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Faculty of Health Sciences

Physiotherapy Program

Admissions

Applications are open for the 2025 admission cycle (September 2025 intake). Please review all of the admission information. If you have questions, please use our new Chatbot! We cannot discuss an applicant’s individual application, assess transcripts, or offer advice.

Overview

The McMaster MSc Physiotherapy Program is a 2-year, full-time, in-person program. Program entry occurs in September only.

All applicants, domestic and international, must meet the same criteria (see Admission Requirements) and apply through the Ontario Rehabilitation Science Programs Application Service (ORPAS). The ORPAS application portal opens mid-October each year and closes early January. Late applications are not accepted.

Applicant & Admission Numbers

Year # Applications # Admitted
2024 1544 70
2023 1376 69
2022 1328 69
2021 1269 67
2020 935 64

The admission process and requirements undergo an annual review and are subject to change. The School of Rehabilitation Science reserves the right to change the admission process and requirements at any time without notice. Every effort will be made to inform prospective applicants of any changes in a timely manner.

Information Box Group

Speak with a Student Ambassador

Physiotherapy Student Ambassadors will be happy to answer questions about graduate student life at McMaster and their experiences within the PT program. Visit the Student Ambassadors page to see a list of Student Ambassadors – programs are listed alphabetically.

Please put “Question to Ambassador” in the subject line to ensure that your email message doesn’t get lost. Please also note that all ambassadors are volunteers as well as current graduate students with busy schedules, so kindly allow 48 hours for their responses.

Admission Streams

The MSc Physiotherapy Program has two (2) admissions streams.

Expandable List

The Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University acknowledges the barriers and challenges for Indigenous students accessing post-graduate education programs and opportunities. The MSc Programs have a Facilitated Indigenous Admissions Program (FIAP) for individuals with Indigenous North American (First Nation, Inuit or Métis) ancestry.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (in 2015) called on all levels of government to:

  • increase the number of Indigenous professionals working in the health care field,
  • ensure the retention of Indigenous health care providers in Indigenous communities and
  • provide cultural competency training for all health care professionals.

These principles guide the MSc Programs in working toward an environment for all students, patients and educators to create focused learning opportunities of cultural awareness and humility.

References: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, United Nations; National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada., Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada., & United Nations. (2015). Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.

Applicants wishing to apply through FIAP must:

  • meet the minimum program admission requirements
  • complete the self-identification application and
  • apply to the program through ORPAS following the program-specific application process (i.e., indicate that you are applying through the FIAP).

The deadline for applying through FIAP is the same as the application deadline for the program.

The Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University acknowledges the barriers and challenges of Black students accessing postgraduate education programs and opportunities. The MSc Programs have a Facilitated Black Admissions Program (FBAP) for individuals who self-identify as Black.

To be eligible, the applicant must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who self-identifies as Black, including:

  • Black African,
  • Black Caribbean/West Indian,
  • Black North American,
  • Black Latinx and/or
  • a multi-racial student who has and identifies with their Black ancestry.

FBAP process:

  1. Apply to the program through ORPAS following the program-specific application process (i.e., indicate that you are applying through the FBAP).
  2. Applicants meeting the admission criteria, who receive an email invitation to interview and pay the interview fee, will have the opportunity to submit a personal statement.
  3. At the time of the Kira Talent online interview, applicants will have the option to upload a personal statement (maximum 250 words) to highlight one or more of the following:
      • Their interest in applying through the FBAP;
      • Their reasons for choosing this profession;
      • Circumstances that may have impacted their experiences to date; and/or
      • Any other information pertaining to their personal/professional contexts they wish to share.
  4. If applicants choose to upload a personal statement, it will be reviewed by the admissions committee and interview assessors, which consists of an interprofessional panel of majority Black faculty and clinicians. The statement will be used to provide context to applicants’ interview responses and to ensure an opportunity for their voices to be heard.

Admission Process

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that ORPAS receives the application and all required supporting documentation by the deadlines. If the application is not complete, or if supporting documentation is not received by the deadlines, the application will not be considered.

Per the McMaster Graduate Academic Calendar, admission is competitive and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Final decisions on matters of admission rest with the Graduate Admissions and Studies Committee for each Faculty or the Graduate Associate Dean acting on the committee’s behalf. The admission decision is not subject to appeal.

