Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD program provides advanced depth and breadth of computer science, and culminates in a dissertation that makes a significant and original contribution to computer science research under the guidance of a faculty member.

Admission to the program is either after the completion of a master’s degree equivalent to our MSc program or directly from an undergraduate program (referred to below as "Direct Entry PhD"). Domestic students without an appropriate master's degree should apply to the MSc program and enter the PhD upon completion of their MSc. The Direct Entry PhD is intended for international students.

 
Program Overview

Program requirements: 

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) for the PhD program and a total of 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) for the Direct Entry PhD. The courses must satisfy a breadth requirement to ensure a broad and well-balanced knowledge of computer science.

• Presentation of a research project in the first supervisory committee meeting. Students who completed their MSc within the Department of Computer Science will present the project they completed in CSC4000Y. Students who did not complete their MSc within the department will present an equivalent research project.

• Qualifying oral examination.

• Thesis topic, which must be approved by the supervisory committee no later than one year after the successful completion of the qualifying oral examination.

• Thesis. Students must pass the departmental thesis examination before the SGS Final Oral Examination can be scheduled.

  A timeline of milestones for satisfactory progress is outlined in the Department of Computer Science PhD handbook.

  
  
  

Program Length:

• 4 years for PhD after a recognized master’s degree

• 5 years for Direct Entry PhD after a recognized bachelor’s degree

Guaranteed Funding Period:

• 43 months if master's degree was completed in this department

• 48 months if master's degree was completed elsewhere 

• 60 months for Direct Entry PhD 

Research Areas 

Faculty members of the Department of Computer Science offer supervision in a wide range of topics in computer science.

Supervisor

All PhD students are assigned a supervisor or research group based on the research interests indicated in their application. Supervisors advise on course and research topic selection and provide continuing help during the student’s research.

Funding, Awards, and Tuition

We offer a funding package to all of our full-time PhD students. The package is composed of a research assistantship and teaching assistantships. This provides funding for the costs of living and for the cost of tuition. Applicants are automatically considered for entrance awards and are encouraged to apply for external awards for which they are eligible.

Visit our Funding, Tuition Fees, and Awards page for more information.

Admission Requirements 

Minimum Requirements for the PhD Program: 

• Completion of an appropriate master's degree (except for Direct Entry PhD) 

• A standing that is equivalent to at least B+ (U of T 77–79% or 3.3/4.0) 

• English-language proficiency according to University requirements. 

Minimum Requirements for the Direct Entry PhD: 

• Completion of an appropriate bachelor’s degree with a minimum A– equivalent average in relevant courses for consideration 

• English-language proficiency according to University requirements.

Applications are evaluated in their totality: grades, statement of purpose, letters of reference, and any supplementary information submitted are all taken into account.

Admission decisions are made in the context of all other applications in the same admission cycle. For this reason, the graduate office and individual faculty cannot respond to requests for evaluation of applications in isolation. Admission to our graduate programs is very competitive and meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission: only 5–10% of applicants receive an offer of admission. 

Non-Canadian Degree Equivalencies 

For information on degree equivalencies, please use the School of Graduate Studies’ International Credentials Equivalencies Tool.

We do not require a third-party credential evaluation assessment, such as WES. 

Applicants without a prior degree in Computer Science 

It is possible to gain admission to our graduate programs with an undergraduate degree in a field other than computer science. All successful applicants, however, must have a background in basic university-level mathematics and substantial experience in computer science. Specifically, we look for: 

• second-year courses in calculus, linear algebra, and probability; 

• a third- or fourth-year course in algorithm design and analysis; and 

• a third- or fourth-year course in computer systems, e.g., operating systems, database systems, computer architecture, or computer networks. 

GRE Test Scores 

Applicants who do not have a Canadian university degree are strongly encouraged, but not required, to submit scores from the GRE General Test. 

GRE institution code: 0982
U of T computer science code: 0402 

Application Process 

Applications will be open for September entry each year.
Applications for Fall 2025 are now open and close December 2, 2024.

Learn more about the application process.

Peer-matching program for applicants from underrepresented groups

The Toronto Graduate Application Assistance Program (GAAP) is a student-run, volunteer-led program that provides feedback on application materials to applicants from underrepresented groups applying to our thesis-based programs. In this peer-matching program, prospective students will be matched with a current student (or recent graduate) who will provide feedback on the statement of purpose (SoP) and CV.

Questions? 

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to get answers to common questions. For questions not answered in the FAQ, contact the Graduate Office by email at gradapplications.cs@utoronto.ca.