Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You apply to the MD/PhD Program through OMSAS as part of your MD application.

You will:

• Indicate interest in MD/PhD
• Submit a 250-word MD/PhD essay
• Submit two MD/PhD references
• Upload your academic CV

See the Application Process page for full details.

You should apply at the same time as your MD application through OMSAS.

Applicants may also apply:

• During a graduate program
• During the first year of the U of T MD Program

The MD/PhD Programencourages applications from Black and Indigenous applicants. Students may apply to the MD/PhD Program and the Black Student Application Program or Indigenous Student Application Program simultaneously - you simply check both boxes on the OMSAS application. The MD and MD/PhD Admissions processes are parallel. Your MD application experience will be the same as all those in the BSAP or ISAP streams. Your MD/PhD application will be evaluated by a separate team of reviewers and interviewers to assess your potential as a clinician scientist.

There are separate and parallel admissions processes for Undergraduate Medicine, and the MD/PhD Program. Reviewers in the MD Program do not see your MD/PhD materials, and the MD/PhD reviewers do not review your MD supplemental application materials.

The MD/PhD Program office consults frequently with the Undergraduate Medicine admissions office to facilitate the review process. When possible, your MD and MD/PhD interviews will be arranged for the same weekend.

Yes, this is not prohibited.

However:

• The MD/PhD Program is designed for integrated training
• A second PhD must not duplicate previous work
• You would complete the program on a standard timeline

Applicants should carefully consider:

• The added value of a second PhD
• Whether the MD or other pathways better align with their goals

No. The MD/PhD Program is designed to be completed within the University of Toronto.

All MD and PhD training must be undertaken through U of T as part of the integrated program.

You may use the same referees for MD and MD/PhD, but letters should emphasize research ability for MD/PhD.

No. Reference letters should be written on the individual’s letterhead. 

These references help assess your research performance and suitability for the MD/PhD Program.

Referees should comment on:

• Should speak to research ability
• Graduate applicants must include a supervisor reference
• Your potential as a physician-scientist
• Research contributions (including publications)
• Ability to succeed in MD + PhD training
• Independence and initiative
• Ability to learn from others

You should apply at the same time as your MD application through OMSAS.

Applicants may also apply:

• During a graduate program
• During the first year of the U of T MD Program

No. If you are applying to the MD/PhD Program (and thus the MD Program) as a graduate student, you will be assessed for the MD Program in the graduate applicant pool. If offered a position in the MD Program, it will be conditional on showing proof of completion of your current degree. Therefore you must complete the Masters or PhD degree, if you want to be accepted to Medicine, and the MD/PhD Program.

This will depend upon the graduate unit in which you ultimately enrol. Many graduate units now encourage direct entry into the PhD Program. Others still insist on first registering in a Master's program and then within 12 to 18 months, completing a transfer exam and then moving into a PhD Program.

Applicants must be eligible to apply to, and meet the requirements of, the MD Program in order to be considered for the MD/PhD Program.

At this time:

• The MD Program does not accept applications from international students

As a result:

• International applicants are not currently eligible for the MD/PhD Program

No. The MD and MD/PhD applications are reviewed separately and independently.

• The MD Admissions Committee evaluates your MD application
• The MD/PhD Admissions Committee assesses your research experience and MD/PhD materials

Your MD/PhD application is reviewed by the MD/PhD Admissions Committee.

This includes evaluation of:

• Research experience
• Academic CV
• MD/PhD essay
• Reference letters
• Interview performance (if invited)

Admission to the MD Program is required for admission to the MD/PhD Program.

Annual tuition for MD/PhD students is set in your first year, and remains the same for all years that you are in the program. The annual tuition is calculated by adding four years of the current MD tuition to four years of current SGS PhD tuition fees, and dividing the sum by eight. In 2024-25, the domestic tuition plus incidentals for the MD/PhD Program was approximately $14,650 CAD per year, plus incidental fees. To see up-to-date fees, check out the Tuition Fee Look-Up Tool.

Yes, all MD/PhD students receive financial support, starting mid-way through first-year and continuing until graduation. The current level of support is approximately $37,000 CAD per year, from which students must pay tuition and living expenses.