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All eligible applicants who have met the academic requirements will be invited, via the email address provided to ORPAS in the online application, to participate in an online virtual interview. The cost of the interview is $55 (non-refundable) and must be paid before the online interview can be completed. Applicants who have not met the minimum requirements and will not proceed to the interview will be notified via email.

Once the interview fee is received, applicants will receive a link to complete the online interview within the time frame provided. There is no individual date and time assigned, as such, applicants can complete the interview at anytime during the specified dates. Deadline extensions are not granted. To complete the interview, applicants must have a computer, webcam, microphone and internet.

The MSc(PT) Program will support accommodations for the interview process. Requests for accommodations must be received by the specified time and date in the invitation letter to be considered.

The interview is comprised of verbal questions and a written-response question. A set amount of time is provided to allow candidates  to prepare their  response, and a set amount of time is provided for  responses. The interview takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

Applicants who completed the online interview are ranked on a combination of their interview score (75% of final ranking) and their sub-GPA (25% of final ranking).

Offers of admission are made using the overall rank in conjunction with other factors from your ORPAS application and online interview (i.e., interview integrity, non-academic requirements).

Approximately 67 students are admitted to the MSc (PT) Program each year. The final approval of applicants for admission will be granted by the McMaster School of Graduate Studies.

Applicants will be notified of the admission decision via the email address that was provided to ORPAS in the online application. Applicants will receive either an offer of admission, notification of their placement on the waiting list, or a decline letter.

 

Applicants being offered admission must complete the online offer of acceptance to ORPAS, satisfy the conditions of their offer, and pay a non-refundable deposit fee of $500 (credited toward tuition).

Deferral requests are not normally considered.

 

Admission Requirements

Please carefully review all of the admission requirements. The academic requirements are the same for all applicants, domestic and international, regardless of previous job or life experience. All admission requirements must be met to be considered for admission.

 

Academic Requirements

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Applicants are required to have a 4-year baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent of 120 units/credits):

  • Applicants in their fourth year of their degree may apply, but they must provide proof of degree conferral by June 30th of the application year.
  • The degree can be in any university discipline; none are preferred.
  • The degree must be obtained from an institution that is accredited.
  • Degrees awarded by degree granting colleges are accepted.
  • Within these 120 units/credits, at least 10 courses (equivalent to 30 units/credits) must be at the third or fourth-year level.
  • Courses not normally included in the 120 units/credits include placements, internships, and activity courses.

For applicants holding a 3-year baccalaureate degree:

  • An additional 30 units/credits, beyond those of a three-year degree, are required to reach a total of 120 units/credits.
  • Within these 120 units/credits, at least 10 courses (equivalent to 30 units/credits) must be at the third or fourth-year level.
  • Courses not normally included in the 120 units/credits include placements, internships, and activity courses.

For applicants with a degree in Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy:

  • If your degree was obtained either internationally or from another Canadian institution, please note that you will not be eligible to apply for the McMaster MSc(PT) Program.
  • We recommend that applicants with an international physiotherapy or physical therapy degree consider physiotherapy bridging programs. More information on these programs can be found on the CAPR website.

A minimum sub-GPA of 3.3/4.0 (equivalent to B+ or 77%) on the ORPAS scale is required, calculated over the last two years or 60 units of university academic study.

ORPAS will be responsible for calculating the sub-GPA for undergraduate coursework completed at universities in Canada and the United States.

  • Grades will be converted to the ORPAS scale to calculate your sub-GPA.
  • Use the ORPAS – GPA Calculations page to review how your sub-GPA is calculated.
  • Grades from any Fall term courses taken before the application deadline will be included in the sub-GPA. Applications without these course grades on the transcript will be considered ineligible.

If you have completed a bachelor’s degree at a degree-granting college, completed graduate coursework, completed international coursework, or hold an international degree (excluding the USA), the MSc (PT) program will calculate your sub-GPA.

  • Graduate coursework is weighted the same as undergraduate coursework.
  • A course-by-course World Education Services (WES) assessment is required to facilitate sub-GPA calculations for international degrees and coursework.

Four (4) prerequisite courses are required with a minimum grade in each course of 3.3/4.0 on the ORPAS scale (or its equivalent of a B+ or 77%). 

If your course is not on the pre-approved list linked in the chart below and you would like it assessed, please use the chatbot and click ->Admissions->Prerequisite Courses and “Yes” to fill out the form. 

