How to Apply
THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION AT TRINITY COLLEGE
Since 1841, Trinity College’s Faculty of Divinity has led the way in providing theological education within the Anglican tradition – theological, spiritual and professional formation of persons called to lay or ordained ministries in their many and emerging forms. Throughout our incredible and storied past, we have educated and trained Anglican priests, bishops, archbishops and primates. Our graduates include notable theologians, academics, and increasingly in more recent times, lay people who are pursuing advanced theological study for a variety of vocational goals: academic teaching and research, social justice work and ministerial advancement. In recent years, we have introduced a concentration in Orthodox and Eastern Christian Studies for the CTS, MTS, and MDiv programs, and now also train students for lay leadership and ordained ministry in various Orthodox traditions. Click here to learn more about the history of the Faculty of Divinity.
Trinity’s Faculty of Divinity is one of the founding members of the Toronto School of Theology (TST). The TST forms the largest ecumenical consortium for theological education in Canada. Members of TST share a common calendar of academic dates, a common course timetable, share educational resources, collaborate in instruction, and common academic policies and procedures. Trinity College degrees are conjointly awarded by Trinity College and the University of Toronto. We offer a robust financial assistance program and programs are available on full- and part-time basis. If you are interested in living in residence, please contact the Faculty of Divinity at trinity.divinity@utoronto.ca.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS (please see below for program)
The Faculty of Divinity at Trinity College accepts applications for every September. The deadline is May 31, however if you are an international student requiring a study permit, you are advised to submit your application by March 1.
Master of Theological Studies (MTS),and all Certificate program Admission Requirements:
Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized university or college, having achieved at least a B- average, will be considered for admission to a degree program. Completed application forms, official transcripts of all post-secondary education, three letters of reference, and a resume should be sent to the College by the above deadline for the year in which admission is sought. If places are available, applications will be accepted after this date. Petitions for advanced standing or transfer credit should be made at the time of application.
The minimum degree requirements for admission to a Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS), and Certificate in Theology and Interreligious Engagement (CIE) programs are included in Basic Degree Handbook on the TST website.
Master of Divinity (MDiv) Admission Requirements:
Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized university or college, having achieved at least a B average, will be considered for admission to the MDiv program. Completed application forms, official transcripts of all post-secondary education, three letters of reference, and a resume should be sent to the College by the above deadline for the year in which admission is sought. Petitions for advanced standing or transfer credit should be made at the time of application.
Admission to the MDiv for those who do not possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent: In some cases, mature applicants with life experience that has prepared them for theological study at a graduate level, who have not completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, but who have completed one year of university-level education with at least a B- average, will be considered for provisional admission to the MDiv program. Such students will be admitted as non-degree students on probation until they have satisfactorily completed ten credits at the Toronto School of Theology. At that time, if they are considered by the Teaching Staff of the Faculty of Divinity to be making satisfactory progress in their studies, they will be registered in the MDiv and courses completed at TST will be credited towards the MDiv. No more than 10% of the students registered in the MDiv program may be in this category.
The minimum degree requirements for admission to a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree program are included in Basic Degree Handbook on the TST website.
Your Application* for the MDIV, MTS, and CTS Program Must Include:
1. Complete Student Application for Admission Form
2. Receipt of Three Letters of Reference
Send one copy of the Letter of Reference Form template (PDF) to each of the persons named as referees (three references are required) on your Student Application for Admission Form, with the request that it be completed and returned as soon as possible to:
Faculty of Divinity
Trinity College, 6 Hoskin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1H8
Applicant should fill in his/her own name and address and that of the person from whom s/he is seeking a letter of reference.
3. Receipt of Official Transcripts
Request from all post-secondary institutions you have attended your official transcripts of post-secondary work with a minimum average of B- (70%). The official transcripts must be issued directly from the post-secondary institution to Trinity College.
4. Copy of Your Resume
5. International Students
If the undergraduate degree is from a non-English-speaking country, please also provide a writing sample (approximately 2,500 words). Email your sample to trinity.divinity@utoronto.ca.
International students who have not completed a previous degree in the English language may be required to prove English proficiency. For more information please see the International Students page.
6. Next Steps in the Admission Process
Once your complete application is received by Trinity College, and if your application meets our basic admission criteria, you will be invited for an interview. A final decision on admission will be made by a committee.
If your application is not complete by the deadline for the start session indicated, it will be carried over to the next intake cycle. If it is still incomplete for the second admission deadline, the application will be considered withdrawn.
ADVANCED STANDING
Transfer credits for post-baccalaureate work taken at other accredited institutions at the same or higher level may be granted. No more than half of the credits required for the previous degree may be transferred to a new program, and no more than half of the credits required in the new program may be earned through Advanced Standing. The amount of credit and its effect on the requirements of the student’s program are determined by the Teaching Staff in consultation with the College Registrar at the time of application.
Alternatively, for work done previously but not under ATS accreditation, a student may petition the Teaching Staff to be excused from one or more of the requirements of his or her program. In this case the thirty-course requirement is not diminished. Normally a student is expected to proceed to more advanced courses in the area or areas already covered.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: ADVANCED GRADUATE DEGREES
How to Apply: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Theology (ThM), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Trinity is not only a school where one gains an education; it is a spiritual, nurturing place for your whole life.
I had my most pleasant and memorable time in Trinity. My friends, my life and my calling are all connected to this Holy place.
- The Reverend Garfield Wu, Class of 2017, Diploma in Ministry, Faculty of Divinity at Trinity College
