource on Applying as an International Student.
   
   For questions about the online application or the application process in general, please refer to the University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies FAQ section. If your question is not answered in these resources, please contact the School of Graduate Studies’ admissions team at admissions.sgs@utoronto.ca or by phone at 416-978-6614.
   
   Be sure to always include your name and application reference number in your emails or phone messages.
6. What do I do if a referee doesn't have an institutional e-mail address?
   
   You will enter your referees’ names and (institutional) email addresses into your Online Application. The system will automatically email an electronic reference request to each referee when the application fee is paid. It is highly recommended that applicants contact their referees ahead of time to confirm both their availability and their preferred institutional email address. If your referee does not have an institutional email address, please contact grad.kpe@utoronto.ca.
7. Did you receive my supporting documentation?
   
   You are responsible for ensuring that you have read and understood the application requirements, and that you have gathered all the necessary components of your application package by the deadline.
   
   You can check the receipt status of your documents by logging into the Online Application and viewing the details of your application.
8. When will I know the results of my application?
   
   Applicants may monitor the status of their application by logging into the Online Application.

Applicants must have:

• Appropriate bachelor’s degree: Bachelor of Physical Health Education, Bachelor of Kinesiology or its equivalent from the University of Toronto or from another recognized university.
• A background in physical education and health or a discipline compatible with research interests and the interdisciplinary nature of our faculty is preferred.
• An academic standing equivalent of a University of Toronto B+ (76-79%) in the last five full-course equivalents of relevant, senior-level courses.

International Student Applicants

International students are a valuable presence in the Graduate Department of Kinesiology and are expected to meet the same requirements for admission as domestic students.

• Use the International Credentials Equivalencies tool to see which international credentials are required for admission. This tool will help you determine whether or not you have the minimum qualifications needed in order to apply to our graduate programs.
• Applicants from universities outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of their application.
• Applicants must follow the School of Graduate Studies' (SGS) policies on English Language Requirements. For more information on the policy and eligible testing, visit the SGS webpage on English Language Proficiency Testing.

• Please note that we only accept new students for September entry.
• No late applications will be accepted and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all information and documentation is both correct and complete.
• Please note that if the application fee is not paid, the application will not be processed. We will not review applications that are paid after the Application Deadline.
• Please note that if the application fee is not paid, the application will not be processed.
• Create your account and submit your application to the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) through the secure SGS Online Admissions application website.
• On the SGS Online Admissions Application, select the Program "Kinesiology" and the Degree Program "MSC-Kinesiology".
• Pay your application fee of $125 CDN online. Detailed instructions about payment options are outlined in the online application.
• It is your responsibility to check the online system to verify that the documents have been received. We will only consider your application if it is complete, which means you have entered your personal and academic information in the online application, paid the application fee and uploaded all required supporting documents to the application and your referees have uploaded their references to the online application.

• Completion and submission of the online application form, including the non-refundable application fee payment of $125 CDN.
• Two letters of reference: At least one letter must come from an academic referee who is familiar with the applicant’s academic performance. The second letter may be from an academic or from a professional source who can comment on the applicant’s experience and aptitude for health care.
  • The references must be submitted through the online web form (no hard copies accepted). The applicant will provide the referee's institutional email address on the online application form. Personal email addresses will not be accepted. Once the application fee is paid, an email is sent to the referee with instructions.
  • References must be submitted by the application deadline specified. Please be sure to inform your referee well in advance of the deadline and let them know to expect to receive a request by email to complete the web form. It is your responsibility to remind your referee of the deadline to submit their reference.
• A Statement of Interest: A one-page statement explaining your research interests and why you are applying to the program. Download the Statement of Interest template and upload the completed form with your application.
  Download the Statement of Interest template
• Current CV (curriculum vitae): Include presentations, publications, papers, awards, certifications, work/volunteer experience, education, etc.
• Two samples of scholarly writing: these can be essays, publications or the abstract and results section of a thesis (please do not upload your entire thesis - instead you may submit the abstract and results sections only). All other samples should not exceed 8-10 pages. Any samples that exceed this page limit will NOT be accepted.
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable): If you cannot provide proof of English language proficiency, your application will not be considered.
• Transcripts: One copy of your up-to-date transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, whether or not a degree was conferred. Transcripts (from all your post-secondary institutions attended) must be uploaded to the application form in the initial phase of the application process. The Graduate Department of Kinesiology will request official, original copies if you are offered admission.
• Please note: transcript and documents must be sent in specific formats which are outlined in the Transcripts and Supporting Documentation section below.

