FIFSW PhD Funding
PhD funding for 2026-2027
The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW) provides a base level of financial support to PhD students to help cover the costs of tuition, fees, and basic living expenses, and to support their academic and professional development. These funding guidelines outline the value and composition of the base package, eligibility criteria for domestic and international students, and various funding sources.
In the 2026–2027 academic year, PhD students within the funded cohort will receive a base funding package of $40,000 per year. Students entering the program in Fall 2026 or later are part of the funded cohort during their first four years of study.
Funding packages are comprised by a combination of internal and external sources, such as fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, research and/or teaching employment, and other academic awards (including major external awards). Students are expected to apply for and accept all awards, teaching, and/or research positions for which they are eligible. For the portion of funding tied to an experiential or fellowship contract, students are expected to commit a minimum of 200 and 300 hours per year. These opportunities strengthen students’ academic profiles, and enhances professional development, career preparedness and employability beyond academia. Students may decline any portion of their funding offers (awards or employment), however, are considered to forfeit that portion of their funding package and may not be guaranteed alternate offers for that year.
The sources for individual packages will differ among students and may vary from year to year. Students in the funded cohort will receive a funding letter at the start of the academic year (between September 1-30) which outlines the specific components of their funding package as well as payment details.