Start of breadcrumb trail navigation

Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work > Admissions > PhD > How to Apply

is the current page

End of breadcrumb trail navigation

How to Apply

FIFSW PhD Application Instructions for Admission in September 2025

Application DEADLINE: JANUARY 8, 2025

About the Application

Applications to the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) using the GradApp online application. GrapApp is an application management system that is housed on a secure server at the University of Toronto.  GradApp allows applicants to submit and manage biographical and educational information, as well as upload all required documentation to support your application. Applicants can edit an in-progress application and check the status of all documents submitted using a secure password and User ID.  An email account is needed to complete the online application, as the University of Toronto will correspond with applicants using this email.
Applications are considered complete and are reviewed only after all documentation and the application fee is received.

The use of generative artificial intelligence tools and apps is prohibited for all admissions documents (including the personal statement and reference letters). This includes ChatGPT and other AI writing and coding assistants. Use of generative AI for admissions documents may be considered use of an unauthorized aid.

How to Apply

  1. Apply Online through GradApp
  2. Create a Personal Profile
  3. PhD Admissions Documents and Forms
  4. Submit your Application Fee
  5. Application deadline – January 8, 2025
  6. Application Review and Interviews
  7. International Applicants

Application Procedures

1.  Apply Online through GradApp: The GradApp portal will open by September 20, 2024.

  • An application for admission to the FIFSW PhD Program is submitted through the School of Graduate Studies using GradApp, the online application management system.
  • To create an account with GradApp you will need to provide your legal name, and email address.
  • Please review all information carefully as edits are not possible after you click “Continue” on the Review page.

2. Create a Personal Profile

  • All applicants must create a personal profile on GradApp to provide current biographical information and your academic history.
  • If you have previously used GradApp, you can use your previous login to update your personal profile.
  • You are encouraged to set aside 30 – 60 minutes to enter or update your personal information
    Note: You will not be able to make changes to your personal information after paying the application fee.

3.  PhD Admissions Documents and Forms

Each application must include the following support documents (this page on support documentation will provide more information):

  • Unofficial Transcripts of Academic Records (from every academic institution attended).
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Personal Statement
  • Documentation of Research Ability & Potential (Select One):
    • Option 1: Research Statement OR
    • Option 2: Graduate Record Exam (GRE) – General Test Score
    • Writing sample (optional)

4. Submit your Application Fee

  • An application fee of $211.75 is required when submitting the SGS Preliminary Application. This payment covers both the SGS application fee ($125) and the FIFSW processing fee ($86.75).
  • Payment may be made online through GradApp, using only a Visa or Mastercard credit card. Applications will not be processed until the application fee is received.
    Note: The online system will not accept payment via Visa debit or Mastercard debit. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

5. Application Deadline

January 8, 2025 – The deadline to submit all application materials and pay application fee.

6. Application Review and Interviews

The PhD Program application review process consists of two stages:

  1. Admissions Committee reviews all completed applications.
  2. Following a comprehensive review of all completed applications, the Admissions Committee will invite a short list of applicants for an interview as the final stage of the selection process
    Note: Being invited for an interview does not constitute an offer of admission.

7. International Applicants

FIFSW welcomes students from countries around the globe to study and work with distinguished faculty and leaders in social work education and research. As part of the University of Toronto community, you will have access to a diverse array of programs, within an institution that is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top universities. Located on the University of Toronto’s downtown campus, FIFSW is situated in the heart of one of the world’s most diverse, dynamic and safest cities.
You can use the International Credentials Equivalency tool to see the credentials required from the country of your degree conferral for master’s and doctoral admissions at the University of Toronto.
To learn more about living and studying as an international student at the University of Toronto, Go to the Centre for International Experience (CIE) to access their resource library for international students as they navigate studying and living in Toronto.
These additional resources may also help you when considering the cost of studying at FIFSW:

Additional information about the online application portal, GradApp

  • To create or update your personal profile, go to GradApp and click the link to create an account to begin your application. You will receive a verification code via email as part of the account creation process. After entering your verification code, you will create a password for your account.
  • You may save and return to the application at any point in the process.
  • If you need to change your referees, please contact our Admissions Office
  • If you need to send a reminder email to your existing referees, you can do so through your applicant portal after submitting your application.
  • To view the status of your application, including outstanding requirements, please log in to your account to view your applicant status portal.
  • Document status can be checked in the “My Applications” section of GradApp.
  • Ensure your application is complete, as incomplete applications cannot be processed.
  • Advise our Admissions Office of any change in your contact information.

For your Information

  • Ensure your application is complete, as incomplete applications cannot be processed.  Document status can be checked in the “My Applications” section of the SGS online admissions application. It is your responsibility to ensure your application has been received.  Advise our Admissions Office of any change in your contact information.
  • If you are recommended for admission, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $500.00 will be required to hold your place in the program to which you have been admitted.
  • Each year we receive many more qualified applications than spaces available in the program. The possession of the minimum admission requirements does not in itself guarantee admission. The Faculty reserves the right to select which qualified applicants it will recommend for admission to SGS. All decisions are final.
  • JOINid: Every applicant to the University of Toronto is assigned a JOINid. For graduate applicants, the JOINid gives early access to the online resources of the student housing office and the application site for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship program. If you begin studies at UofT, it will become your UTORid, which will allow you to access a number of services such as email, library resources, and Blackboard. When you receive this message from the School of Graduate Studies, at the time of application, be sure to save it as it will contain your personal JOINid.