student
life
Program Support
The MScAC program team is committed to supporting you in taking charge of your success. We provide extensive support that empowers you to build a strong academic and professional foundation in your chosen field and to make a lasting impact in an innovative environment.
Onboarding
Before classes begin in September, we make sure your transition to graduate school is smooth and exciting. Our onboarding events include information sessions, alumni panels, subject‑specific refresher training and icebreakers — all designed to help you feel supported and connected.
A key part of onboarding is Orientation, a week‑long event where you meet your cohort, faculty, alumni and students from across the department. Orientation equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in your coursework and internship search, so you can start the program with confidence, clarity and a strong sense of belonging.
The university also offers extensive support for admitted students on topics such as housing, study permits, finances and more — ensuring you have everything you need to focus on your studies and personal growth.
Academic Support
Once you’re admitted, you’ll be paired with an academic advisor who will guide you through the early stages of the program.
After you secure an internship in your second semester, you’ll choose a U of T faculty member to serve as your academic supervisor. Together, you will address the intellectual challenges of the research you’ll complete during your internship. In most cases, your supervisor’s research interests will align closely with the focus of your internship.
And don’t worry — we’ll support you throughout the entire process!
Internship Search Support
The MScAC Partnerships group plays a central role in shaping your internship experience — one of the most distinctive aspects of the program. With strong technical expertise and deep industry connections, the team manages the entire internship process to ensure you have access to meaningful, high-impact opportunities.
From cultivating new industry partnerships and onboarding leading organizations to guiding employers through project design and timelines, the Partnerships group works year-round to build a diverse array of custom-built opportunities are available exclusively to MScAC students.
The process is intentionally student-centred. Your internship journey is thoughtfully structured and begins even before the program officially starts. Prior to your arrival, the Partnerships group will connect with you one-on-one to learn about your interests, strengths and career goals. These insights shape conversations with employers and help the team develop projects tailored to MScAC talent.
As the academic year progresses, you’ll engage directly with industry through signature events such as the Internship Expo and Employer Industry Sessions. These events give you direct access to hiring managers and technical leaders from top industrial R&D groups, broad exposure to internship projects across sectors and opportunities to showcase your skills.
To ensure you’re fully prepared, the program also offers targeted workshops, mentorship opportunities and a speaker series focused on interview preparation, industry insights and professional development. Together, these supports equip you to navigate every stage of the internship-finding process with confidence.
Academic and Professional Growth
Strong Industry Connections
With more than 500 companies represented among alumni and strong ties to Toronto’s thriving tech and business sectors, the MScAC program opens doors to internships, career opportunities and long‑term industry relationships. From day one, you can start building a network that will support your professional growth for years to come.
Strong Academic Foundations
At the heart of the MScAC experience is rigorous, interdisciplinary learning. You’ll work closely with world‑class faculty to deepen your expertise in your chosen area while exploring fields beyond your core research. Through collaborations with six departments and faculties across the university, the program offers a range of distinctive focus areas that encourage interdisciplinary thinking. These experiences prepare you for careers in research and development — or for pursuing a PhD in the future.
Professional Skill Development
MScAC goes beyond technical training. Our two professional development courses strengthen your communication, business knowledge and leadership skills. We also offer workshops on interview preparation, résumé building and presentation skills to help you develop the professional abilities employers value most. Together, these tools ensure you’re ready to succeed in any workplace.
Events & Speaker Series
Through events such as MScAC Talks, Internship Expo and ARIA, you’ll meet industry and academic leaders, gain insight into real‑world challenges and learn about emerging research — all while expanding your professional network.
MScAC Student Offices
Located in the heart of Canada’s largest business and innovation hub, the MScAC student offices place you steps away from leading industry partners and cutting‑edge opportunities. From your desk, you can take in views of Queen’s Park and the MaRS Discovery District — two anchors of Toronto’s innovation ecosystem.
Every student receives a dedicated workstation with an adjustable standing desk, sound‑blocking panels for focused work and a comfortable swivel chair. The office also features modern meeting rooms for collaboration, a games room to help you recharge and lounge and kitchen spaces that support different working styles and encourage connection.
Designed for comfort and productivity, the MScAC office gives you a welcoming home base throughout your program. It’s a space where you can focus on your studies, collaborate with peers and build meaningful relationships with industry partners and alumni — while enjoying your time as part of the MScAC community.
Community & Social Life
Student Clubs
As an MScAC student, you join the vibrant University of Toronto community — and gain access to more than 1,000 student clubs and associations. Whether you’re into K‑pop, quantum physics, powerlifting or knitting, you’ll find a group that matches your interests. Clubs are a great way to explore your passions, try something new and meet people who share your curiosity.
Student Social Events
Life in the MScAC program goes beyond classes. It’s about building connections and shaping memorable experiences. Throughout the year, you’ll have countless opportunities to make friends through cultural festivals, movie nights, trivia competitions, outdoor hikes and team‑based activities.
Every event is designed to help you feel supported, included and part of the MScAC and U of T communities.
Have your own idea for bringing people together? The program will help you make it happen.
Networking with Alumni
The program has a highly active and engaged alumni community of more than 700 members. You can connect with alumni through mentorship programs, networking events, panel discussions and informal meetups. Many are deeply involved in Toronto’s tech and business ecosystem — an invaluable source of advice as you explore career paths and expand your professional network.
Life in Toronto: Beyond Campus
While you juggle courses, your internship and extracurricular activities, we also want you to take time to explore one of North America’s most dynamic cities. Toronto is vibrant, diverse and welcoming — offering endless opportunities for adventure, culture and connection.
From world‑class arts and entertainment to a rich culinary scene, Toronto has something for everyone. Catch a film at the Toronto International Film Festival, experience the lights and installations of Nuit Blanche, celebrate Pride, or enjoy the city’s many live performances, exhibitions and cultural festivals.
If you love trying new food, you’ll feel right at home. Toronto offers some of the most authentic global cuisines — from Jamaican and Thai to Italian and more. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding regions feature stunning destinations such as Algonquin Provincial Park and Blue Mountain Resort, perfect for hiking, skiing, canoeing or simply spending time in nature.
Toronto is also North America’s third‑largest tech hub. As an MScAC student, you’ll be steps away from major tech companies like NVIDIA and Google, innovative start‑ups such as Layer 6 and Cohere, healthcare labs including Signal 1, leading hospitals and cutting‑edge innovation centres. This proximity gives you unmatched access to internships, networking and hands‑on experience that can shape your career.
With tech meetups, industry events and conferences happening year‑round, you’ll always have opportunities to stay ahead of trends, build meaningful connections and gain a competitive edge in a fast‑changing world.
