PhD Candidacy

PhD Candidacy

Background

Doctoral students should complete the coursework component of their program within the first two years of study. However, by the end of the third year, to achieve candidacy, doctoral students must (i) have an approved thesis topic, supervisor, and supervisory committee, (ii) complete all coursework, and (iii) pass the PhD qualifying exam. A doctoral student will be denied further program registration and will have their registration eligibility terminated if the student has not completed these requirements by end of 3 years in the program.

Procedures

Before the three-year time limit

The notation Candidacy Achieved will appear on the transcript of a student who has completed all requirements for the degree exclusive of the thesis. This notation is recorded on the student’s academic history, which is also visible on ACORN. The BME Graduate Office monitors student progress and will record the Candidacy notation on the student transcript after verification that the student has completed the requirements.

After the three-year time limit (Extension Required)

In exceptional circumstances, a student who has failed to achieve Candidacy before the end of the third year may be considered for an extension for a maximum period of 12 months, if the student provides the following documents to the Graduate Office:

1. A complete Extension to Achieve Candidacy Form; and
2. A substantive written rationale to explain the causes for the delay and to reaffirm their commitment to completing candidacy requirements within the extension deadline. The extension request will be considered by the Associate Director, Graduate Programs.

If the extension request is approved

The student may continue in the doctoral program and make progress toward Candidacy.

If the extension request is denied

The student may be advised of program changes, or be recommended for program withdrawal or termination of registration.  

Contacts and additional resources

• Extension to Achieve Candidacy Form: https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/extension-to-achieve-candidacy/
• SGS General Regulations: https://sgs.calendar.utoronto.ca/general-regulations
• Guide for Reading a Transcript: https://www.transcripts.utoronto.ca/transcriptguide/