Indigenous Student Application Program
Within the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, the Department of Physical Therapy is committed to excellence through equity. The Indigenous Student Application Program is an optional application stream for the Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MScPT) program for Indigenous students (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis).
The goal of the Indigenous 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.
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 Indigenous Student Application Program is the requirement for Indigenous applicants to submit a personal statement and to have members of the Indigenous Student Application Program Advisory Circle be part of the admissions process. There are no fixed seats or quotas. Indigenous peoples of North America are invited to apply through this application stream.
Applicants choosing to apply through the Indigenous Student Application Program must submit the following additional materials along with all other admission requirements through the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs (ORPAS).
Self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) on the ORPAS application.
Submit an Indigenous Student Application Program Personal Statement.
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This statement is an opportunity to share your personal connection to your Indigenous community, perhaps in the way you would share with an Elder or Wisdom/Knowledge Keeper. The statement will be read by members of the Indigenous Student Application Program Advisory Circle. The statement should be between 250 and 500 words. If you are unsure about how to proceed, we invite you to email the Office of Indigenous Health for support at indigenoushealth.support@utoronto.ca.
As proof of Indigenous ancestry, to apply to the MScPT program through the Indigenous Student Application Program, you must provide one of:
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a copy of a Status or Treaty Card
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a copy of a Nunavut Trust Certificate Card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities
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a copy of a membership card in a Métis registry recognized by the Métis National Council (Métis Nation of Ontario, the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan, the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Nation British Columbia)
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proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, or on the band list of an individual band, or on the Inuit roll
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written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from the Department of Indian Affairs
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written confirmation of membership in a band council that has its own membership code
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other acceptable documentation
Support for Applicants
If you are considering applying through the Indigenous Student Application Program, please join Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s Community of Support . The Community of Support offers support and admissions information for applicants, and access to mentors, job-shadowing, volunteer and research opportunities for students. It helps participants build skills and connections that help level the playing field when applying to and enrolled in the MScPT program.
Related Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the general admissions process on our FAQ webpage.
What is different about an Indigenous Student Application Program application?
Members of the Indigenous community, including an Elder or Wisdom/Knowledge Keeper, Indigenous physical therapists, faculty members and students will take part in the admissions review process. Applicants must meet the same admissions requirements (sub-GPA and course prerequisites) as applicants through the general application stream. Students can choose to apply through the Indigenous Student Application Program by self-identifying on the ORPAS application and must submit an additional personal statement and proof of ancestry. Upon receiving an offer of admission offer, you will be offered support from the Office of Indigenous Health available to you throughout your time at the University of Toronto.
Am I guaranteed to proceed to the Computer Administered Profile stage as an Indigenous 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 Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) students have to apply through the Indigenous Student Application Program?
No, it is not mandatory. Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) students can apply through the other streams.
Why would I choose to apply under the Indigenous Student Application Program?
To minimize unconscious or conscious bias, reviewers of the Indigenous Student Application Program applications will include members of the Indigenous community who are affiliated with and/or have extensive knowledge of health care and/or post-secondary education.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my ISAP application?
Indigenous Student Application Program applicants are invited to liaise with the Office of Indigenous Health at indigenoushealth.support@utoronto.ca.