The course categories are:

Prerequisite Category Criteria Min. Grade  Min. Unit/Credit Pre-approved List
Human Physiology Eligible courses should be foundational, covering the entire human body’s physiology. It should include cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, reproductive, embryonic development, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. Specialized or animal-focused courses are not accepted. B+ / 77% (3.3 on the ORPAS scale) or higher 3 unit
(0.5 credit)		 Click here
Human Anatomy Eligible courses should be foundational, covering the human body’s anatomy. It should include cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, reproductive, embryonic development, nervous, and musculoskeletal system. Specialized or animal-focused courses are not accepted. B+ / 77% (3.3 on the ORPAS scale) or higher 3 unit
(0.5 credit)		 Click here
Statistics or Health Research Methods Eligible statistics courses should cover measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, comparison of two groups, simple regression and correlation, and analysis of repeated observations. While not essential, exposure to comparing more than two groups and non-parametric stats is encouraged.

Eligible research methods courses in a health-related field should focus on research and evidence-based practice, covering topics such as health-related research designs, methodological quality, risk of bias assessment, and statistics. Relevant study designs include observational studies, quasi-experimental designs, randomized controlled trials, and diagnostic studies. Research project courses are not accepted.

 B+ / 77% (3.3 on the ORPAS scale) or higher 3 unit
(0.5 credit)		 Click here
Humanities or Social Science Eligible courses include those that explore cultures, languages, literatures, philosophy, and history. Humanities courses delve into the human experience through literature, history, philosophy, art, and film, while social science courses study human behavior and its impact on society, encompassing fields such as anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology.

KINE/KIN/KINESIOL/KPE/HLSC/HTHSCI course codes are not accepted to satisfy this prerequisite category.

 B+ / 77% (3.3 on the ORPAS scale) or higher 3 unit
(0.5 credit)		 Click here

Applicants must complete the prerequisite course section in the ORPAS application. Only the courses submitted in this section will be reviewed to determine whether the applicant has met the prerequisite course requirements.

Course Completion: All prerequisite courses must be completed by December 31, prior to the January application deadline. All four prerequisite grades must be on the submitted transcript.

Grade Requirements: PASS or CREDIT grades are only accepted for courses taken in Winter 2020 (during the Covid-19 pandemic) with a letter on university letterhead stating you achieved a B+/77% or higher. Grades below B+ will not be accepted.

Course Accreditation: Prerequisite courses must be completed at an accredited university. College courses transferred to a university transcript may be accepted with the following conditions:

  • You will need to obtain a letter from your university (e.g. the Registrar’s Office) on university letterhead. This letter must state that the college courses you would like to use as prerequisites have been deemed equivalent to specific courses at your university. It should include the college course you took and the equivalent course code, name of the course, and units/credits of the course.
  • At the time of application, the aforementioned letter will need to be uploaded with your ORPAS application as an additional document. Please note that we will not accept college courses without this letter submitted on ORPAS.
  • We will reference your college transcript for the final grade.

Degree Granting College: If you’re completing a degree from a degree-granting college, the prerequisite courses must be part of your degree.

Application: Record all four prerequisite courses in the ORPAS module of your application, and provide a detailed course syllabus. Accurate entry of course codes, grades, and syllabus URL is crucial. Inaccuracies may lead to disqualification.

Note: Prerequisite courses accepted may vary each admission cycle. Review the approved course listings on our website annually.

Non-academic Requirements

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Facilitated Indigenous Admissions Program (FIAP):

Applicants wishing to apply through the FIAP must:

  • complete the Facilitated Admissions Self-Identification application
    • The deadline for submitting this application is the same as the ORPAS application deadline for the program.
  • indicate you are applying through the FIAP in the ORPAS application

Facilitated Black Admissions Program (FBAP):

Applicants wishing to apply for the FBAP must:

  • indicate you are applying through the FBAP in the ORPAS application
  • complete the separate FBAP application if invited by the program
    • applicants will have the option to complete a personal statement (maximum 250 words)

For more information about these admissions streams, visit our Admission Stream webpage at: https://srs-pt.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/education/future-students/admissions/#tab-content-admission-streams

You must be proficient in spoken and written English. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of English-language proficiency. The only exception to this requirement is for those who have completed an entire university degree in Canada, USA, United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand.

If English is not your first language, an official copy of your TOEFL score (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic test report form is required by the ORPAS application due date. These test results must not be more than two years old at the time of the ORPAS application deadline.

