Plant Biology at University of Toronto

About

Explore how plants and fungi grow and respond to the challenges they face in their environments. Along the way, you’ll learn about their role in genetics, ecology and biodiversity. This hands-on program equips you with the skills to tackle global and local challenges while celebrating plants’ key role in our natural world.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Proof of high school diploma
diploma requirements vary by country and school system

Learn more about diploma requirements for your country

Required Grade 12 courses

English
Biology
Mathematics (Calculus and Vectors, Advanced Functions, or Data Management)

Recommended Grade 12 courses

Chemistry

Approximate grade requirements

Minimum 70% English
High 70s overall
Low 80s overall (co-op)

Learn more about applying as an International student

English Program Requirements

Duolingo English Test:Tests completed on or after July 1, 2024: Overall score of 120 with a score of 120 in production.

Tests completed before July 1, 2024: Overall score of 120, with no subscore below 100.

International Baccalaureate English:A minimum score of at least 4 (predicted or final) in Higher Level or Standard Level English A: Literature or English A: Language and Literature. English B Higher Level is not acceptable. Learn more about IB English.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS):The minimum requirement is an overall band of 6.5, with no band below 6.0. Results from IELTS (Academic) for UKVI test sittings are accepted. Learn more about IELTS.

Note: We do not accept the IELTS Indicator test or results from the IELTS One Skill Retake. Applicants must achieve the scores listed above on a single date.

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic:The minimum requirement is an overall score of 65 with no part below 60. Results from PTE (Academic) UKVI test sittings are accepted. Learn more about PTE.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):Tests completed before January 21, 2026:

- The minimum requirement is a total score of 89 with 22 in each of Speaking and Writing
- Applicants must achieve the scores listed above on a single date. TOEFL MyBest (super-scored) results will not be used.

Effective January 21, 2026 there will be a new TOEFL scoring format. Admission requirements for the new scale are under review and will be posted once finalized.

Paper based test: Tests will be reviewed on an individual basis. Learn more about TOEFL

We do not accept TOEFL Essentials, TOEFL ITP or TOEFL ITP Plus for China for admission purposes.

Career

Career outcomes

93%

of Physical Sciences graduates are employed two years after graduation (HEQCO).

Career options

Research Assistant (hospital, university, private)
Food Inspection Agencies (research, quality control)
Researcher – Public Health, Government Agencies
Pharmaceutical Sales
Medical Supply Sales
Biopharmaceuticals (research, quality control)

Further Education

Graduate Studies
Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Optometry
Physical or Occupational Therapy
Teacher Education
Naturopathic or Chiropractic Medicine
Laboratory Technician
Radiology Technologist (MRI, CT)
Clinical Research
Epidemiology
Public Health & Public Policy

Admission requirements

Please note: The Health Sciences Stream is direct entry from high school only. If you have any post-secondary education you are not eligible. We encourage you to apply to the non-Health Sciences Stream program.

Ontario high school

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
at least six (6) grade 12 “U” or “M” courses

Required Grade 12 courses

English
Biology
Mathematics (Calculus and Vectors, Advanced Functions, or Data Management)

Recommended Grade 12 courses

Chemistry

Approximate grade requirements

Minimum 70% English
High 70s overall
Low 80s overall (co-op)

Learn more about applying as an Ontario high school student

Canadian high school

Proof of high school diploma
diploma requirements vary by province

Learn more about diploma requirements in your province

Required Grade 12 courses

English
Biology
Mathematics (Calculus and Vectors, Advanced Functions, or Data Management)

Recommended Grade 12 courses

Chemistry

Approximate grade requirements

Minimum 70% English
High 70s overall
Low 80s overall (co-op)

Learn more about applying as a Canadian high school student

International high school

Proof of high school diploma
diploma requirements vary by country and school system

Learn more about diploma requirements for your country

Required Grade 12 courses

English
Biology
Mathematics (Calculus and Vectors, Advanced Functions, or Data Management)

Recommended Grade 12 courses

Chemistry

Approximate grade requirements

Minimum 70% English
High 70s overall
Low 80s overall (co-op)

Learn more about applying as an International student

Other applicants

Applicants in unique circumstances

Are you a mature student, transfer student, CEGEP student, or wondering about a different circumstance?

