Indigenous Student Application Program
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. The University of Toronto’s Department of Physical Therapy is committed to increasing the representation of Indigenous physical therapists through its MScPT program. There are no fixed seats or quotas.
The ISAP is an optional pathway for applicants who choose to identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis).
Through this application program, we hope to break down some of the barriers that might prevent Indigenous applicants from applying to the MScPT program and nurture an inclusive environment that is welcoming to all.
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 healthcare and/or postsecondary education.
To be considered through ISAP, applicants must complete the Indigenous Substantiation process administered by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), University of Toronto.
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. Indigenous peoples of North America are invited to apply through this application stream.
Applicants choosing to apply through the Indigenous Student Application Program must complete the Indigenous Substantiation Process supported by the Office of Indigenous Health, and supply a personal statement along with all other required admission documents through the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs (ORPAS).application.
ISAP Application Steps:
- Identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) on the ORPAS application.
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Applicants seeking consideration through the Indigenous Student Application Program (ISAP) must then identify by contacting the Office of Indigenous Health (OIH) at Indigenoushealth.Support@utoronto.ca before the application deadline.
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Once an applicant has identified with OIH, their contact information will be shared with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), which is responsible for administering the Indigenous Substantiation process. OII will contact the applicant directly to initiate and guide them through the substantiation process.
- Submit an Indigenous Student Application Program Personal Statement in ORPAS
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The ISAP Personal Statement is an opportunity for you introduce yourself and to explain your decision to apply through ISAP. We would specifically like to learn about your current connection to your ancestral Indigenous community. It will not be evaluated by the admissions committee or used to support admission decisions. We recommend that this statement be 250-500 words. Ensure you submit your statement with the ORPAS application in order to be considered through the ISAP. If you are unsure about how to proceed, we invite you to email the Office of Indigenous Health for support.
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Applicants will be considered for review through ISAP only after OII has confirmed that the applicant has successfully met the Indigenous Substantiation criteria (Membership, Citizenship, or Enrolment [M/C/E]).
Confirmation of substantiation will be provided to the PT Admissions Office without the disclosure of personal or confidential substantiation materials. Please do not submit identity documents in ORPAS.
For questions regarding the Indigenous Substantiation process or the Indigenous Student Application Program (ISAP), please contact the Office of Indigenous Health, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, at Indigenoushealth.Support@utoronto.ca.
*Indigenous peoples of North America are invited to apply through this application stream.
If you are unsure about how to proceed, we invite you to email the Office of Indigenous Health for support.
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 connects prospective Physical Therapy applicants that face systemic barriers with admissions information sessions, mentors, volunteer and research opportunities, and application support.
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 Online Asynchronous Interview stage as an Indigenous Student Application Program candidate if I satisfy all admissions requirements?
No, we will invite qualified candidates to the Online Asynchronous Interview 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.