Graduate & Professional Schools Fair

Wondering about grad school or professional programs? Interested in learning more about further education opportunities? Check out the Graduate & Professional Schools Fair to explore opportunities and chat with representatives.

Event Details

Date & Time:

Tuesday, October 6, 2026
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location:

Hart House, University of Toronto
7 Hart House Circle
Toronto, ON M5S 3H3

Enter through East Entrance, 18 Queens Park Crescent West.

Registration:

Register now on Folio.

Explore career supports and programs offered by Career Exploration & Education:

  • Visit the Career Exploration & Education homepage for a full list of services
  • Book a 1:1 Career Appointment with a Career Educator/Peer Career Advisor
  • Check out Folio for upcoming employer information sessions, panel/networking events, career workshops and programs, and more!
  • Access to multiple job boards, including the Work Study program, and regularly updated Off-Campus and On-Campus jobs for U of T students.

Preparing for the Fair

Career Fair resources

Know yourself

  • Reflecting on your academic, personal, and professional experiences, what skills, values and stories might you share with organizations? What are your career goals and curiosities?
  • What are your values, interests and needs, and how might different graduate programs support them?
  • How can you best articulate and communicate the above?
  • What do you already know? What are you hoping to find out?

Find your people

  • Who might have some answers, information, or insights in your school, professional or personal community? How might you connect with them? How have you connected with people in the past? Consider clubs, the classroom or connecting with alumni in your program as some ways to learn more.

Develop your personal introduction

  • Prepare and practice communicating your story with exhibitors.
  • What are three relevant things that someone else might be curious to know more about. 
    • Education – qualifications, course of study, specialism, areas of interest 
    • Something you’ve done that demonstrates your skills, experiences, interests in this field (school, paid employment, co-curricular activities, volunteering) or a notable achievement 
    • Your job/career goals and interests
Sample Introduction Current Student
I am studying…I’m an Arts & Science student at U of T, with a focus on human biology and economics, with a particular interest in public health and policy. 
I have experience…(describe skills, interests and experiences of note)Through a summer role with the City of Toronto, I developed an interest in how policy shapes public health outcomes. I’ve also volunteered with marginalized youth, which gave me valuable insight into systemic barriers and health inequities.
I’m interested in your program because…I’m particularly interested in learning more about how your program integrates policy and public health practice, and how students gain real-world experience in this area.
I’m excited about…I’m hoping to pursue a career in public health policy, focusing on improving outcomes for underserved communities, and I’m looking for a program that will help me build both research and applied skills.
Sample Introduction Recent Graduate
I studied…I recently graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Communications, majoring in Journalism and Broadcast Communications
I have experience…(describe skills, interests and experiences of note)During my studies, I worked as a DJ at the university’s radio station and was involved in the college newspaper, where I progressed from writer to editor-in-chief. These experiences strengthened my storytelling and leadership skills.
I’m excited about…I’m looking to build a career in journalism and media, and I’m interested in how graduate study could help me expand my impact and opportunities in the field.

Feeling nervous about the fair? 

Come and meet a Career Educator at the Career Support Booth at the fair. To learn more about support available at the fair, please visit Tips for Success at the Fair. 

These resources can support with managing any nervousness that you may feel before or during the fair. Some students may also find it helpful to plan an enjoyable activity or take some time to decompress afterwards. More institution-specific wellness resources can be found in beyond the fair.

The Quieting Breath (4 mins)

A breathing exercise to promote a sense of calm and reduce feelings of stress.

Compassionate Movement (12 mins)

A breathing exercise to promote a sense of calm and reduce feelings of stress.

Body Scan (9 mins)

A mindfulness practice, where you will be guided to pay attention to sensations in your body without judgment.

Tips for Success at the Fair

  • Be open to learning about programs or school you’re unfamiliar with.
  • Take a second to ground yourself and move through the fair at your own pace.
  • Be prepared to introduce yourself and ask thoughtful questions you wouldn’t be able to find the answer to by “Google”ing.
  • Get the contact information of the representative if you want to follow up with them after.
  • Practice effective communication. This resource shares tips on ways to listen actively while communicating effectively.
  • Take notes!

