Top 5 Physical Therapy Schools In Ontario 2026 Requirements

Choosing the right physical therapy school is an important step toward building a rewarding career in healthcare. Ontario, Canada, offers several respected universities where students can pursue professional physiotherapy education, gain practical clinical experience, and develop the skills needed to help patients recover from injuries, manage physical conditions, and improve their mobility.

In Canada, physical therapy is commonly referred to as physiotherapy. Although the two terms mean the same thing in this context, universities generally use physiotherapy in the names of their professional programmes.

Most aspiring physiotherapists in Ontario must first complete an undergraduate degree and then earn a professional master’s degree in physiotherapy. Admission can be competitive, and applicants are expected to satisfy academic prerequisites and any additional selection requirements established by their chosen university.

This article explores the top five universities in Ontario offering entry-to-practice physiotherapy education, their locations, admission requirements, application processes, and career opportunities after graduation. It also explains important considerations for international students planning to study in Canada.

Top 5 Physical Therapy Schools in Ontario

1. University of Toronto — Toronto, Ontario

The University of Toronto is a leading option for students interested in professional physiotherapy education, clinical practice, and rehabilitation research.

Its Department of Physical Therapy offers a 24-month Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MScPT). Beginning with September 2026 entry, students have the opportunity to apply to the St. George or Scarborough campus. The programme is designed for students who have completed an appropriate undergraduate degree.

Admission requirements

• An appropriate bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
• At least a mid-B average in the final year of undergraduate study.
• Required university-level courses in human anatomy, human physiology, life or physical sciences, social sciences or humanities, and statistics or research methods.
• At least 70% in each prerequisite course.
• English-language proficiency evidence where applicable.
• Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
• Academic and professional references, an online asynchronous assessment, and required health and screening documentation.

The university generally requires prerequisite courses to have been completed within the preceding seven years, subject to its published admission-cycle rules.

Why choose this university?

Students benefit from an academically rigorous programme with an emphasis on research-informed practice and clinical education. However, international applicants who are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents should note that the entry-to-practice MScPT programme is not open to them.

2. McMaster University — Hamilton, Ontario

McMaster University is another strong option for students seeking a professional qualification in physiotherapy. Its School of Rehabilitation Science has a longstanding focus on rehabilitation education, clinical practice, and collaboration with healthcare partners.

McMaster offers a Master of Science in Physiotherapy (MSc PT) designed to prepare graduates for professional practice. Its educational approach emphasises problem-solving, clinical reasoning, and the application of evidence to patient care.

Ontario Universities’ Application Centre

Admission requirements

• A four-year bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent qualification totalling 120 university credits or units.
• A minimum sub-GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, equivalent to approximately 77%, across the final two years or 60 units of university study.
• Completion of the programme’s approved prerequisite courses.
• Official academic transcripts from all relevant postsecondary institutions.
• English-language proficiency evidence when required.
• Completion of the university’s online interview if invited.

Applicants who are completing their fourth undergraduate year may apply, provided they satisfy the degree-completion requirements by the specified deadline. McMaster does not require applicants to have a particular undergraduate major, but all academic prerequisites must be met.

Ontario Universities’ Application Centre

Why choose this university?

McMaster may appeal to students who value collaborative healthcare education and a structured approach to clinical problem-solving. The programme accepts applications from eligible domestic and international candidates, subject to its academic and other requirements.

3. Western University — London, Ontario

Western University offers a professional Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) programme through its School of Physical Therapy.

The programme prepares students to assess movement, understand physical impairments, develop rehabilitation plans, and support patients in improving their function and quality of life. Students also undertake clinical learning as part of their professional preparation.

Admission requirements

Applicants should expect to meet the following requirements, subject to the current admissions guide:

• An appropriate undergraduate degree.
• Competitive grades in the university courses used to calculate the admission GPA.
• Completion of the required prerequisite subjects, including anatomy, physiology, science, statistics or research methods, and social sciences or humanities.
• A Casper assessment for the 2026–2027 admission cycle.
• Official transcripts and any required supporting documentation.
• English-language proficiency evidence where applicable.
• Capacity to undertake the programme’s full-time academic and clinical requirements.

Western assesses applicants competitively, using academic performance and other required application components. The exact prerequisite course specifications and GPA calculation should be checked for the intended entry year.

Ontario Universities’ Application Centre

Why choose this university?

Western is worth considering if you want a professional programme that combines scientific foundations, practical learning, and clinical preparation. Applicants should also be comfortable participating in scheduled anatomy laboratory sessions, including cadaver-based learning.

