International Students

Welcome to the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. We are delighted you have joined us at the Canada’s top school of social work, ranked number two globally. Our international ranking reflects not only the expression of our core professional values; it also reflects the quality of FIFSW’s research, leadership, teaching and service and the international impact of our work.

Nearly a third of our faculty members are engaged in studies, collaboration or service in global settings, working with communities and academic peers within the field of social work and across disciplines. Our faculty and students contribute to the University of Toronto’s position as Canada’s leading global university and one of the world’s leading research-intensive institutions.

FIFSW’s global students enrich the academic experience for all students and faculty. They are also part of a larger international community within the University of Toronto. International students comprise 21 percent of the student population at U of T, creating a global microcosm representing over 160 countries.

We have been working to increase support for international students within the Factor-Inwentash Faculty to bolster that offered across the university and respond to your unique needs.

We hope you find the international student specific information on our page useful. We encourage you to reach out anytime, with your questions, concerns or suggestions for making your experience at U of T richer, more accessible and more engaging.

Centre for International Experience (CIE)

The University of Toronto’s Centre for International Experience (CIE) provides an array of services unique to international students including help with Canadian study permits, work permits, Ontario health insurance, and academic support. CIE offers a host of regular workshops, info sessions, community events and opportunities for engagement.

CIE Student Experience Advisors

CIE’s International Student Experience Ambassadors program offers events, resources and information to adjust to life in Canada, build your new community, and navigate resources, information and services across and outside U of T. International students are encouraged to email them at cie.information@utoronto.ca with questions or topics you would like to discuss. A member of the team will set up an appointment for you and an appropriate team member. (Note: for immigration advisors, see below.)

CIE Immigration Advisors

As an international student, you will need valid immigration documents to live and study in Canada, and it is your responsibility to make sure that these documents are maintained and up-to-date. CIE’s International Student Immigration Advisors (ISIAs) can help you sort through the processes and paperwork, understand document requirements and locate appropriate services and resources.

For instructions on how to book an appointment visit the ISIA website.

School of Graduate Studies: International Students Portal

U of T hosts nearly 5,000 international graduate students from 138 countries around the globe. The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) International students portal will help you prepare, plan, and experience the best that our three campuses have to offer.

U of T International

U of T’s Office of the Vice-President, International website is a gateway to the University of Toronto’s international activities. Yu can also follow U of T Global on twitter at @global_UofT.

Practicum

Visit our MSW Practicum Information page for international-student-specific details.

Health care

Health insurance

Health insurance coverage is mandatory for all graduate students at the University of Toronto. The two-part coverage is in the form of:

Basic provincial health plan (which covers basic health services), for international students this is the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP); and
Supplementary health coverage (for some health services that are not covered by the provincial basic health plan). This is the Graduate Student Union’s Health and Dental Insurance Plan.

Further information about these types of coverages including international-specific information can be found on our Student Finances.

U of T Discovery Pharmacy

The Discovery Pharmacy is the University of Toronto’s dedicated campus pharmacy, providing pharmacy and interdisciplinary health services to the U of T community.

Health & Wellness Centre

U of T Student Life’s Health & Wellness centre 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.

International student representatives

The Factor-Inwentash Faculty’s Graduate Student Association (GSA) includes two elected international student representatives: Year 1 International Student Representative, and Year 2/Advanced Standing International Student Representative. (Nominations for the current year are now in progress.)

The student representatives meet regularly with the Associate Dean, Academic; Assistant Dean, Student Services and Registrar, and the Recruitment and Student Life Officer. The student reps serve as a voice for international students and represent a formal line of communication to the faculty to raise concerns and help brainstorm ideas to enhance the student experience.

Accreditation

The Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS) has a mutual degree recognition agreement with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in the United-States, stating that degrees from CASWE-ACFTS and CSWE accredited Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs are considered equivalent. Visit the CSWE site for more information, including their Directory of Council On Social Work Education (CSWE) Accredited Programs (U.S)

Additional resources

In addition to the above international student-specific information, please visit the Student Services page to explore other resources available to all students.

Tuition, awards, and financial aid information can be found on our Student Finances section.