Frequently Asked Questions
For questions not covered in this section, please contact us at ot.studentservices@utoronto.ca
Applying to the Program
Application materials, instructions, and full details about admission requirements for the MScOT program can be obtained online from the Ontario Universities' Application Centre(OUAC) http://www.ouac.on.ca/orpas/
Can you summarize the structure of the MScOT program?
- Two years (e.g. September 2012 to August 2014), including Summer sessions
- Full-time basis including fieldwork placements
- Leading to the professional practice of occupational therapy
- Accredited by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (www.caot.ca)
Why should I study OT at U of T?
- Strong leadership in the field
- Innovative teaching methods in our state of the art facilities
- Inter-professional education
- Faculty research focus: Enhancing participation; Diversity and Inclusion; Advancing Practice
- Personalized student services with dedicated on-site staff
- A large geographic catchment area for fieldwork placements within the Greater Toronto Area
Is OT designed to be a competitive program? Are students ever competing awards and/or placements?
Any competitive factor would tend to be in the make-up of the individual student. There are certain awards that are mainly based on grades. There are also financial need-based bursaries that are not based on academic performance. For Fieldwork: students will complete a form prior to each fieldwork block indicating their top five choices. A computer program randomly assigns students to a placement.
What is the yearly tuition fee?
The MSc OT Program is a 2-year full-time full-course load program. Tuition charges for Year One are posted in the month of July prior to the first-year of study. Tuition charges for Year Two are posted in the month of July prior to the second-year of study.
Fees are subject to change for the 2012-2013 academic year and beyond.
International students are also required to purchase health insurance (UHIP) for the duration of their studies at the University.
All students need to budget appropriately for two-years of full-time academic study in the MSc OT Program. You should budget for housing costs, textbooks, school supplies, food, utilities and entertainment, Please consult with your province’s student assistance program if you require financial aid (for example, OSAP for Ontario students).
I am finding it difficult to apply online through ORPAS. Can I apply using a paper application?
Applicants to the rehabilitation sciences program at Ontario universities must submit an online application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC-ORPAS). For information on program requirements and application deadlines for 2011-2012 admissions to the OS & OT program, please follow the link to ORPAS (Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service) via the OUAC: http://www.ouac.on.ca/orpas
I would like to know the appropriate course prerequisites required for entry to the OT program?
Other than an appropriate bachelor’s degree in progress or conferred, there are no prerequisites to be considered for the OT program. We do not favour applicants from educational backgrounds more closely related to occupational therapy. We encourage educational diversity and welcome all qualified applicants to apply.
Do you have any suggestions for courses I should take this year that may enhance my learning experience and prepare me for the OT Program at University of Toronto?
To enhance your learning experience we recommend the following basic background knowledge (i.e., core concepts) in the following subject areas:
- Human growth and development
- Introductory physiology or introductory human biology
- Psychology
- Sociology or anthropology
- Statistics and research design
No advantage is given in the selection process to applicants who possess these courses. Having some familiarity with these areas of study may reduce the amount of background reading a newly registered student has to do before class.
Is the MSc OT offered on a part-time basis or through distance (online) education?
Due to the integrative nature of coursework and fieldwork placements, this program is offered on a FULL-TIME FULL-COURSE-LOAD BASIS ONLY. Classes are only offered in-person, on-site in Toronto. Applicants should be prepared to dedicate their full attention to the program should they be accepted. A sample Program Schedule can be viewed here:http://www.ot.utoronto.ca/cs/calendars.asp
I have read the “Prospective Students Applying to the Program” webpage but I still do not understand how my Grade Point Average (GPA) will be assessed?
When you start an online ORPAS application, one of the steps involves you self-reporting each grade for every course you have taken by typing it into their web application. ORPAS will provide an estimate of your GPA assessment. Due to the volume of inquiries, we cannot assess grades or transcripts prior to a formal ORPAS application being submitted. Applicants from Canadian universities can view the ORPAS Undergraduate Grading Conversion Table here: http://www.ouac.on.ca/docs/orpas/c_orpas_b.pdf.
What kind of courses do you consider in the assessment of an applicant’s GPA?
We will only consider courses with a letter grade, numerical percentage grade, GPA, or convertible scale grade that were earned at the undergraduate bachelor’s degree level (see below for courses NOT considered). However, if you have a graduate degree or earned bachelor’s degree credits transferred in from a community college, you must declare these as well and have a transcript sent to ORPAS.
What kind of undergraduate degrees do incoming MScOT students have?
We understand that applicants take different educational pathways to complete an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. We welcome all qualified people to apply! Some examples of common 4-year bachelor’s degrees include: Arts, Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Health Sciences.
What are some examples of courses you do NOT consider in assessing an applicant’s GPA?