TOEFL Requirements:

  • A minimum score of 600 (written) or 250 (computer) or 92 (iBT) (reading-22, speaking-24, listening-24, writing-22) is required.
  • The TOEFL score must be sent directly from the TOEFL Centre to McMaster University (McMaster code: 0936, Department code: 48).

IELTS (Academic) Requirements:

  • A minimum overall score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each section.
  • IELTS results must be sent directly from IELTS to McMaster University.

If you have an international degree or completed courses at an international institution (i.e.: have completed exchange work), excluding the US, you must submit the following required documentation to ORPAS to ensure your application is complete:

  • World Education Services (WES) assessment
  • Original transcripts sent by the originating institution(s) – see the ORPAS Transcript Requirements for assessment of international transcripts and exchange work.

If your transcripts are not in English, your ORPAS application must include:

  • Notarized English copies of transcripts and prerequisite course descriptions
  • A grading legend from the university explaining the grading scale is also encouraged

Not required.

Not required.

Not required.

Entrance requirements are not required at the time of application. However, upon acceptance of an offer of admission, you must meet all conditions of the offer as well as entrance requirements to participate in the MSc (PT) Program. Failure to satisfy these requirements may result in removal from the program.

For more information about entrance requirements, visit our Entrance Requirements webpage at: https://srs-pt.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/education/future-students/admissions/#tab-content-entrance-requirements

 

 

 

Selection Process

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All applicants who have met the minimum academic requirements are invited to participate in an online virtual interview.

Applicants who complete the online virtual interview are ranked on a combination of their interview score (75% of final ranking) and their sub-GPA (25% of final ranking).

Top ranked applicants are reviewed to ensure they have met the non-academic requirements, which include submitting all required supporting documentation by the deadline.

Offers of admission are made using the overall rank in conjunction with other factors from your ORPAS application and online interview (i.e., interview integrity, non-academic requirements).

Entrance Requirements

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To secure your place you must pay your $500 tuition deposit. This deposit is non-refundable and the total amount will be credited towards your first semester’s tuition.

Submission Instructions
Deposit fee payment is made on Mosaic through your Student Centre page (Finances). Further details can be found here.

Due Date
June 30

Contact
PT Program Coordinator
askpt@mcmaster.ca

If you received a conditional offer or had courses in progress at the time of application, you must submit your final transcript/s. The only exception is for students graduating from a McMaster program. Students who completed their degree or courses at McMaster do not need to submit a final transcript as the Program has access through Mosaic.

If you received a firm offer and no courses were in progress at the time of application, final transcript/s are NOT required.

Submission Instructions (if applicable)
In addition to a copy of your transcript being submitted to ORPAS, McMaster University requires an official transcript sent directly from your post-secondary institution to confirm that you have cleared academic conditions (i.e., degree conferred by June 30, maintained good academic standing for in progress courses). Transcript/s can be e-mailed (preferred) or mailed directly from your post-secondary institution. Please address to:

askpt@mcmaster.ca
PT Program Coordinator
McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science
1400 Main Street West, IAHS 403
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 1C7

Due Date
June 30

Contact
PT Program Coordinator
askpt@mcmaster.ca

All learners entering the Physiotherapy Program must complete the Year One Health Screening Record form as part of the non-academic requirements for their program AND be cleared by the Health Screening Office.

Submission Instructions
A copy of the Health Screening Record can be downloaded from the website and students are encouraged to visit the site for helpful information and submission instructions: https://fhs.mcmaster.ca/healthscreening/firstyearstudents.html

Due Date
July 15

Contact
Health Screening Office
hrsadmin@mcmaster.ca
905-525-9140 ext. 22249
https://fhs.mcmaster.ca/healthscreening/

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) requires incoming candidates and returning students to provide a Police Records Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). VSCs are required to be updated on an annual basis and valid for the entire duration of the program. VSCs are considered valid for one year from date of issue from Police Services. Students may be asked to complete the VSC process more frequently than annually, if required by a clinical site.

Submission Instructions
Please view the FHS Professionalism Office website for complete instructions: https://fhs.mcmaster.ca/pcbe/police_records_check.html

Due Date
July 31

Contact
FHS Professionalism Office
fhsprof@mcmaster.ca
905-525-9140 ext. 22249
https://fhs.mcmaster.ca/pcbe/police_records_check.html

CPR Training (BLS or Level C) must be valid for the duration of the program and the Faculty of Health Sciences supports a 2-year recertification period. Proof of certification must be provided prior to starting the program in the fall and must be maintained current throughout the duration of the program. Some placement sites may require a shorter recertification period and students must be prepared to meet the site’s requirements. Training must be completed in-person or via a hybrid model; fully online CPR training is not accepted by the School of Rehab Science.

