Climate, Health & Sustainable Care Student Training Program

This one-year, non-credit certificate program supports graduate and professional students and trainees from across the Collaborative Centre’s four founding faculties and beyond to develop knowledge and expertise on sustainability in health.

Apply to 2026-2027 Student Training Program

Applications now open for 2026-2027 cohort. Apply by May 29.

A mandate of the Collaborative Centre is to advance education for climate, environment & sustainability in health & health systems. The aim of this one-year, non-credit certificate program is to offer specialized training to enable interested graduate and professional students and trainees to develop knowledge and expertise on sustainability in health, understood to include climate and health, planetary health, One Health, ecohealth, political ecology of health, sustainable healthcare, and climate resilient health systems. 

Participating students will:

  • Acquire knowledge of the health and health system challenges posed by climate and environmental change and the demands of sustainability 
  • Develop skills to understand, critically assess, and use evidence to assess health & equity impacts of global ecological change, and inform climate action and sustainability in health services and systems 
  • Build an appreciation for the diversity of knowledge, evidence, and methodologies in this growing field
  • Gain exposure to academics and practitioners who are leading work in this field
  • Participate in a cohort of like-minded students to contribute to and shape the field 
  • Have an opportunity to collaborate and network with experts, knowledge users and leaders 

Commitment

Students are expected to complete the following program components: 

  • Students are expected to attend all required sessions:
    • Program sessions (6) – in person
    • Conference (1) – in person (October 23, 2026)
    • Journal Club or seminars (minimum of 6) – virtual/hybrid
  • Students will have a group project requirement to promote learning and community-building (which may require additional meetings outside of the STP program sessions) 
  • Students are encouraged to submit a poster to the annual conference the following year (fall 2027)

Program benefits

  • Membership in the Collaborative Centre as a “Student Member,” with photo and bio listed on website 
  • Registration fee waiver for the Collaborative Centre’s 2026 Annual Conference 
  • STP Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of program 

Due to high demand for the program, a firm commitment to complete the required activities is expected. The program is recorded as completed/not completed; participants must complete the required activities to obtain the certificate. Missed requirements are only permitted in cases of illness or exceptional circumstances.

Admission requirements

  • Enrolled in a relevant University of Toronto program (academic year 2025-2026):
    • Course- or research-based graduate programs*
    • Professional graduate programs
    • Second-entry undergraduate professional programs
    • Post-graduate programs
  • In good academic standing
  • Clear interest in and capacity to benefit from the program (NB. Experience or formal education in the field not required)

*Students enrolled in a PhD program are eligible to concurrently apply, with their supervisor, for a graduate fellowship to support the development of their research interests in this field. If of interest, students should apply through the Graduate Fellowship process.

NB. Students who apply for the graduate fellowship are automatically considered for the Student Training Program. Those not offered a fellowship may still be offered a place in the Student Training Program.

Learn more about the Graduate Fellowship

As per the program mandate, the selection committee will ensure a diverse, interdisciplinary cohort that represents the four founding faculties, as well as students and trainees in other U of T programs who are also eligible.

Apply now

Students are asked to submit a brief bio and a headshot for our website (which may be referenced in an annual report) upon acceptance into the program.

Please email climate.health@utoronto.ca if you have any questions about the program.