1. What is the difference between the MPK program and the MA/MSc program?
   
   The MPK program is a course-based graduate program in the professional practice of kinesiology. This full-time, 16-month program offers a mix of classroom, case-based, laboratory and experiential education.
   
   The MA and MSc programs are intended to broaden students' understanding of the various interdisciplinary aspects of kinesiology as well as to provide them with the necessary scholarly and technical research skills so that they may pursue a high-quality research project.
2. What are the application deadlines?
   
   The application deadline (including the application fee of $125 CDN and all supporting documents and letters of reference) for the MA and MSc in Kinesiology was February 1, 2024.
3. Is there a format to follow for the statement of interest?
   
   Please download the Statement of Interest template, complete it within the required page limit and upload it to your application. All documents should be single spaced, using Times New Roman and 12 point font.
4. Do I need to submit official transcripts?
   
   All applicants are required to upload one electronic or scanned transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
   
   Scanned copies of transcripts must be up to date, readable, and must include the transcript “legend” which is usually printed on the back of the paper transcript. More detailed requirements for scanning and submitting can be found in the Transcripts and Supporting Document Submission section below.
   
   The admissions committee will make its decision about your application based on this scanned transcript. Please ensure that the file is complete and readable before submitting.
5. What kind of writing samples do I need to provide?
   
   The two samples of scholarly writing can be essays, publications or the abstract and results section of a thesis (please do not upload your entire thesis, instead you may submit the abstract and results sections only). All other samples should not exceed 8-10 pages. Any samples that exceed this page limit will NOT be accepted.
6. Can I identify more than one supervisor I am interested in working with?
   
   You will have to indicate a potential supervisor upon completing your application. You can identify more than one potential supervisor.
   
   We highly recommend that you learn more about our faculty members and their research to determine a supervisor that would best be suited to your interests.
7. What if I need help with my application?
   
   For specific questions about admissions and program requirements, please contact grad.kpe@utoronto.ca
   
   For determining the status of your application, please visit the 'My Applications' page after you log into your account.
   
   For information on international degree equivalencies, please review the International Student Applicants section under the Admission Requirements for the MA/MSc program heading.
   
   For questions about the online application or the application process in general, please refer to the University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies FAQ section. If your question is not answered in these resources, please contact the School of Graduate Studies’ admissions team at the admissions.sgs@utoronto.ca or by phone number at 416-978-6614.
   
   Be sure to always include your name and application reference number in your emails or phone messages.
8. What do I do if a referee doesn't have an institutional e-mail address?
   
   You will enter your referees’ names and (institutional) email addresses into your Online Application. The system will automatically email an electronic reference request to each referee when the application fee is paid. It is highly recommended that applicants contact their referees ahead of time to confirm both their availability and their preferred institutional email address. If your referee does not have an institutional email address, please contact grad.kpe@utoronto.ca.
9. Did you receive my supporting documentation?
   
   You are responsible for ensuring that you have read and understood the application requirements, and that you have gathered all the necessary components of your application package by the deadline.
   
   You can check the receipt status of your documents by logging into the Online Application and viewing the details of your application.
10. When will I know the results of my application?
    
    Applicants may monitor the status of their application by logging into the Online Application.

Applicants must have:

• A master's degree from the University of Toronto, or a recognized university. Formal graduate training in kinesiology is preferred.
• Successfully defended a thesis at a recognized university.
• An academic standing equivalent of a University of Toronto A- (80-84%) in the master's degree completed.
• Sought out a potential supervisor from our faculty: No applicant will be admitted to the program, regardless of academic standing, unless they have a supervisor. A supervisor is not required at the time of application, but applicants are encouraged to begin their search early.
  Learn more about our faculty members and their research areas

Admission Requirements for the Direct-Entry PhD program

Applicants must have:

• An appropriate Bachelor of Kinesiology, or its equivalent from the University of Toronto or from another recognized university
• A background in kinesiology or a discipline compatible with the research interests and interdisciplinary nature of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education is preferred
• An academic standing equivalent to a University of Toronto A– (80% to 84%) in the last five full-course equivalents of relevant, senior-level undergraduate courses.
• A potential supervisor identified from our faculty: A supervisor is not required at the time of application, but applicants are encouraged to begin their search early. Only applicants who have a supervisor will be admitted to the program.
  Learn more about our faculty members and their research areas

International Student Applicants

International students are a valuable presence in the Graduate Department of Kinesiology and are expected to meet the same requirements for admission as domestic students.

