Information for new students

Welcome to FIFSW

Congratulations on your admission to the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW). We hope you will accept our offer and join us this fall.

We know that once you’ve accepted your offer of admission, you’ll be excited to start a new stage of your life. But we also understand that you have much to do before September — and so many questions! How do I choose my courses? When do I pay my fees? What awards are available?  How do I find housing?  The Student Services and Registrar’s Office is here to guide you through the planning and preparation of arriving at the University, all the way through to graduation.

Please use this website as your first-stop resource.  Throughout the summer we will continue to add timely information and resources to guide you on your journey, so check back often for updates.

Scroll through this page for more information or click the linked headings below to jump to the information you need.

Next steps after receiving your offer of admission

1. To confirm or decline acceptance of your offer of admission, please sign, date and upload your Confirmation Form to the SGS online portal within 4 weeks of the date of your offer letter.

2. Review the Conditions of Admission outlined in the School of Graduate Studies offer letter and follow the instructions, as required. To review information on clearing your conditions of admission click here.

3. Pay your deposit following the instructions in your offer package.

Practicum

Field education is an integral part of FIFSW’s MSW social work program. As with other courses at FIFSW, most practicums are Toronto-based and accessible with one Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) fare; however, the Practicum Office does explore opportunities outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  

Please visit the Practicum section of FIFSW’s website to read the Practicum Manual, which provides information on time requirements, immunization/influenza/mask fitting, police reference/vulnerable sector check, and more.

International students 

To study and complete their practicum in Canada, international students require documents, issued by the Canadian Government:

• Study permit
• Co-op Work permit (COWP)

The University’s Center for International Experience can provide guidance on how to obtain these required documentation. As these processes may take time, students should begin as soon as possible to ensure they can arrive in Canada in time for classes.

We strongly encourage all international students to read “Before You Arrive” on the School of Graduate Studies’ website, which provides information on immigration, housing, health insurance, and other information-related resources.  

Additional resources for international students can be found on the Center for International Experience website. 

Information for international students can also be found in the International Students section of FIFSW’s website, which includes information specific to practicum.

Accessibility services

FIFSW is committed to providing accommodation to support students with documented disabilities to facilitate academic and co-curricular success. If you require accommodation, please register with University of Toronto Accessibility Services (416-978-8060) after you accept the offer of admission.  

Once the need for academic accommodation has been confirmed by Accessibility Services, Accessibility Services will supply you with a letter of accommodation that you can provide for each course for which accommodation is being requested.  

FIFSW’s registrar (registrar.fifsw@utoronto.ca) can assist students in accessing non-disability related accommodations arising from exceptional life circumstances (such as serious family illness or a death of a family member).  

Eileen McKee, Assistant Dean, Field Education (e.mckee@utoronto.ca) should be contacted if you require Practicum accommodation. Please provide this information as soon as possible so that we may work to put supports in place. 

In September, all students are assigned a faculty advisor, with whom you may discuss any issues that may affect your studies. 

MSW thesis and research experience

FIFSW offers a Thesis option as one way for students to gain research proficiency during their MSW program. The option of a thesis is available for up to three MSW students in an academic year. 

Other research opportunities for MSW students consist of taking an Additional Research Course, doing Independent Research or a Reading Course with an FIFSW faculty member, completing a Research Intensive Field Placement or by participating in Research Assistantships.  

Important dates

Important dates to keep in mind include: the opening of course enrolment, registering and paying fees, MSW orientation, and the beginning of classes. These dates are available in the Dates & Deadlines section of FIFSW’s website.

Privacy

At all times your privacy will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Please click here to learn more about the use or sharing of your personal information.

Registration and enrolment

As you begin your graduate school experience, much of what you need to know may be found on the New Students section of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) website. There you will find information about registration and enrolment, fees and much more.  

We are often asked, “what is the difference between enrolment and registration?” 

• To enroll, add your courses when the department offering the course opens enrolment for the Fall/Winter Sessions through ACORN.
• To register, pay your tuition and incidental fees or register without payment (defer your fees) by the deadline date, which you will find here on FIFSW’s Dates & Deadlines page.

The University will provide timely information to you through your email on file prior to September and through your University email account.  

The fees schedule for each academic session is posted by the Office of the President and Provost website in May. The School of Graduate Studies sends students fee payment instructions in July. 

Funding and awards

Students in professional master’s programs typically self-fund their educational and living expenses through a variety of funding options, such as student loans, student line of credit, and employment income. They may also apply for funding to various external agencies. 

The Faculty provides funding for approximately 150 registered full-time Social Work students each year through internal awards, on the basis of merit and/or financial need. The value of these awards typically range from $400 to $5,000. A list of awards available to registered Social Work students is posted in the Current Student section of the Faculty website under Financial Support.   

U of T’s website includes important information about Financial Aid, Tuition and Fees. Note that all Canadian provinces, except Quebec, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories, administer the Canada Student Loans Program in addition to their own provincial loan and/or bursary programs. Students from other provinces enquiring about funding should also visit the Financial Aid website. On this site, students will find links to the provincial websites which provide financial aid applications, forms and information on funding.