Courses not considered: Practicum/Co-op terms, Pass/Fail (i.e. no grade awarded), graduate degree (Master’s and Doctoral level courses) teacher/educational theory, “continuing education” certificate courses, sports performance, visual or dramatic arts performance, musical performance, many theological courses, nil/zero-credit courses, community college, and vocations/apprenticeships. Please note this list is not comprehensive and the Admissions Committee reserves the right to refuse consideration of courses not considered eligible or comparatively equivalent to undergraduate study in the liberal arts or sciences.
How is the admission selection determined?
Admission to the program is determined through an evaluation of academic and non-academic materials (e.g. personal statement submission, resume, referee assessments on the Confidential Assessment Forms) with the academic requirements (e.g. transcripts) being weighted more heavily. In 2010, 662 applications were received for approximately 84 spaces. In 2011, 701 applications were received.
What level of academic performance would be considered competitive? What was the average last year of those admitted to the program?
To be eligible for graduate studies in OT at the University of Toronto, students entering the program in September 2011, will be required to have an appropriate bachelor’s degree with high academic standing, or its equivalent from a recognized university; a minimum B+ average in the last 10 FCE (Full Course Equivalents) has historically been considered competitive. However since 2007, the admissions average of the entry class each year has been in the A- range. We highly recommend you consult the ORPAS Program Requirements Chart found here: http://www.ouac.on.ca/docs/orpas/rc_orpas_e.pdf
My grades are very low. How can I improve my application profile? Will additional volunteer work or stronger references make up for a weak academic score?
Successful applicants present a COMBINATION of strong academic merit with superior non-academic profiles. Entry to the program is highly competitive given the limited amount of space available. It is extremely difficult to gain admission to the program if an applicant presents serious weaknesses in one or both areas of their application (academic versus non-academic components). It is highly advantageous to show strong performance in your most recent 10 full-course equivalents at the university level.
I have been out of university for more than 5 years. Is the selection criteria different for me? I have plenty of work experience – would that not make me a superior applicant?
In such cases, where you have been out of university for more than five years, you may substitute a professional reference for an academic reference in your application. Other than that, the selection criterion is the same, and you will be evaluated on a combination of your academic performance and non-academic merit (e.g. resume, references, personal statement submission). While an applicant in such a position may have accumulated many years of experience in the workforce (for example), the passage of time does not necessarily result in a superior non-academic profile. We encourage such applicants to document their accomplishments over the years (resume, personal statement submission), and remind their professional references to speak of something similar (in lieu of providing an academic reference). Again, other application components are the same, including the transcript requirement.
What are you looking for in the Personal Statement portion of the ORPAS online application?
Successful applicants with Personal Statements considered to be superior generally have had some exposure to the profession of Occupational Therapy or have experience in the rehabilitation sciences in a volunteer or research capacity. However, we are interested in your honest and unique perspective in the responses. Try to think of something unique that you have experienced that will make your application stand out!
How should I format my resume? What are you looking for on the resume?
Please refer to the ORPAS Instruction Booklet for resume formatting guidelines: www.ouac.on.ca/orpas. As for resume content, we are looking for experience (both paid and volunteer), awards, significant research projects completed, presentations, and in some cases specialized skills. There is no specific amount of content required, please use your best judgment.
What form do my references have to fill out? I’ve been out of school for a long time, do I still need an academic reference? What do you mean by a personal or professional reference?
In your ORPAS online application, you must produce a “Confidential Assessment Form” for each referee to fill out. There are instructions stated directly on the Confidential Assessment Form. If you have been out of university for 5 years or more, you may substitute a professional reference for the academic reference requirement.
If you are truly unable to produce an academic reference (and have been out of university for less than 5 years), try to find a professional reference that can honestly comment on the characteristics rated on the Confidential Assessment Form – HOWEVER please keep in mind that providing an academic reference is HIGHLY encouraged and to an applicant’s advantage.
The personal/professional reference should NOT be from a friend, relative or even a co-worker in most cases. It should be from someone who has seen you demonstrate the traits listed on the Confidential Assessment Form (e.g. problem-solving ability, intellectual capacity, to name a few). Some examples of ideal personal referees include Volunteer Service Coordinators (who have seen the applicant in a volunteer capacity), professional supervisors, community members in positions of authority that can compare the applicant to others in a similar position, other professionals (OT’s, Nurses, Researchers, Teachers, Physicians), academic research supervisors, department head, or you have the option of simply using an additional academic reference (e.g. university professor).
How much volunteer experience do I need?
It is not required to have volunteer experience. It is expected that applicants have researched the profession of occupational therapy in order to make an informed career choice. Exposure to the profession of occupational therapy through paid or volunteer work, observational visits or job shadowing in various health care settings is strongly recommended. You can be very specific in the resume portion of the application, with regard to your commitment to a particular position.
I have been educated in a foreign university where the language of instruction and examination is English. Do I still need to take TOEFL exam again for my application to your program?