Submission Instructions
Upload a copy of your certification on Avenue to Learn

Due Date
July 15

Contact
PT Program Coordinator
askpt@mcmaster.ca

Each student requires a program ID badge for numerous purposes throughout the program, including clinical placements and access to the anatomy lab. Students are required to submit a photo of themselves for processing and will receive their ID badge in September. This is separate from your McMaster Student ID card. 

Submission Instructions
Upload a photo of yourself to Avenue to Learn.

To be considered acceptable, your uploaded photo must:
• be recent and similar to a passport photo (head shot only, looking straight into the camera)
• have a neutral or smiling expression
• be in colour, in focus and of good quality (scanned photos of your driver’s license, passport or health card are not acceptable)
• be on a WHITE, blank background
• be in professional dress
• not contain any of people, animals or props (i.e. hats, sunglasses or graduation caps)

Due Date
July 15

Contact
PT Program Coordinator
askpt@mcmaster.ca

Your McMaster Photo ID identifies you as a McMaster University student and permits you access to services on campus. In addition, you must present your student card in the School of Graduate Studies or Registrar’s Office to make inquiries about your personal academic record.

Submission Instructions
If you are a new McMaster student, you must upload a photo of yourself to your Mosaic Student Center in order to have your student ID card processed. If you are recent graduate from McMaster, the Registrar’s Office will only issue a card if the photo was uploaded within the last 2 years. Otherwise, you will need to upload a new photo. Detailed instructions can be found here: https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/services/student-card/#tab-10

Due Date
July 15

Contact
Office of the Registrar
https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/services/

Course registration for year one students will open early July. You must enroll in all the following courses through your Student Center on Mosaic:

Fall Term

SGS 101

SGS 201

PHYSIOTH 741

PHYSIOTH 751

PHYSIOTH 761

PHYSIOTH 771*

Winter Term

PHYSIOTH 781

PHYSIOTH 742

PHYSIOTH 752

PHYSIOTH 762

PHYSIOTH 772*

Spring/Summer Term

PHYSIOTH 782

*Dual degree students are not required to enroll in the REBP courses.

Registration Instructions
You must log on to Mosaic and enrol. Details on how to enroll can be found here. Course descriptions can also be referred to on the School of Graduate Studies Calendar.

Due Date
Early August (see Graduate Studies website for dates: https://gs.mcmaster.ca/current-students/dates-and-deadlines/)

Contact
PT Program Coordinator
askpt@mcmaster.ca

All students must pay a one-time program fee of $815.00. This fee includes clinical education fee, a physiotherapy backpack and tool kit, and a program ID badge. Your physiotherapy tool kit contains items required for the practice of clinical skills throughout the program and for clinical placements. Kits will be distributed during orientation.

Submission Instructions
Program fee payment is made on Mosaic through your Student Centre page (Finances).

Due Date
September 1

Contact
PT Program Coordinator
askpt@mcmaster.ca

If you require academic accommodations, please review the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) website and begin the process by registering with SAS. We recommend starting this process early.

Submission Instructions (if applicable)
For a full overview of the registration process, visit the SAS website: https://sas.mcmaster.ca/accommodations/registration-and-appointments/

Due Date
n/a

Contact
Student Accessibility Services
sas@mcmaster.ca
905-525-9140 Ext. 28652
https://sas.mcmaster.ca/ 

 

Dates and Deadlines

Dates and Deadlines for the 2025 Admission Cycle**
Please also reference the ORPAS Key Dates

September 24, 2024

 Fall Graduate Programs Fair.
10:00 am – 3:00 pm in the MUSC Marketplace.
Event details here: https://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/mcmaster-graduate-schools-fair/

October 10, 2024

 ORPAS online application opens.

 October 15, 2024

 Physiotherapy Program Information Webinar.
7:00 – 8:00 pm
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqceirrjMoH9HQDauPsWbVYQwVevULkeGn

December 25, 2024 – January 3, 2025

 McMaster University Holiday Closure.
Emails and phone calls will not be responded to during this time.

 January 6, 2025

 Last day to submit an application through ORPAS.
Late applications are not accepted.

