Minimum Qualifications

Students are admitted under the general regulations of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto. Specific requirements for planning graduate studies include:

MSc Planning

  • A recognized bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, with high academic standing with minimum of B+ in final year
  • A recognized degree in planning, geography or social science, or a closely related field is acceptable
  • Degrees in the life sciences, humanities, or professional programs, provided this preparation includes significant coursework in the social sciences prior to entry (normally equivalent to at least five courses)

We view professional planning or related experience favourably during the admissions process and encourage applications from those belonging to groups that are currently underrepresented in the academic and professional worlds of planning. The application process includes submission of a statement of intent, transcripts, three confidential reference letters (at least two from university instructors), samples of the applicant’s written work (where appropriate), and a curriculum vitae.

If you do not meet the minimum academic requirements (GPA or have not completed a degree in a related field) please contact us for information on how to complete a qualifying program.

PhD

PhD applicants should have a recognized master’s degree and have completed all previous graduate level studies with an A- average or higher. Students can enter the program with either a Master’s degree in Planning or a related field. They should demonstrate competence in analytical methods (or successful completion of one of two methods courses in the current MScPl program or an equivalent Master’s program).

We view professional planning or related experience favourably during the admissions process and encourage applications from those belonging to groups that are currently underrepresented in the academic and professional worlds of planning.

International Degrees

Applicants with international degrees can consult the International Degree Equivalencies Database to determine whether their degree is recognized.

English Language Facility

Applicants whose first language is not English and who have graduated from a university where the language of instruction and testing was not English must submit an approved English language facility test with an acceptable score.

The most commonly used English language facility tests are TOEFL internet based test (IBT) and IELTS. Minimum required scores for TOEFL IBT are 22 on each component (writing, speaking, listening) and an overall score of 93. Minimum required scores for IELTS (academic) are 6.5 on each component (writing/structure, reading, listening, speaking) and an overall score of 7.0.

Applicants are required to achieve the minimum required scores on an accepted test by the application deadline. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

The School of Graduate Studies maintains a listing of other acceptable English Facility Tests and minimum scores required.