Find your application pathway

Fluent in English

Proof of English language proficiency may be necessary.

More info about English Language Proficiency

Application deadlines

Domestic students

Domestic student deadline

Admission category	Program start	Early application date	Application deadline	Document deadline
Life Sciences	Fall 2026	November 7, 2025	January 15, 2026	February 2, 2026
Life Sciences Health Sciences Stream	Fall 2026	November 7, 2025	January 15, 2026	February 2, 2026

Learn more about applying as a domestic student

International Students

International student deadline

Admission category	Program start	Early application date	Application deadline	Document deadline
Life Sciences	Fall 2026	November 7, 2025	January 15, 2026	February 2, 2026
Life Sciences Health Sciences Stream	Fall 2026	November 7, 2025	January 15, 2026	February 2, 2026

Learn more about applying as an international student

First year fee estimates

Please note: these estimates may change based on individual student needs and program requirements. They are meant to help you plan for university and are not guaranteed until identity documents are verified, usually at the time of course enrolment. All costs are in Canadian dollars.

Domestic Ontario resident students

Core fees Tuition, school supplies, student fees, health insurance

$10,220 to $11,220

Co-op program fees For students in the co-op stream of a program

$1,010 to $3,032

Optional fees Housing, meal plan

$15,750 to $23,770

Grand total first year fees

$10,220 to $38,000

Financial aid, scholarships, and bursaries available for Ontario students

Domestic students outside Ontario

Core fees Tuition, school supplies, student fees, health insurance

$11,310 to $12,310

Co-op program fees For students in the co-op stream of a program

$1,010 to $3,032

Optional fees Housing, meal plan

$15,750 to $23,770

Grand total first year fees

$11,310 to $39,110

Financial aid, scholarships, and bursaries available for Canadian students

International Students

Core fees Tuition, school supplies, student fees, health insurance

$67,700 to $68,700

Co-op program fees For students in the co-op stream of a program

$1,010 to $3,032

Optional fees Housing, meal plan

$15,750 to $23,770

Grand total first year fees

$67,700 to $95,500

Scholarships and bursaries available for International students

Common terms

Domestic student
To qualify as a domestic student, you must have the following status in Canada:

Canadian citizen
permanent resident
protected person (e.g. refugee)
Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis)

Ontario resident student
An Ontario resident student is either:

a dependent student whose parent's primary residence is in Ontario
an independent student whose primary residence is in Ontario, and Ontario is the last province in which they have lived for 12 months in a row prior to being a post-secondary student

Why study Plant Biology at U of T Scarborough

New lab

Get hands-on research experience in our cutting-edge Plant Growth Facility, which can control light, humidity, heat and wind variables.

Integrate Your Learning

Complete a complex capstone course in senior year that integrates accumulated learning, and includes exciting research trips.

Health Sciences stream

Alongside your Bachelor of Science degree, you can earn a unique certificate through the optional Health Sciences Stream.

About Health Sciences

Student testimonials

As an international STEM student passionate about climate advocacy, UTSC became my home. Joining the Environmental and Physical Science Association and U of T Jhalak helped me find belonging and connect with mentors. Hands-on research and internships strengthened my academic and personal growth.

Aasthaa Sawarkar, 4th year, Environmental Sciences (Major), Applied Climatology and Biology (Minors)

Ready to apply?

Applications must be submitted through the Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC). You will need to know the admission category and OUAC code for the program you are applying for.

Admission category
Life Sciences

OUAC code

TSL

Admission category
Life Sciences (Health Sciences Stream)

OUAC code

TXD

Apply now on OUAC

Learn about the application process