Applying to the PhD Program

General Information

• An application to a TST conjoint graduate degree program is made to the Graduate Centre for Theological Studies (GCTS) by completing and submitting the online application form and required supplementary documents, and paying the non-refundable application fee.
• It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all documentation is received by the application deadline.
• Applications for entrance into a program at the mid-point of the academic year, i.e., January, will not be considered and no deferrals of admission will be granted.
• All required application materials (see Step 1 - Meet Admission Requirements) must be received by the application deadline for an application to be considered for admission.
• Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission.
• A confirmation fee may be requested by the TST college of registration within a month of acceptance into a graduate degree program. Contact the registrar's office of the member college for more information.

International Applicants

• International applicants are advised that it is their responsibility to ensure that they are able to obtain the necessary study permits in time for the Fall registration. No deferrals of admission will be granted.

Admissions Committee

• Only applications that are complete will be processed for review by the Admissions Committee.
• Decisions made by the Admissions Committee concerning admissions and related matters are not subject to appeal. 
• All documents 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 TST's document retention policy.
• The Admissions Committee reserves the right to consider more recent scholarly study, alongside qualifying degrees obtained more than five years prior to the year of admission, as an indication of current ability to be successful in the program. If this is the case, then this may impact the eligibility for courses from more recent scholarly study to be eligible for transfer credit or advanced standing.

Choosing a Member College

• On the application form, applicants must indicate the member college to which they are applying. See Choosing a College.
• In order to receive information about a member college's financial aid and other resources and requirements for graduate students, applicants must contact the Graduate Degree Director of the college of application, before the application deadline.

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 aid must ensure that their application, letters of reference, and all supplementary documentation, has been received by the application deadline.
• All questions relating to scholarships should be directed to the registrar's office of the member college of application.

Refer to the Graduate Conjoint Degree Handbook for detailed program and admission information.

The Admissions Committee will take into consideration:

• grades in all previous post-secondary education with particular weight accorded to performance in the prerequisite degree(s) and in other recent programs;
• the applicant's academic background in the stated area of interest;
• the potential of the applicant for graduate study, as attested in the letters of reference;
• the quality of the applicant's statement of intent;
• the availability of qualified faculty resources in the applicant's proposed area of research;
• evidence that the applicant is likely to complete the program.

Prerequisite Education

• An applicant to the PhD program is required to have an appropriate masters degree in theology from an accredited institution*, with at least A- (3.7/4.0 GPA) standing, or equivalent. The following are recognized academic master's degrees: Master of Arts, Master of Religion, Master of Theology, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Divinity.
• If a student’s program included a research component (research paper, thesis), a grade of at least A- (3.7/4.0 GPA), or equivalent, is also required for that paper or thesis.
• Students must possess a baccalaureate degree or equivalent.
• Students from educational systems outside of North America must give evidence of equivalent standing.
• TST reserves the right to determine whether or not credentials of other degree-granting institutions meet the standards for its admissions programs. (See the Graduate Conjoint Degree Handbook, General Regulations, A3.1 Procedures for Application.)

*All theological schools fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada are deemed to be recognized institutions.

Fluency in English

An applicant whose first language is other than English must provide evidence of the ability to comprehend, speak, and write English at the graduate level.

One of the following will constitute prima facie evidence of such ability:

• 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. 
• A completed 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, Zimbabwe

Please Note:

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

English Language Tests As Evidence of Fluency

Evidence includes:

• 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); the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test; CE (Computer Edition); OR
• 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:

• 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.

Please Note:

• 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.

