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Institute for Christian Studies

Toronto, Canada • Founded 1967

Updated Sep 2026

Overview

English Name: Institute for Christian Studies
Acronyms: ICS
Founded: 1967
Control Type: Private
Institute for Christian Studies brand mark

The Institute for Christian Studies is a small graduate research institute in Toronto devoted to philosophy and theology within the Reformed ("reformational") tradition.

Founded in 1967, ICS operates as an independent, community-supported school rather than a conventional university, and is affiliated with the Toronto School of Theology for cross-registration in theological studies. It offers four graduate credentials: a one-year Master of Worldview Studies built from eight courses; a two-year Master of Arts in Philosophy, completed with a written and orally defended thesis; a Master of Arts in Philosophy with a concentration in Educational Leadership, built around a practitioner's project; and a PhD in interdisciplinary philosophy, available either as an ICS-only degree or as a conjoint doctorate with the Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam.

All programs are thesis- or project-based and taught within a compact academic community rather than large lecture cohorts. Applicants choose the application form matching their intended degree (MA/PhD, MA-Educational Leadership, or Master of Worldview Studies), submit it together with supporting documents, and may separately apply for financial aid; the Academic Registrar's office guides applicants through admission requirements and modes of study.

There are no fixed public deadlines; prospective students are directed to contact the registrar directly for program-specific timing.

Location & Contact

Below are Institute for Christian Studies's address, location data, and primary contact channels. These are the basics you'll want before scheduling a campus visit or sending a formal admissions enquiry.

Map:
Phone: 1-416-979-2331
Social Media:

Academic Details

Institute for Christian Studies at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.

Admission Requirements: Institute for Christian Studies is a small graduate school offering the PhD in Interdisciplinary Philosophy, MA in Philosophy, MA in Educational Leadership, and Master of Worldview Studies. Admission to master's-level programmes requires a four-year baccalaureate degree or equivalent, preferably with an undergraduate concentration related to the intended field of study, and an overall average of B+. Admission to the PhD requires a completed master's degree (including a thesis) in the area of intended study, with a demonstrable background in philosophy encouraged. International applicants, and others whose first language is not English, must demonstrate proficiency with a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100, or a minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. ICS accepts a maximum of two transfer credits toward a degree. Applicants may study full-time, part-time, as special students, or as non-degree students taking individual courses for credit.

Programs Offered

The programmes available at Institute for Christian Studies are organised by level. Most institutions cluster intake decisions by faculty, so application timelines often run in waves through the year.

4 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada

Master's Degree 3 programmes

Doctorate 1 programme

How to apply to Institute for Christian Studies

What applying to Institute for Christian Studies typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Use the programme finder to browse Institute for Christian Studies's 4 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Programme-level requirements at Institute for Christian Studies typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Institute for Christian Studies processes applications through www.icscanada.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-416-979-2331. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Institute for Christian Studies

Frequently asked questions about Institute for Christian Studies, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.

In what year was Institute for Christian Studies established?

Institute for Christian Studies was founded in 1967 (approximately 59 years ago).

What city is Institute for Christian Studies in?

Institute for Christian Studies operates from Toronto, Canada.

What is Institute for Christian Studies's control type?

It is a private higher-education institution.

How do I find Institute for Christian Studies online?

You can find Institute for Christian Studies online at www.icscanada.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in Canada

Selectivity at the top Canada universities sets admissions baseline expectations for students applying to Institute for Christian Studies. The selectivity gap between Institute for Christian Studies and the leaders below tells you about admissions context.

Faculties at nearby universities

Cross-border or within-state choices: the universities near Institute for Christian Studies may fall under different governance, fee structures, or visa rules. Confirm the regulatory context for each option separately.

Where Else to Study Philosophy & Ethics

Cohort diversity (gender, nationality, prior experience) shapes the Philosophy & Ethics classroom experience. Some Canada programmes publish demographic data; others do not, but the question is worth asking.

Universities Compared with Institute for Christian Studies

Beyond Institute for Christian Studies, several other universities operate at a comparable level — by ranking, heritage, or scale. They are worth knowing as you build your shortlist, particularly if you want options at the same competitive tier.

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