  • Find a staff member or student volunteer: All staff will be wearing U of T t-shirts and can be approached at any time for questions or concerns. If you require assistance navigating the fair or have access needs, please feel free to share this request with a staff member.
  • Career Support Booth: Students can talk to a Career Educator in preparation for speaking with representatives at this booth. Staff at this booth can also support you by providing additional career resources.

Questions About Programs and Opportunities:

  • What graduate or professional programs are you currently recruiting students for?
  • I noticed your program lists [specific requirement/skill], how is that typically developed or demonstrated by successful applicants?
  • What gaps or needs in the field is your program designed to address?
  • Would you say your [program name] focuses more on [research/academic theory] or [practical/professional application]?
  • I see there aren’t currently offerings in [specific specialization], do you anticipate expanding in that area in the future?
  • What is the balance between independent study/research and collaborative or group work in this program?
  • What undergraduate courses or experiences would best prepare me for admission to your programs? 

Questions About the Student Experience and Culture:

  • I saw photos of student events, initiatives, and community activities. Can you tell me more about student life and engagement opportunities?
  • I recently read about program updates, research breakthroughs, and initiatives. What has that been like for students or faculty involved?
  • What do students tend to value most about your program?
  • What kind of academic, career, or professional development support do students receive?
  • How does your program or institution foster equity, diversity, and inclusion among students?

Questions About the Admission Process:

  • How long does the application review process usually take, and are there interviews or additional steps?
  • Can you walk me through the key stages of the admissions process for your program?
  • What does a competitive application for your program typically look like?
  • What’s the best way to stay informed about deadlines, requirements, and updates?
  • If I’ve already applied (or plan to apply), what else can I do to strengthen my candidacy?

Questions About Following Up & Staying Connected:

  • What’s the best way to stay in touch with you or your admissions team?
  • What would be a good next step after meeting you today?
  • Who can I follow up with if I have more detailed questions about [program name]?
  • Is there someone, such as a current student or faculty member, you’d recommend I speak with to learn more about the program?

Beyond the Fair

Follow-up within 24 hours
Thank your contact for specific information (e.g. information about program requirements for a physiotherapy program), mention where you met, provide any information they requested (if applicable), and ask to connect on LinkedIn if you haven’t already.

Quality over quantity
After initial follow up, keep folks updated if you’re following through on something, share articles etc. relevant to your conversation, stay in touch by engaging occasionally via social media (liking posts, congratulations on career milestones).

Coursera: Coursera is offering full access to massive open online courses.

Online Presence & Professional Identity

Interested in learning what other U of T alumni are doing? Join the U of T hub on Ten Thousand Coffees to build your professional network, find like-minded fellow alumni and students, and exchange career advice, anytime, anywhere.

Services with Career Exploration and Education (CxED)

University-Specific Resources

Health and Wellness: Provides a range of health services for your physical and mental health, wellness programs and information to help support you in achieving your personal and academic goals.

Telus Health Student Support: Call 1-844-451-9700 or download the app at the Apple App Store or Google Play. Immediate counselling support is available in 35 languages and ongoing support in 146 languages.

Additional Resources

  • Good2Talk Student Helpline: Call (1-866-925-5454), Text (GOOD2TALKON to 686868), or access the Peer-To-Peer Community for professional counseling, information and referrals helpline for mental health, addictions and students well-being.
  • Anishnawbe Health Toronto Mental Health Crisis Line: Call 416-360-0486
  • LGBT Youth Line: Call (1-800-268-9688), Text (647-694-4275), or Live Chat

Recent Grads

Stay connected after the fair!

You’re now part of a global U of T network with more than 700,000 alumni doing incredible things. Keep in touch by updating your contact details so you don’t miss out on career events, alumni perks, and more.

Want to meet other grads and alumni professionals in your field? The U of T Hub on Ten Thousand Coffees is a free networking platform where you can connect with students, alumni professionals anytime, anywhere.

As an alum, you have ongoing access to a wide range of career resources designed to support your growth at every stage. Visit the Alumni Career Support page for free online courses, webinars, networking events, and more. U of T is here for your journey, now and in the years ahead. 

Discover exciting events happening year-round through our Upcoming Events Hub. Whether you’re looking to connect with fellow U of T alumni, expand your network, or engage with new ideas, there’s something for everyone!