January 30, 2025

 Deadline to submit transcripts to ORPAS from all post-secondary institutions attended.

 Mid-February 2025 **

 The Program will confirm with applicants whether they are/are not eligible to complete the Kira Talent online interview. Interview payment details will also be provided.

 February 2025 **

 Kira Talent interview fee due ($55.00 CAD). Applicants are responsible for paying their interview fees by the deadline in order to gain access to their interview.

 February – March 2025 **

 Applicants interview period opens. Interviews can be completed anytime during the start and end date/time. No travel is required. No extensions permitted. 
The following will be needed to complete the interview: a computer (no phone or tablet), microphone, webcam and internet.

 Mid-May 2025 **

 Earliest date for offers of admission to be sent out (via School of Graduate Studies) using the email address applicants submitted with their ORPAS application.

 Mid-May 2025 **

 Program information webinar / Q&A for applicants with a first-round offer only.

 Late-May 2025 **

  First-round offers expire.

 Early-June 2025 **

 Provisional acceptances become firm acceptances.

 June 30, 2025

 Deadline for ORPAS to receive final transcripts.
Due date to submit $500.00 non-refundable deposit to confirm your acceptance.

 September 2, 2025*

  Program start.

* Dates subject to change.

** Dates will be specified at our earliest convenience.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an online option for the MSc (PT) Program?
No. All courses during the academic terms in the MSc(PT) program have mandatory, in person, on-campus learning requirements and students are expected to be available to participate and attend in person.

How long is the program?
It is a 2-year, full-time in person program.

Does the program run through the summer?
Yes, the program runs consecutively for 6 terms. Year one occurs through the Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer terms, and year two occurs through the Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer terms.

Where do I access the application?
Applications are are accessed and submitted through the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service (ORPAS).

I am a mature student, do I apply differently?
No, all applicants apply the same way and must meet the same requirements.

I am an international student, do I apply differently?
No, all applicants apply the same way and must meet the same requirements.

Does the MSc (PT) program require volunteer, work experience, references or the CASPER?
No, the McMaster Physiotherapy Program does not require these for admission. Please review the Admission Requirements tab to see a full list of requirements.

Am I required to maintain a full course load each term to be eligible?
No, you are not required to maintain a full course load. However, demonstrating that you can successfully manage a full course load in your academic career is valuable.

What courses should I take if I’m upgrading my sub-GPA?
If you are planning on taking additional courses to improve your sub-GPA, the program will only accept courses completed at a senior level (300/400 level courses). Prerequisite courses completed at the 100/200 level are the exception. Courses can be taken as a non-degree student at an accredited university.

What is the sub-GPA cut-off?
The minimum sub-GPA requirement is also the cutoff, which is a 3.3/4.0 (B+ or 77%).

How is my sub-GPA calculated?
ORPAS calculates your GPA based on the most recent 60 units (approximately 2 years) of study. It is recommended that you read the ORPAS GPA calculation information. ORPAS does not calculate international, exchange, or graduate coursework, or degree coursework earned at a college. The MSc (PT) program will re-calculate to include this coursework.

Is there a timeline for when I need to complete my prerequisite courses by?
Students can take their prerequisite courses at any point in their academic career (i.e. there is no length of time after which a course will not be eligible) to satisfy the prerequisite requirements. Prerequisite courses, however, do need to be completed by December 31st of the year you are applying. It is recommended that you retake the prerequisite courses if it has been a significant length of time since you have last studied in either of the four areas, so that you can set yourself up for success in the Physiotherapy Program.

Do my prerequisite courses have to fall within my last 60 units completed?
No, prerequisite courses can be completed any time during your academic career.

Which courses will you pick for my prerequisites?
The McMaster Physiotherapy Program does not choose these courses. Applicants are required to record their prerequisite courses on the ORPAS Pre-requisite Module on their application.

Are there scholarship opportunities?
Scholarship and award opportunities are available to students admitted to the Program. For additional information, please see our website: https://srs-pt.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/education/current-students/awards/

If I’m accepted into the program, can I defer my acceptance to another year?
Deferral requests are not normally considered.

Apply

Information Box Group

Step 1: Pre-Planning Review the Guidelines

It is important to review the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Program (ORPAS) application guide for McMaster University before completing the application.

Step 2: Application Complete the Application

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is submitted with all required supporting documentation by the deadline. If the application is not complete or if supporting documents are not received by the required deadline, the application will not be considered.