Black Student Application Program (BSAP)

The Department of Physical Therapy is committed to excellence through equity. The Black Student Application Program is an optional application stream for the Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MScPT) program for Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents who self-identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, Black North American or multi-racial students who have and identify with their Black ancestry.

The goal of the Black Student Application Program is to increase access to education for historically underrepresented groups. This initiative is rooted in Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s Diversity Statement and reflects the University of Toronto’s broader institutional dedication to social accountability, reconciliation and inclusive excellence.

Through this application program, we hope to break down some of the barriers that might prevent Black applicants from applying to the MScPT program and nurture an inclusive environment that is welcoming to all.

Admission Requirements

All applicants to the MScPT program are subject to the same admission requirements (academic and non-academic). What differs for those applying through the Black Student Application Program is the requirement to submit a personal statement and to have representation from Black community members in admissions processes. There are no fixed seats or quotas.

All application materials will be submitted through Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs (ORPAS).

Applicants can choose to apply through the Black Student Application Program by self-identifying on the ORPAS application.
Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement highlighting why they have chosen to apply through this application stream. We recommend that this statement be no more than 3500 characters (approximately 250-500 words). This is submitted via the ORPAS application.

Members of the Black community, including Black physical therapists, faculty members and students, will take part in the admissions review process.

Support for Applicants

If you are considering applying through the Black Student Application Program, please join Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s Community of Support. The Community of Support connects prospective Physical Therapy applicants that face systemic barriers with admissions information sessions, mentors, volunteer and research opportunities, and application support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the general admissions process on our FAQ webpage.

Why has the MScPT program started a Black Student Application Program?

Getting into various health care education programs is never easy — but historically, students from marginalized backgrounds have faced additional barriers. Through the Black Student Application Program, we hope to break down some of the barriers that might prevent Black learners from applying and nurture an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Research shows that increased diversity of health care professional students creates unique learning opportunities and professionals with a greater ability and understanding of diverse communities. It can also improve access to care for underserved communities and provide better health care to all patients, including minority communities that face unique health challenges.

What is different about a Black Student Application Program application?

Members of the Black community, including Black physical therapists, faculty members and students, will take part in the admissions review process. Applicants must still meet the same admissions requirements as applicants through the general application stream. Students can choose to apply through the Black Student Application Program by self-identifying on the ORPAS application and submitting an additional personal statement highlighting why they have chosen to apply through this stream.

Who should I contact if I have questions about my application?

Black Student Application Program applicants are invited to liaise with the Office of Learner Affairs at ola.reception@utoronto.ca.

Am I guaranteed to proceed to the Computer Administered Profile stage as a Black Student Application Program candidate if I satisfy all admissions requirements?

No, we will invite qualified candidates to the Computer Administered Profile stage based on a review of all application requirements. Meeting the minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation to the Computer Administered Profile or an offer of admission.

Do Black students have to apply through the Black Student Application Program?

No, it is not mandatory. Black students can apply through the other streams.

Why would I choose to apply through the Black Student Application Program?

To minimize unconscious or conscious bias, reviewers of the Black Student Application Program applications will include members of the Black community who are affiliated with and/or have extensive knowledge of health care and/or post-secondary education.

How do I prove I am qualified to apply through the Black Student Application Program?

You must self-identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, Black North American or multi-racial, and have, and identify with, your African ancestry.

What should I include in the Black Student Application Program statement?

We have left this very open-ended – it is your chance to tell us about anything that you feel is relevant.