4. Queen’s University — Kingston, Ontario

Queen’s University offers a Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MScPT) through its School of Rehabilitation Therapy.

The programme is intended for students who want to become qualified physical therapists and develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to work with people experiencing injury, illness, movement difficulties, and other rehabilitation needs.

Admission requirements

Queen’s published criteria include:

• A recognised four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• At least second-class standing, generally 70% or higher, as the minimum academic requirement.
• Completion of the required university-level prerequisite courses.
• Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status at the time of application.
• English-language proficiency where applicable.
• A personal information form, confidential assessment forms, and a Casper assessment for the 2026–2027 cycle.

The personal information form asks applicants to discuss experiences demonstrating leadership and contributions to the well-being of individuals or communities, as well as a challenging experience and the lessons learned. Two confidential assessment forms are also considered.

Ontario Universities’ Application Centre

Why choose this university?

Queen’s may be a suitable choice for applicants seeking a professional rehabilitation education that considers both academic ability and personal qualities. Because its entry-to-practice programme restricts admission to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, international applicants without either status should investigate alternative pathways.

5. University of Ottawa — Ottawa, Ontario

The University of Ottawa offers a professional physiotherapy programme through its School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

A particularly important feature is its language environment. Applicants must be prepared to meet the programme’s language requirements, including proficiency in the official language that was not the language of instruction in their undergraduate programme.

Admission requirements

The university’s published requirements include:

• An honours bachelor’s degree or equivalent, generally with an average of at least 75%.
• Required university-level courses in general anatomy or human physiology, musculoskeletal anatomy, human psychology, and research methodology or statistics.
• A satisfactory Casper assessment.
• A résumé and other required application documents.
• Completion of applicable English and French language proficiency tests, unless exempted.

Applicants who have completed three years of an eligible four-year honours bachelor’s programme at a recognised Canadian university may also qualify under the university’s specified academic criteria. The precise requirements and exemptions should be reviewed carefully before applying.

Ontario Universities’ Application Centre

Why choose this university?

The University of Ottawa is particularly relevant for students who are comfortable learning and working in a bilingual healthcare environment. Applicants should evaluate the language requirements early, as proficiency in only one official language may not be sufficient.

General Admission Requirements for Physical Therapy Schools in Ontario

Although each university has its own selection criteria, prospective students should prepare for several common requirements.

1. Complete a Recognised Undergraduate Degree

Physiotherapy is generally a graduate-entry profession in Ontario. Students usually complete an undergraduate degree before applying to a professional master’s programme.

Kinesiology, health sciences, biology, and life sciences are popular choices because they can help students complete relevant prerequisite courses. However, some universities accept degrees from a wide range of disciplines.

The key is not simply the name of your bachelor’s degree; it is whether your degree, grades, and prerequisite courses satisfy the university’s requirements.

2. Maintain a Competitive GPA

Meeting the minimum admission average does not guarantee acceptance. Physiotherapy programmes receive many applications, and universities may rank eligible applicants according to academic performance and other selection criteria.

For example, McMaster specifies a minimum sub-GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, while the University of Toronto requires a minimum mid-B average in the final year. Other institutions use different GPA calculations and additional assessments.

3. Complete the Required Prerequisite Courses

Common prerequisite subjects include:

• Human anatomy
• Human physiology
• Biology, chemistry, physics, or other accepted sciences
• Statistics or research methods
• Psychology, sociology, humanities, or related subjects

Do not assume that a course will be accepted simply because its title resembles a required subject. Universities may assess its content, credit value, and completion date.

4. Meet Language Requirements

Applicants may need to provide evidence of English-language proficiency. The University of Ottawa has additional requirements related to French and English proficiency.

Check the university’s approved tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and deadlines before registering for a language examination.

5. Prepare the Required Application Documents

Depending on the institution, you may need official transcripts, references, a résumé, a personal submission, or other assessments. Some programmes require Casper or an interview.

Only submit materials requested by the university. For example, McMaster states that résumés, volunteer experience, statements of interest, and reference letters are not required and will not be considered for its standard MSc PT application.

How to Apply to Physical Therapy Schools in Ontario

1. Identify Your Preferred Universities

Begin by comparing the five universities according to their admission requirements, language expectations, programme structure, and eligibility rules.

It is advisable to identify more than one suitable programme rather than relying on a single application, provided you meet each institution’s requirements.

2. Apply Through ORPAS

The Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service (ORPAS), operated by the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre, manages applications for participating rehabilitation programmes, including physiotherapy.

