Application requirements
Application requirements
All candidates must complete the SGS online application along with the required supplements. However, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not evaluated and is not required for BME admission. Do not submit your GRE score.
1.0 Requirements for all applicants
We are excited to learn more about you, through your voice and from the stories from those who know you. The SGS application comprises a personal profile, the candidate’s statement of intent, résumé/curriculum vitae (CV), video response, academic transcript(s), and supporting letters from three recommenders.
1.1 Statement of Intent or Faculty Questionnaire
Applicants may choose between one of the following options:
1.1.1 Upload a custom statement of intent
The statement of intent is your opportunity to make an impression. Why are you interested in this program? What abilities, knowledge, and/or skills can you leverage to excel in this program? How would our program help you achieve your career goals? Tell us the story of what sets you apart from the crowd. We recommend that all statements be no more than two pages in length with size eleven Times New Roman font.
TIP:
- Statement of intent guide: https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/task/write-your-personal-statement/
- Statement of intent tips: https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/types-of-writing/admission-letters/
1.1.2 Answer the standardized faculty questionnaire
Alternatively, applicants may answer five predetermined questions to explain why they are the ideal candidate for the intended program.
1.2 Résumé or CV
Applicants must provide one of the following documents:
1.2.1 Résumé
Professional program applicants should submit a résumé. The résumé should be approximately two pages in length with size eleven Times New Roman font (or similar). Applicants should highlight their academic and/or employment history to demonstrate that they possess the experience and technical skills necessary to excel in an advanced graduate-level engineering curriculum.
1.2.2 CV
Research program applicants should submit a CV. There are no page or format restrictions on the CV. Applicants should take advantage of this opportunity to provide reviewers with a comprehensive profile of their academic background including but not limited to achievements, publications, and related experience (e.g., teaching) – in reverse chronological order.
1.3 Video response to an interview question (attach your video in the “Portfolio Upload” section)
Your video response is a unique opportunity to bring your application to life. Using a computer or smartphone with a microphone and camera, applicants must record a brief (two-minutes maximum) personal response to an interview question on the application. In the video, you should be centered, facing the camera, and answer the question in a clear and articulate manner as if you are speaking directly to the BME Admissions Committee. We recommend that applicants record the video in a quiet environment using a computer or laptop with a high-definition webcam and quality microphone.
1.4 Transcripts:
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (including all programs completed, attempted, or in progress) are required. Documents presented must be in English, and certified English translations are required for all international documentation written in a language other than English. BME does not recommend translators, but the translator must be certified. Translations do not replace original documentation. Both the original documents and translations must be submitted together. Unofficial transcripts are not accepted. University of Toronto students must also submit official transcripts purchased from the Transcript Centre for consideration.
1.4.1 Digital eTranscripts (required for all applicants):
Official electronic transcripts (eTranscripts) should be uploaded directly to the online application. Documentation from credential evaluation services (e.g., World Education Services) are not acceptable substitutes for official transcripts. If the undergraduate/issuing institution(s) do(es) not provide eTranscripts, then acquire the official documents and scan them to create digital copies using the following scanning parameters: grayscale at the lowest dots-per-inch setting (typically 72 dpi). If you attended more than one institution, please merge all transcripts into a single pdf document and upload the bundle as one file. Similarly, English translations (if applicable) should be bundled with official transcripts. The full transcript together with a transcript legend must be clearly visible as a pdf file for each institution you have attended.
1.4.2 Paper transcripts (not required)
Hardcopy transcripts are not required at the time of application.
1.5 Recommenders
All applicants must identify three recommenders. Connect with your recommenders in advance of your application so that they have time to tell us all about you and set you apart from the crowd! Recommender emails must be affiliated with academic institutions or professional corporations (personal or free email domains such as Gmail are not accepted). The online application system will use the contact information provided to solicit a supporting letter from each recommender by email. Recommenders will automatically receive an email invitation to submit a recommendation for your application as soon as their contact information is entered. All recommenders must upload their letters according to the invitation instructions electronically (mailed in letters are not accepted). Kindly send your recommenders friendly reminders about deadlines to ensure timely submission.
The following program-specific recommender characteristics should be noted:
- Applicants to the research programs must include all academic recommenders. It is recommended that applicants seek references with a rank of Assistant Professor or higher because the status of your recommender will be taken into consideration for evaluation. In other words, your recommender must be able to provide a fair assessment of your academic merit as compared to other student groups at your level.
- Applicants to the doctoral program with a master’s degree must include a reference letter from their master’s supervisor.
- Applicants to the professional program may use academic and/or industry recommenders. However, we strongly recommend that professional applicants include at least one letter from upper/senior management from industry.
2.0 Additional requirements for international applicants
2.1 Degree equivalency:
Graduates of recognized academic institutions outside Canada should hold an appropriate bachelor's degree or its equivalent. International applicants should use the International Credentials Equivalencies guide to determine the minimum admission requirements to study at the University of Toronto. If your degree is not listed or if you have questions about your degree credentials, please email admissions.sgs@utoronto.ca for more information.
2.2 English language test:
Applicants from universities outside Canada where English is not the sole language of instruction must provide the results of an English language test. Applicants must arrange for their score to be reported electronically to the University of Toronto by the testing agency. The institution code for U of T is 0982-00 (There is no need to specify a department). The English test must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of application submission to be recognized as valid proof of English proficiency.
Learn more: https://uthrprod.service-now.com/kb_view.do?sysparm_article=KB0013314
Contacts and additional resources
- BME application tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_g7Dy3W2huSPywyVKiwdCNkkVBtdzUUl
- SGS online application: https://admissions.sgs.utoronto.ca/apply/
- BME general enquiries: contact.bme@utoronto.ca