It is essential that all incoming students have a good command of the English language. If the primary language of instruction from your institution is in English, you do not need to present a TOEFL exam score to our department. Applicants educated in a language other than English must use the Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL). Minimum score requirements are listed in the accompanying chart.
| Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement | ||
|---|---|---|
Paper-Based Test and TWE |
Internet-Based Test and Writing and Speaking Sections |
|
Overall score: 600 Test for Written English (TWE): 5 |
Overall score: 100 Writing: 22 Speaking: 22 |
|
TOEFL candidates should request that results be sent to institution code:0982-00
English facility test scores MUST be forwarded to the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto by March 1 of the year of application.
An applicant, who has been educated in a university where the language of instruction and examination is English, will not be required to take another TOEFL exam, provided that they meet the Department's minimum requirement from their TOEFL exam. NOTE: An Interview may be required at the request of the Department's Admissions Committee.
I earned my Occupational Therapy degree outside of Canada, but it is a bachelor’s degree and I want to earn a Master’s degree. Is your MScOT program the right program for me?
It depends on what your career goals are. If you hold Occupational Therapist credentials earned outside of Canada and want to practice as an Occupational Therapist in Canada, you may already be eligible to apply for certification from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (www.caot.ca). Please contact CAOT directly for information regarding licensing and credential evaluation.
If you simply want to further your studies of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the graduate-degree level, and are already a practicing Occupational Therapist (either in Canada or in another country), this program may not be appropriate for you. We suggest exploring degree options in doctoral stream research through the Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (http://www.rehab.utoronto.ca/PStudents/ProspectiveStudentsDoc.htm).
I am living in Canada, but I did my undergraduate degree outside of Canada. What documentation should I submit from my academic institution to complete my application?
You can view the University’s brief database of International Degree Equivalencies here: http://portal.sgs.utoronto.ca/current/admission/intdegequiv.asp. Applicants must be either Canadian citizens or permanent residents (landed immigrants), or be able to secure an appropriate Canadian Study Permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada to register in the MScOT program if admitted. To be considered official, academic records must be received directly from the originating institutions. Photocopies of these records may be used to process an application, but applicants should note that official documents will be required before any firm offer of admission will be made. Official English translations done by a certified translator for all non-English documentation must also be submitted (in the province of Ontario, a translator from the ATIO is required). An interview may be required at the request of the Department’s Admission Committee. World Education Services (WES) reports will be used only as a reference in the assessment of admission 
Money / Finances
Are there ways to earn money while in school, other than becoming a TA?
Some options that are available to students are:
Research Assistantships
Some OT faculty will recruit OT students to act as their Research Assistants. The faculty member would generally advertise via student email address groups, or students who are eligible for the Work-Study Program, can check with the Career Centre for job openings.
Work Study Program
Once registered at U of T, students can apply for part-time work at the University through the U of T’s Work-Study Program by submitting a Declaration of Eligibility / Hiring Form to Admissions and Awards. Students can pick up a copy of this form from the OT Business Manager. This program and other work opportunities are made available through the Career Centre on campus.
I am currently trying to evaluate my financial resources and make a budget for the next year. Do you have suggestions?
Students should develop a personal financial plan before the start of each academic year. Listed below are some suggestions of how to start.
- Estimate your resources for the year and monthly expenses.
- Maintain any current savings and add to it with as much of your earnings this summer as possible.
- Apply for OSAP (or other provincial/governmental funding) as soon as possible. Apply even if you think you will be considered ineligible, as this is often a requirement for financial needs bursary once in the program.
- Apply for UTAPS (University of Toronto Advance Planning for Students) if from out-of-province. You will require at least an estimate of your provincial loan first. Students who apply for OSAP will automatically be considered for UTAPS & do not have to apply for it.
- Review the SGS brochure “Financial Support Information for Master’s Students”. You will receive a copy with your invoice or registration package. The most recent version is listed under Quick Links on the homepage of the SGS website.
- Review U of T’s Admissions and Awards site under the Awards, Financial Aid, and UTAPS sections.
- Consider applying for a Research Assistantship, a Teaching Assistantship, or a Work-Study position at U of T; or a part-time job (no more than approx 10 hrs/wk is recommended)..
- Investigate the possibility of getting a student-line of credit at a bank/credit union.
- Apply for all scholarships or awards for which you are eligible once in the program.
- Apply for financial-needs bursaries if necessary once in the program.
Review U of T’s Admissions and Awards site under the Awards, Financial Aid, and UTAPS sections.
Consider applying for a Research Assistantship, a Teaching Assistantship, or a Work-Study position at U of T; or a part-time job (no more than approx 10 hrs/wk is recommended)..
Investigate the possibility of getting a student-line of credit at a bank/credit union.
Apply for all scholarships or awards for which you are eligible once in the program.
Apply for financial-needs bursaries if necessary once in the program.
Housing
Is there any assistance helping incoming students to find housing-i.e. might I be paired up with other incoming OTs looking for roommates?
Yes – there is housing advice available at the University of Toronto, including a roommate finder service and listings
