Frequently Asked Questions about the PhD Program

1. What is the typical profile of a successful PhD applicant?

   Successful PhD applicants have qualifications well above our minimum requirements. Most of them have the following characteristics:

   • average undergraduate CGPA above the mid-point between B+ and A-
   • advanced undergraduate micro and macro theory courses with at least A-
   • advanced undergraduate econometrics course(s) with at least A-
   • several courses on mathematics (e.g. calculus, linear algebra, real analysis,...) with high marks
   • average MA CGPA above A- (for regular-entry applicants)
   • GRE scores equal or very close to 170 for the quantitative component and 4.0 for the analytical component
   • strong and informative letters of recommendation
   • evidence of research ability.

   Occasionally successful domestic applicants fall short on one of the items in this list if they exceed the standard in others. However, since we receive a very large number of international PhD applications for each available slot, we seldom admit an international applicant who does not exceed the standard on all of the items in the above list. (We do sometimes admit applicants with lower GRE scores when there are other strong indicators of quantitative ability.) Similarly, direct entry applicants (those without a master's degree) are unlikely to be admitted if they fall short on any item on the above list. (The grades mentioned above are expressed using the grading scheme at the University of Toronto. Grades from other schools will be converted taking into account both their grading scheme and the rigour with which it is applied.)
2. What is the placement record for graduates of the program?

   The placement record for all our graduates since 2002 is given on this page.

3. How many applications do you receive?

   For our PhD program, we typically receive around 75 applications from domestic students and more than 200 applications from international students. Each year, we admit around 12 domestic students and around 4-5 international students.

4. Is funding available for PhD students?

   All admitted students are offered funding for the first five years in the program. For details, please see our page on graduate funding.

5. To be admitted, do I need to have a master's degree in economics?

   No. Students with a master's degree in economics or a closely related field (either completed or in progress) should apply through the regular-entry pathway. Students with only an undergraduate degree or a master's degree not closely related to economics should apply through the direct-entry pathway. In general, we are more interested in what courses you have taken than in the title of your degree(s).

6. What courses should I take to improve my chance of being admitted?

   We put most weight on your grades in rigorous courses in economic theory, econometrics (or statistics), and mathematics at the undergraduate and master's levels. You should take advanced (third and fourth year) undergraduate courses in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and econometrics (or statistics), and advanced mathematics courses. At the master's level, you should take rigorous courses in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and econometrics (or statistics).

7. Do I need to demonstrate a research ability to be admitted?

   We look for evidence of research ability and certainly value it. We recognize, however, that not all students have had the opportunity to engage in research. Applicants are encouraged to submit a research-related writing sample, such as a course paper or proposal, as evidence of research ability.

8. For regular-entry admissions, do my references have to be from instructors of courses I took as a master's student?

   You can choose whoever you wish to write reference letters for you. In particular, all three of your letters can be from instructors of courses you took as an undergraduate student. However, obviously we are interested in knowing about your performance as a master's student, so it is in your interest to get at least one letter from an instructor who taught you as a master's student.

9. Do I need to take the GRE?

   If you do not have a degree (undergraduate or graduate) from a Canadian university, you must take the GRE. If you do have a degree from a Canadian university, you are encouraged to take the GRE, especially if your undergraduate degree is not from a university from which we get a large number of applications.

10. Do I need to take the TOEFL?

    Please see our page on English requirements.

11. Can I get an exemption from the GRE requirement?

    Only applicants with a degree from Canada are exempt from submitting GRE scores. If your degree or degrees are international (including from the US and UK), you must submit GRE scores as part of your application. We do not make exceptions under any circumstances.

12. Do you accept late applications?

    No, we do not accept late applications, regardless of the reason for the lateness (and in particular, even if the lateness is due to circumstances outside your control). Given that unexpected events can occur (especially when you are trying to meet a deadline!), please set yourself a personal deadline a week or two before ours.

13. Do I need to submit a Statement of Purpose?

    Submission of a Statement of Purpose is required for the PhD application.

14. Can more than three letters of recommendation be submitted for me?

    No.

15. I need to update or change one of my application documents or referees. What should I do?

    Please send us an email at gr.admission.economics@utoronto.ca with your full legal name and applicant number letting us know what you would like to change.

16. Do my references all need to be academic? Can some be professional? What are the repercussions? What if I can't find an academic reference?

    Academic references are preferred and are given much more weight than are non-academic references. In their absence, please try to find references who can speak to your academic abilities.

17. I am a student at U of T. Do I still need to provide you with an official transcript?

    You still need to upload an unofficial electronic transcript in your application. If you began your studies at the University of Toronto after the year 1998, we are able to retrieve your official transcript and there is no need to send an official copy. If you began your studies at the University of Toronto before 1998, please make arrangements to have your official transcript sent to us directly from your issuing institution.

18. Can you tell me my chances of being admitted if I send you my transcripts or other information?

    We can determine whether you will be admitted only after you submit a formal application. We cannot make any assessment based on your transcripts or other partial information.

19. Should I contact faculty to find a supervisor before applying?

    No. Students arrange their supervisors in the second or third year of the program. Admissions decisions are made by a committee based on a thorough review of the applications, not by individual potential supervisors.

20. I'm not sure if your program is the right one for me. Can I talk to someone about it?

    Your decision about whether our program is the right one for you depends on many factor that we cannot assess in a short conversation. We are very happy to answer specific questions about our program that are submitted on our contact page. If we believe that a phone conversation or a face-to-face meeting would be helpful, we will let you know.

21. My current transcript shows courses in progress. Should I submit another transcript when new grades become available?

    Yes. When new grades are available, please send them to us by email at gr.admission.economics@utoronto.ca along with your full legal name and applicant number.

22. How much is the application fee? Can it be waived? Can it be refunded?

    You can find the current application fee amount on the SGS website. It cannot be waived. There are no scholarships for the application fee. The application fee is not refundable under any circumstances.

23. I applied for this program previously. Can I re-apply without re-submitting my documents?

    No. You need to submit a new application, resubmit your documents with it, and pay the application fee.

24. When will I know the decision on my application?

    We normally make admission offers from early March through mid-April. Offers to international applicants tend to go out somewhat later than those to domestic applicants (though there are exceptions). All applicants can expect to be notified of the decision on their application by the end of April.

25. I have received an offer of admission from another program, but I remain very interested in the University of Toronto and have not yet heard from you. What should I do?

    Please send us an email at: gr.admission.economics@utoronto.ca with a copy of your admission offer and your full legal name and applicant number, and we will do our best to get back to you before your deadline.

26. Can I edit my application after submitting and paying the fee?

    Yes, please send us an email at: gr.admission.economics@utoronto.ca with your full legal name and applicant number letting us know what you wish to edit.

27. I do not require funding. Can I be considered for admission without funding?

    All PhD students are fully funded for five years. If you have secured a scholarship or bursary from a recognized government agency, please list it on your application as it may replace some or all of your funding and could improve your chances of admission. The university does not recognize funding from other sources, such as an employer or personal savings.

28. I have an MBA. Can I apply for the PhD in economics?

    While we do not view an MBA as a master's degree in a closely related field, you may apply under the direct-entry pathway. Please see question 1 above to determine whether your background is suitable for the program.