PhD Admission & Application Information

Before you apply, we recommend that you contact the Associate Director, Graduate or the Graduate Administrator. 

Application opens

October 14, 2024

Application deadlines

Admission decisions are made during January to May, on an on-going basis; we encourage you to apply early. Applications will be open until April 11, 2025.

Please note: The admissions committee begins reading applications as they are submitted. Please consider this in the timing of your own submission. We urge early submissions if possible. 

Applicants are considered under the School of Graduate Studies' General Regulations. Admissions are selective; possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee acceptance. 

Applicants DO NOT need to secure a supervisor before making their application. A supervisor is generally chosen during the first year of studies.

Applicants must also satisfy the Centre's additional admission requirements stated below:

  • Applications are considered between January and April, with offers going out throughout this time period. International applicants may be considered for additional awards, and so are encouraged to apply by mid-Jan. International applications will still be considered until the April 14th deadline.  
  • Applicants with an MA in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies or the equivalent from a recognized university, must have a standing equivalent to at least a University of Toronto A-. Applicants who have taken the MA through this Centre must be recommended for further study by the instructors whose courses they have taken. Applicants holding the MA of this University in another subject or its equivalent from another university will be considered for admission to the PhD program in light of their previous work and its relation to the Centre's requirements; additional coursework may be required.
  • Applicants must arrange two supporting letters of recommendation that address specifically their academic skills and research potential. Admission will be conditional upon satisfactory recommendation.
  • Applications must be accompanied by a statement of research intent (up to five pages and bibliography), curriculum vitae (CV) and a writing sample (15 pages, plus bibliography). 

Please visit the School of Graduate Studies' English-Language Proficiency Testing page. 

International students are encouraged to complete their applications by January 12, 2025, to be considered for additional awards. But the April 11, 2025, deadline still applies to International students who cannot meet this January application date and the regular funding package will stilll be awarded to successful applicants.

Please visit the School of Graduate Studies' International & Exchange Students page. 

Application Form & Fee

Supporting Documents

Include the following on your School of Graduate Studies Online Admissions Application: 

  • A Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining all activities pertinent to study at the Centre, in research, publication, teaching, and performing arts practice. 
  • A Cover Letter: In 800–1,000 words, describe your scholarly interests, the reasons for your pursuit of graduate studies, your previous scholarly experience and artistic practice that have prepared you for a graduate program, and how the CDTPS is a good match for your pursuit.
  • Two letters of recommendation providing substantive information on the applicant's abilities, achievements, and potential for graduate studies. We recommend that these are composed by instructors familiar with your academic work and skills.
  • A letter of intent. In 1,000–1,500 words, describe what you are interested in examining for your PhD thesis, your assessment of prior research pertinent to your scholarly interests, the reasons why it is important to conduct your proposed project, your proposed methodology, your research plan with an approximate timeline, your contribution to existing scholarship, and how the CDTPS is a good match for your PhD pursuit. This statement is required to ensure that: applicants demonstrate promise of independent research at an advanced level; their stated scholarly interests are compatible with the Centre’s available resources; once admitted, candidates may proceed with their programs expeditiously and with focus. Once admitted, you can expect to revisit your proposed research project to revise its scope and plan.  
  • A writing sample (15 pages plus bibliography, double-spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman, 1-inch margin, paginated, MLA or Chicago style).
  • Note: Only two recommendation letters are allowed. Further documentation beyond what is stated above—for example, creative and research publications—is not required and will not be read.

Learn more about graduate studies at the University of Toronto on the School of Graduate Studies website.

Application Status Check

Log into your Online Admissions Application to check your application status. Your application will be marked “Under Review” when it has gone to the Admission Committee for consideration.

Notification of Admission Decisions

Decisions are made as soon as possible, rather than by a specific date. By the end of the current admissions cycle (typically in May) the outcomes of all applications should be communicated.

Possession of the minimum requirements of the Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies and the School of Graduate Studies does not guarantee admission. Candidates must be competitive among fellow applicants.

As a Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies PhD student, you have the option of applying to a collaborative PhD program in one of the following areas of study:

Please contact the Associate Director, Graduate or the Graduate Administrator if you intend to apply to a collaborative program. 

Learn more about where our alumni have landed following graduation on Our Graduates in Academia page.