• Use the International Credentials Equivalencies tool to see which international credentials are required for admission. This tool will help you determine whether or not you have the minimum qualifications needed in order to apply to our graduate programs.
• Applicants from universities outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of their application.
• Applicants must follow the School of Graduate Studies' (SGS) policies on English Language Requirements. For more information on the policy and eligible testing, visit the SGS webpage on English Language Proficiency Testing.

• Please note that we only accept new students for September entry.
• No late applications will be accepted and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all information and documentation is both correct and complete.
• Please note that if the application fee is not paid, the application will not be processed. We will not review applications that are paid after the Application Deadline.
• Please note that if the application fee is not paid, the application will not be processed.
• Create your account and submit your application to the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) through the secure SGS Online Admissions application website.
• On the SGS Online Admissions Application, select the Program "Kinesiology" and the Degree Program "PHD-Kinesiology". Pay your application fee $125 CDN online. Detailed instructions about payment options are outlined in the online application.
• It is your responsibility to check the online system to verify that the documents have been received. We will only consider your application if it is complete, which means you have entered your personal and academic information in the online application, paid the application fee and uploaded all required supporting documents to the application and your referees have uploaded their references to the online application.

• Completion and submission of the online application form, including the non-refundable application fee payment of $125 CDN.
• Two letters of reference: At least one letter must come from an academic referee who is familiar with the applicant’s academic performance. The second letter may be from an academic or from a professional source who can comment on the applicant’s experience and aptitude for health care.
  • The references must be submitted through the online web form (no hard copies accepted). The applicant will provide the referee's institutional email address on the online application form. Personal email addresses will not be accepted. Once the application fee is paid, an email is sent to the referee with instructions.
  • References must be submitted by the application deadline specified. Please be sure to inform your referee well in advance of the deadline and let them know to expect to receive a request by email to complete the web form. It is your responsibility to remind your referee of the deadline to submit their reference.
• A Statement of Interest: A one-page statement explaining your research interests and why you are applying to the program. Download the Statement of Interest template and upload the completed form with your application.
• Current CV (curriculum vitae): Include presentations, publications, papers, awards, certifications, work/volunteer experience, education, etc.
• Two samples of scholarly writing: these can be essays, publications or the abstract and results section of a thesis (please do not upload your entire thesis - instead you may submit the abstract and results sections only). All other samples should not exceed 8-10 pages. Any samples that exceed this page limit will NOT be accepted.
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable): If you cannot provide proof of English language proficiency, your application will not be considered.
• Transcripts: One copy of your up-to-date transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, whether or not a degree was conferred. Transcripts (from all your post-secondary institutions attended) must be uploaded to the application form in the initial phase of the application process. The Graduate Department of Kinesiology will request official, original copies if you are offered admission.
• Please note: transcript and documents must be sent in specific formats which are outlined in the Transcripts and Supporting Documentation section below.

1. What are the application deadlines?
   
   The application deadline for the PhD in Kinesiology program (including the application fee of $125 CDN all supporting documents and letters of references) is January 12, 2024.
2. Is there a format to follow for the statement of interest?
   
   Please download the Statement of Interest template, complete it within the required page limit and upload it to your application. All documents should be single spaced, using Times New Roman and 12 point font.
3. Do I need to submit official transcripts?
   
   All applicants are required to upload one electronic or scanned transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
   
   Scanned copies of transcripts must be up to date, readable, and must include the transcript “legend” which is usually printed on the back of the paper transcript. More detailed requirements for scanning and submitting can be found in the Transcripts and Supporting Document Submission section below.
   
   The admissions committee will make its decision about your application based on this scanned transcript. Please ensure that the file is complete and readable before submitting.
4. What kind of writing samples do I need to provide?
   
