MHSc Admission FAQs

What are the prerequisites needed to apply to the MHSc program?
Applicants are required to complete the following prerequisite courses with a minimum of B+ in each course:

  • 0.5 full course equivalents in child development
  • 0.5 full course equivalents in elementary statistics
  • 0.5 full course equivalents in general linguistics
  • 1.0 full course equivalents in human physiology
  • 0.5 full course equivalents in phonetics
  • 0.5 full course equivalents in research methods


How do I know if a particular course will satisfy a prerequisite?

Please review the Approved Prerequisite Courses page to view acceptable courses from a variety of institutions across Canada.


The course I would like to use is not listed on the prerequisite chart. Can I still use it?

For courses that are not currently listed on our website, you will need to obtain department approval to use them towards prerequisites. To begin the review process, please submit a course outline to  Approved Prerequisite Courses | Speech-Language Pathology – Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto (utoronto.ca)


Can I use summer courses and online courses to satisfy the prerequisites?

Yes, you may use summer courses and online or correspondence courses to satisfy the prerequisites as long as they are listed on the Approved Prerequisite Courses page. For courses that are not currently listed on our website, you will need to obtain department approval to use them towards prerequisites. To begin the review process, please submit a course outline to  Approved Prerequisite Courses | Speech-Language Pathology – Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto (utoronto.ca)


Can I use courses completed as a non-degree student towards the prerequisites?

Yes, you may use courses completed as a non-degree student to satisfy the prerequisites as long as they are listed on the Approved Prerequisite Courses page. For courses that are not currently listed on our website, you will need to obtain department approval to use them towards prerequisites. To begin the review process, please submit a course outline to  Approved Prerequisite Courses | Speech-Language Pathology – Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto (utoronto.ca)

I have completed courses outside of Canada that I think will satisfy the prerequisites. Can I use them?

For courses that are not currently listed on our website, you will need to obtain department approval to use them towards prerequisites. To begin the review process, please submit a course outline to  Approved Prerequisite Courses | Speech-Language Pathology – Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto (utoronto.ca)


What does the single asterisk (*) beside certain courses on the prerequisite charts mean?

The single asterisk (*) beside some of the course codes on the prerequisite charts indicates that those particular courses are expiring and will be accepted towards the indicated prerequisite category for the final time in January 2020. After this date, these courses will no longer be accepted towards prerequisites.


What do the double asterisks (**) beside certain physiology courses on the prerequisite charts mean?

The double asterisks (**) beside some of the physiology course codes on the prerequisite charts indicate that those particular courses will be accepted for up to 0.5 full course equivalents towards the physiology prerequisite. These courses need to be paired with a 0.5 full course equivalent in general human physiology from our approved lists. Please note that completing two courses each with double asterisks (**) does not satisfy the physiology prerequisite.

I didn’t earn a B+ in a prerequisite course, can I re-take the course?

Yes, you may re-take courses to improve your grades.

I have already finished my undergraduate degree but I still need to take the prerequisite courses. How do I proceed?

Prerequisite courses may be completed as part of a degree program or you may take them as a non-degree student. For more information on how to enroll in courses as a non-degree student at the University of Toronto, please visit the Faculty of Arts and Science.

Can I apply to the MHSc program if I haven’t completed all of the prerequisite courses?

Yes, you may apply to the MHSc program with one or more prerequisite courses in-progress or outstanding. On your application, please clearly indicate which courses are in-progress and which courses are planned for the future. Please note that ORPAS must receive final transcripts indicating successful completion of all prerequisite courses with a minimum of a B+ in each course no later than June 30, 2025 for a September 2024 entry to the program.

I am an international student. Am I eligible for the MHSc program?

No, international students are not eligible for the MHSc program. If you are interested in pursuing a research degree, please visit the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute for information on how to apply to the MSc or PhD in speech-language pathology as an international student.

My undergraduate degree was completed outside of Canada. How do I verify that my degree is acceptable?

Applicants are required to be Permanent Residents or Canadian Citizens at the time of the application. Prospective students with foreign credentials, should visit the School of Graduate Studies website and use the Degree Equivalencies Tool. Please note that transcripts are reviewed only after an application is received.  The School of Graduate Studies and the Department of Speech-Language Pathology conduct their own assessment of foreign credentials independent of any other reports  [e.g. World Education Services (WES) Reports].

Do I need to complete the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)?

No, applicants are not required to complete the GRE.

How is my GPA calculated?

The Department of Speech-Language Pathology uses the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs (ORPAS) sub-GPA. This is a weighted average based on the most recent 10 full course equivalencies (or 20 half credits) completed at the undergraduate level. For more information on how sub-GPA is calculated please visit the ORPAS website.

Are graduate degree courses included in the sub-GPA calculation?

No, grades from graduate level courses are not included in the sub-GPA calculation.

Are college courses included in the sub-GPA calculation?

No, grades from college level courses are not included in the sub-GPA calculation.

If I plan to apply to the MHSc, what is the best program to study during my undergraduate degree?

No single area of study is considered ideal preparation for the MHSc program. We consider applications from students who have completed (or are completing) the equivalent of a four-year University of Toronto undergraduate degree.

How do I apply to the MHSc program?

Applications to the MHSc program are submitted through the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service (ORPAS). Please review the detailed application and admission instructions provided in the ORPAS Application Guide.

I have questions about the ORPAS application. Where can I get assistance?

Please review the detailed application and admission instructions provided in the ORPAS Application Guide. You may also wish to review the Common Questions section on the ORPAS website. If you have further questions, please contact ORPAS directly.

I had a prerequisite course pre-approved. How do I submit my prerequisite pre-approval form with my application?

Please use the Secure Applicant Messaging (SAM) tool to upload pre-approval forms. If the courses you are claiming towards prerequisites are already listed on the Approved Prerequisite Courses page, then pre-approval forms are not required.

When are applications to the MHSc program due?

Applications for a September 2024 entry are due on January 6, 2025. Important dates are available on the ORPAS website.

I missed the application deadline! Can I apply late?

No, late applications are not accepted for the MHSc program. Important dates are available on the ORPAS website.

How does the Admissions Committee evaluate applications to the MHSc program?

Applications are reviewed and ranked relative to other applications. The strength of the applicant’s academic background and potential for clinical practice are taken into consideration during this process as illustrated by the courses taken, grades, letters of reference, scholarships, clinical experience in speech-language pathology, and statement of intent. For more information please visit the MHSc How to Apply page.

I submitted an application to the MHSc program. When will I receive a response?

The Department of Speech-Language Pathology will email a response to each applicant who applied for a September entry to the program. Important dates are available on the ORPAS website.

Can I meet with someone or visit your Department for more information?

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend our monthly information sessions. During these seminars, a member of the Admissions Committee speaks about the nature of the program, admission requirements, and answers questions. If you are unable to attend in person, these sessions are also available as a live webcast. For more information please visit our Information Sessions page.