Applications for fall 2026 admission are closed. The 2027 ORPAS application guide is expected to become available in mid-October 2026. Applicants should check the current guide for the exact application deadline and supporting-document requirements.

3. Submit Your Academic Records

Arrange for official transcripts from your undergraduate institution and any other postsecondary institutions you attended to be submitted according to the application instructions.

If you studied outside Canada, allow additional time for transcript processing, course-equivalency reviews, and any required translations or credential assessments.

4. Complete Additional Assessments

Some universities require Casper, an interview, confidential assessment forms, or other supplementary materials. Prepare for each assessment according to the specific institution’s instructions.

5. Meet All Conditions After Admission

Successful applicants must complete any outstanding academic requirements and satisfy the university’s health, screening, and clinical-placement conditions before participating in relevant programme activities.

Can International Students Apply to Physical Therapy Schools in Ontario?

International applicants should investigate eligibility before investing time and money in applications.

McMaster University is one option that accepts eligible international applicants to its MSc Physiotherapy programme under the same stated academic requirements applied to domestic applicants. By contrast, the University of Toronto and Queen’s University restrict admission to their entry-to-practice programmes to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

International students should consider the following factors:

• Academic equivalency: Determine whether your degree and individual courses meet the programme’s requirements.
• English-language testing: Check whether IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted examination is required.
• Tuition and living expenses: Request an international student fee estimate where applicable.
• Study permits: Review the current Canadian study permit rules and any provincial attestation requirements or exemptions that apply to your circumstances.
• Clinical education: Confirm that you can satisfy all placement-related requirements.
• Professional licensing: Understand the registration requirements that apply after graduation.

Students from Nigeria and other countries should not assume that a recognised bachelor’s degree automatically qualifies them for admission. Each university assesses applicants according to its own published criteria.

Career Opportunities After Graduating

After completing an approved entry-to-practice programme and satisfying the applicable registration requirements, graduates can explore several career paths.

1. Hospital Physiotherapist

Hospital physiotherapists help patients recover mobility and physical function following surgery, injury, illness, or other medical conditions. They often work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

2. Private Clinic Physiotherapist

Private clinics provide opportunities to assess patients, develop rehabilitation plans, and support recovery from musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, and movement difficulties.

3. Sports Physiotherapist

Sports physiotherapists work with athletes and physically active individuals to manage injuries, improve movement, and support safe returns to training and competition.

4. Community Rehabilitation Specialist

Physiotherapists may work in community health centres, rehabilitation facilities, and home-care settings, helping patients maintain independence and improve everyday functioning.

5. Research and Clinical Education

Graduates who pursue additional training or relevant experience may work in rehabilitation research, clinical education, university teaching, or healthcare programme development.

Note: Graduation alone does not authorise someone to practise as a physiotherapist. Graduates must satisfy the applicable professional registration requirements in the jurisdiction where they intend to work.

Comparison Table: Top Physical Therapy Schools in Ontario

University	Location	Professional programme	Key admission consideration
University of Toronto	Toronto	MSc in Physical Therapy	Mid-B final-year average, prerequisites, references and assessment; citizenship or permanent residency required
McMaster University	Hamilton	MSc in Physiotherapy	Minimum sub-GPA of 3.3/4.0 and required prerequisites; eligible international applicants may apply
Western University	London	Master of Physical Therapy	Competitive academic record, prerequisites, Casper and supporting documents
Queen’s University	Kingston	MSc in Physical Therapy	Minimum 70% academic standing, prerequisites, Casper and Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
University of Ottawa	Ottawa	Professional physiotherapy programme	At least 75% under the standard degree route, prerequisites, Casper and language requirements

Requirements are summarised from published university and ORPAS information. Minimum grades, course equivalencies, and selection procedures can change between admission cycles.

Related

• Top 10 Physical Therapy Schools In Oregon

Conclusion

Ontario offers five university options for students pursuing professional physiotherapy education: the University of Toronto, McMaster University, Western University, Queen’s University, and the University of Ottawa.

The best school for you depends on your academic qualifications, preferred learning environment, financial resources, language proficiency, and eligibility for admission.

Before applying, make sure you have completed the required undergraduate coursework, maintained a competitive GPA, and reviewed the latest admissions guide. If you are an international applicant, pay particular attention to citizenship restrictions and international student eligibility.

With proper preparation and a clear understanding of the requirements, you can make a more informed decision about which Ontario physiotherapy programme aligns with your academic background and long-term career goals.