The University of Toronto offers multiple research abroad opportunities to enrich the academic experience for Science students at UTSC. Through these programs, you can gain valuable laboratory experience while immersing into the culture and lifestyle of the host country.
Programs Offered by the Centre for International Experience (CIE)
*Application details for options 1-4 are available on the CIE’s website
NOTE: All programs are eligible for financial assistance through the Centre for International Experience
For more information about Research Abroad Programs offered by the Centre for International Experience, please refer to the CIE’s website.
1. Research Course at Host Institution
While participating in the University of Toronto’s Student Exchange Program, you can enrol in a research course as one of your courses at the host institution.
Program Overview
- The course can be for one semester (Fall or Winter) or a full academic year (Fall and Winter)
- Grading and assessment is done by the host institution
- No Application Fee ($0)
- Pay UofT tuition + incidentals for 1 semester or year (2 semesters)
Transfer Credits
You will receive University of Toronto transfer credit upon completion of the course; the course will only be listed as a U of T equivalent with no grades appearing on your U of T transcript. Grades will not be factored into your U of T CGPA.
Minimum Requirements
You must meet the U of T Student Exchange Program requirements to apply and you must meet the requirements listed for the course at the host institution.
2. UofT Independent Research Course
You can simultaneously enroll in a U of T Independent Research Course while also enrolled in regular course credits while participating in the Student Exchange Program.
Program Overview
- The course can be for one semester (Fall or Winter) or a full academic year (Fall and Winter)
- Upon completion, you are required to write a research report in scientific format and present your findings at the host institution and/or University of Toronto
- Assessment and grading is completed by a University of Toronto professor
- No Application Fees ($0)
- Pay U of T tuition + incidentals for 1 semester or year (2 semesters)
Transfer Credits:
You will receive a University of Toronto Independent Research Course Credit (1.0 FCE) upon completion that will count towards your CGPA.
Minimum Requirements
Due to the high calibre of Independent Research Course, most students applying for Independent Research Courses require a minimum of 10.0 FCEs prior to enrolment into the course and permission from the program supervisor.
You must also meet the University of Toronto’s Student Exchange Program requirements to participate in an exchange at the host institution.
3. CIE’s Summer Research Abroad
You can spend your summer abroad at a host institution engaging in independent research on a predefined topic. Summer research projects are listed on the CIE’s website.
Program Overview
- Depending on the research project, the program duration can be between 2-4 months
- Upon completion, you are required to write a research report in scientific format and present your findings at the host institution and/or University of Toronto
- Assessment and grading is completed by a professor at the host institution and a University of Toronto professor
- NOTE: you may be required to take a summer course at the host institution to complement your research
- No Application Fees ($0)
- Pay 1.0 U of T tuition + incidentals and any administration fees required by the host institution
Transfer Credits
You will receive a University of Toronto Independent Research Course Credit (1.0 FCE) upon completion of the course that will count towards your CGPA.
Minimum Requirements
Completion of 4.0 FCE is required to apply. However due to the high calibre of Independent Research Course, you are required to have some prior laboratory experience (laboratory components of UTSC courses or external laboratory experience).
Due to the competitiveness of the program, it is highly recommended that you apply after your second year.
4. CIE’s Graduate Research Term
As a graduate students (usually PhD), you can spend a semester or year abroad to working on your thesis. You are required to pay UofT tuition and incidentals and may be eligible to apply for funding.
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Program Offered by the Summer Abroad Office
*Application details for option 5 are available on the Summer Abroad website
5. Summer Science Abroad
The Summer Science Abroad Program, offered by Woodsworth College’s Professional and International Programs Office, provides an opportunity to study in a learning environment like U of T (usually with other U of T students) to develop laboratory techniques and learn how to deliver scientific presentations.
Program Overview
- Depending on the program location, students may spend 4-8 weeks at the host institution
- Grading and supervision is usually completed by a University of Toronto professor
- Online Application Fee: $200
- Costs: $1599-$2294 (from 2011)
Transfer Credits
You will receive a University of Toronto Arts & Science credit that will count towards your CGPA.
Minimum Requirements
Although no CGPA requirement is officially listed, students will be selected based on their CGPA, response to a questionnaire, and an interview. You must have completed a minimum of 8.5 credits and no more than 14.0 credits to apply.
Awards, Scholarships, and Bursaries for this program are administered through the Summer Abroad Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I research abroad?
External research experiences are highly encouraged by professors and principle investigators. Not only do these experiences make your profile more outstanding for graduate school application, but most principle investigators look for lab experiences when hiring their research assistants. Through Research Abroad opportunities, you not only gain experience in your field of studies, but also cultural and international experiences by living in another country.
How do I apply and what are the deadlines to apply?
Programs offered by Centre for International Experience (options 1-4)
The online application is one of many requirements. You must scan your statement of interest (in the form of a research proposal), resume, and host researcher approval for submission along with the online application. By the deadline, the following must also be brought to the ISC in a sealed and signed envelope:
For Research Course at Host Institution, UofT Independent Research Course and Graduate Research Term: 2 reference letters (one must be academic) and transcripts from Non-UofT universities
Summer Research Abroad (options 5)
The online application (including $200 application fee) is required by the deadline, as well as the responses to a questionnaire, and an interview.
Is financial aid available?
Financial assistance is available for domestic students. If you are a domestic student, you can use OSAP during your exchange programs or summer research program. For CIE programs, you can also apply for scholarships, awards, and bursaries to help pay for your courses. Unfortunately international students are not eligible for OSAP and most U of T financial aid.
If you are applying for awards, scholarships or bursaries through the Summer Abroad Office, you must apply for Summer Science Abroad on/before February 1st.