   The two samples of scholarly writing can be essays, publications or the abstract and results section of a thesis (please do not upload your entire thesis, instead you may submit the abstract and results sections only). All other samples should not exceed 8-10 pages. Any samples that exceed this page limit will NOT be accepted.
5. Can I identify more than one supervisor I am interested in working with?
   
   You will have to indicate a potential supervisor upon completing your application. You can identify more than one potential supervisor.
   
   We highly recommend that you learn more about our faculty members and their research to determine a supervisor that would best be suited to your interests.
6. What if I need help with my application?
   
   For specific questions about admissions and program requirements, please contact grad.kpe@utoronto.ca
   
   For determining the status of your application, please visit the 'My Applications' page after you log into your account.
   
   For information on international degree equivalencies, please review the International Student Applicants section under the Admission Requirements for the PhD program heading.
   
   For questions about the online application or the application process in general, please refer to the University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies FAQ section. If your question is not answered in these resources, please contact the School of Graduate Studies’ admissions team at the admissions.sgs@utoronto.ca or by phone number at 416-978-6614.
   
   Be sure to always include your name and application reference number in your emails or phone messages.
7. What do I do if a referee doesn't have an institutional e-mail address?
   
   You will enter your referees’ names and (institutional) email addresses into your Online Application. The system will automatically email an electronic reference request to each referee when the application fee is paid. It is highly recommended that applicants contact their referees ahead of time to confirm both their availability and their preferred institutional email address. If your referee does not have an institutional email address, please contact grad.kpe@utoronto.ca.
8. Did you receive my supporting documentation?
   
   You are responsible for ensuring that you have read and understood the application requirements, and that you have gathered all the necessary components of your application package by the deadline.
   
   You can check the receipt status of your documents by logging into the Online Application and viewing the details of your application.
9. When will I know the results of my application?
   
   Applicants may monitor the status of their application by logging into the Online Application.

• Completion and submission of the online application form, including the non-refundable the application fee payment of $125 CDN.
• Up-to-date transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Brief statement of intent stating the reason(s) for application and the courses you intend to take if accepted.

Interested applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission or have extenuating circumstances should contact grad.kpe@utoronto.ca directly for more information.

Please note: transcript and documents must be sent in specific formats which are outlined in the Transcripts and Supporting Documentation section below.

• All applicants are required to upload one electronic or scanned transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
• Scanned copies of transcripts must be up to date and must include the transcript “legend” which is usually printed on the back of the paper transcript. More detailed requirements for scanning and submitting can be found below. The admissions committee will make its decision about your application based on this scanned transcript. Please ensure that the file is complete and readable before submitting.
• For transcripts from Canadian universities only: In lieu of a scanned copy of a paper transcript, applicants may upload a PDF file of their academic history from their university's student web service. Printing to PDF directly from your web browser is ideal; if this is not possible you may copy and paste the information into a word processing program and print to PDF from there (or save as a PDF). The file should include the university's grading legend and your name. Some universities do not include the same information on the student web service as they do on the transcript (e.g. class size or average). If the admissions committee determines that the file is incomplete you may be asked to submit a copy of the transcript instead. We may request that you submit an official, unopened transcript at a later date.
• University of Toronto students need to upload electronic transcripts as well. You can take a screenshot of your ACORN academic record and upload that or copy and paste the academic record from ACORN into Microsoft Word and upload that document.

• Please scan your transcript in grayscale at the lowest dots per inch (dpi) setting that results in a legible document. We recommend 72 dpi whenever possible.
• The file must be in .PDF format. Image files, such as those in .jpg or .bmp formats, must be converted to .PDF before uploading.
• The file size of each scanned transcript file to be uploaded must not exceed 3 megabytes (MB).
• If a transcript from a single institution has multiple pages, the pages must be combined into a single PDF before uploading. You will not be able to upload transcript pages individually.
• If your transcript is double-sided, please be sure to scan the front and back of each page.
• The transcript legend (usually printed on the back of a paper transcript) must appear at least once for every scanned transcript submitted.
• Scanned documents must be clearly legible and print on standard CDN/U.S. 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
• Do not upload a document that is password-protected or that contains macros.