Overview

The Genetic Counselling programme at the University of Toronto provides comprehensive academic and clinical training for aspiring healthcare professionals. This full-time Master of Science degree focuses on the complex intersection of medical genetics and patient support. Students learn to navigate the scientific and emotional aspects of genetic healthcare delivery.

Why Genetic Counselling at the University of Toronto?

This programme is delivered by the Department of Molecular Genetics, which boasts a robust network of nearly 100 faculty members. Students benefit from an extensive research and clinical infrastructure, with facilities located across prestigious sites including the Medical Sciences Building and the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research.

The curriculum is highly regarded and has earned accreditation from the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Training takes place within a world-class medical ecosystem, involving partnerships with leading institutions such as the Hospital for Sick Children, Mount Sinai Hospital, and the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 31870 per year
National fee: CAD 7370 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to gather family histories, guide medical investigations, and communicate inheritance risks. Modules may include:

Genetic Counselling
Molecular Genetics
Clinical Skills
Medical Histories
Diagnostic Communication
Natural History and Risk Assessment

Careers with Genetic Counselling

Graduates are prepared to enter the healthcare sector as integral members of multidisciplinary medical teams. They play a crucial role in helping patients understand probable or established diagnoses and the associated options for recurrence risk. The programme's accreditation ensures that alumni are well-positioned for professional certification and practice.

Common career paths involve working in clinical settings, research hospitals, and specialised genetic centres. Professionals in this field are responsible for guiding investigations and providing essential support to families navigating hereditary health conditions across various medical specialities.

Programme Structure

10.0 FCEs in coursework with a minimum B– standing. Lectures, meetings, and rounds must be attended at a minimum of 90% of scheduled occurrences.
1.0 FCE independent research project. Students are expected to develop and implement a research study designed and carried out by them under the supervision of a faculty member. The independent research project must be relevant to the field of genetic counselling and/or clinical genetics. Students must present the independent research project both orally and in a written format suitable for publication.
2.0 FCEs in clinical practicums.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-07 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

93

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IELTS

7

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Credits

60 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Toronto, Canada

Disciplines

Genetics Counselling Psychology View 26 other Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada

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Academic requirements

GPA

B+

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

93

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Molecular Genetics' additional admission requirements stated below.
A four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized university with a minimum B+ average, both cumulatively and in the upper years.
Successful completion or proof of current enrolment of undergraduate courses at a recognized university in biology, molecular biology/genetics, biochemistry, embryology/animal developmental biology, statistics, and psychology.
The development of strong interpersonal and communication skills, as evidenced by experience in a counselling setting (volunteer or paid).

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

31870 CAD / year

≈ 31870 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

7370 CAD / year

≈ 7370 CAD / year

Living costs

Toronto

Canada

1502 - 2563 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Genetic Counselling.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Toronto

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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