Research Language Requirements

• Entering students must provide evidence of competence in at least one research language other than English. Within a year of entrance, they must also provide evidence of competence in a second research language. Additional languages may be required for some research areas.
• Students are required to provide evidence of reading competence in one ancient or modern language necessary for their research. (Competence is normally demonstrated by the satisfactory completion of a two-semester course at the university level within the last four years.)
• Additional language preparation is required for admission in cases where the primary sources for the proposed area of study are in a language other than English. In such cases, applicants may be required to provide evidence of competence in more than one language and/or reading proficiency in one language. (Proficiency in a language is a higher level of reading ability, consistent with that which is normally acquired by the satisfactory completion of a four-semester course at the university level within the last four years.)
• Applicants proposing to focus their research in Biblical Studies, for example, are required to demonstrate proficiency in the language of their primary focus (Greek or Hebrew), and competence in either the other biblical language or a modern research language.
• Once admitted, all PhD students may need to give current evidence of their facility in their research language(s) by taking a TST language exam or by passing a TST language course (prior to registration in September).
• TST students who have fulfilled language requirements in TST’s other degree programs may be exempted from further examination in these languages by the Admissions Committee.

How to Meet Research Language Requirements

For admission to the PhD and ThM programs, applicants must provide evidence of language competency and in some cases proficiency. Skill in research languages may be demonstrated in the following ways:

• Transcript evidence. A student who has completed recognized post secondary courses in a foreign language within four years prior to submitting an application for graduate program admission may, by submission of transcript evidence, be deemed by the Admissions Committee to have demonstrated skill in that language. Nevertheless, unless an exemption is explicitly stated in the offer of admission letter, all applicants are required to demonstrate current evidence of reading facility by taking a TST language exam. Students may also take a TST non-credit language course in theological French and German. Students who successfully pass these courses will not be required to take TST language examinations in these languages.
• Language examination. A student may demonstrate current skill in a language by taking an examination administered by TST. Examinations usually take place in September and January. Arrangements for special examinations in languages other than Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, or German can be made with the Graduate Centre for Theological Studies.
• Other evidence. See the Graduate Conjoint Degree Handbook for other means of demonstrating skill in research languages.

Refer to the Graduate Conjoint Degree Handbook for detailed program and admission information.

Application Fee

• The $129.50 (CAD) fee is non-refundable and is paid via the online application portal when you submit your application. Upon submission you will be taken to a PayPal site to complete the fee payment. After paying, your application is complete. You will receive an email confirming it was successfully submitted.

Statement of Intent

• A statement of intent is required, 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 in the Faculty Directory 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 to 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 (CV) - optional

• You may submit a brief two to three page CV.
• The CV, as a PDF file, 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 Fluency in English

• An applicant whose first language is other than English must provide evidence of the ability to comprehend, speak, and write English at the graduate level.
• See above, Step 1 - Meet Admission Requirements, for acceptable English language tests and minimums required as evidence of English fluency.

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 post-secondary educational institutions attended and whether or not degrees were conferred, must be received by the application deadline in order for your application to be considered.
• Unofficial transcripts should be included as PDF attachments to the online application form using the file naming convention:  LastName,First Name_Name of Program you are applying to_Transcript_Name of Issuing Institution.pdf (e.g. Smith, Jane_PhD_Transcript_UofT.pdf).
• If admitted, all official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institutions and received by the GCTS Office by June 20, 2025, 4:30 pm (ET).

Official Transcripts

There are three methods by which official transcripts may be received by the GCTS:

• An official e-transcript service (e.g., E-Script or Parchment);
• A printed transcript (sent directly to the GCTS from the issuing institution) by regular postal mail (see mailing address below). Please ensure that NO signature is required upon delivery.
• A printed transcript (sent directly to the GCTS from the issuing institution) by a courier service (see delivery address below). Please ensure that NO signature is required upon delivery.

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 an 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 are the responsibility of the applicant. Information about designated educational credential assessment (ECA) organizations be found on the Government of Canada website.
• Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Academic References

• Referees should have taught or supervised the applicant and should comment candidly on the candidate's qualifications to pursue and complete graduate studies.
• References issued to students or photocopies will not be accepted. TST does not provide a letter of reference form. 

GRE Scores - optional

• Applicants may submit GRE scores to support their applications.
• The Toronto School of Theology's institutional code is 0534.

Supplementary Application Documents

• All supplementary application documents, including English proficiency test results, must be submitted as attachments to the online application form, or electronically to gcts.office@utoronto.ca, or by regular postal mail to:

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

Please ensure that you have read the information carefully above (Start Here, Step 1 and Step 2) prior to starting your application, and make note of the application deadline at the top of this page.