If you are planning to apply to our program, please view the details on how to apply for National and Provincial Scholarships and Awards (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR, and OGS) and the application deadlines.
*Acceptances to the PhD program usually take place from mid to late February. Please continue to monitor your email and UWinsite student account.*
Admission Requirements:
The Ph.D. Program admits up to five qualified domestic students (Canadian citizens or permanent residents) plus international (VISA) students wishing to pursue doctoral studies in Social Work.
Required admission criteria include the following:
- Completion of a Social Work degree from an accredited university
- A minimum A- average in their most recent graduate degree
- Statement of interest & Research Proposal
- Practice and educational experience demonstrating capacity to engage in a research-oriented doctoral program within the context of civic engagement.
- Curriculum vitae
- Sole or co-authored sample of professional or academic writing (if co-authored please note your specific written contribution). This may include a research-oriented paper, scholarly paper, report (research or technical), funding proposal or significant course paper
- Three letters of reference
How to apply:
Step 1: Visit the Apply Section of the Graduate Studies website to start the Application Process. http://www.uwindsor.ca/graduate-studies/354/apply
Step 2: Upload all required PhD Application documents through UWinsite Student. Visit this ask.UWindsor article for instructions to upload your documents.
Please review the Application Checklist to assist in your PhD application
The School of Social Work has complied a list of Frequently Asked Questions, to assist in your Social Work PhD application; please review here.
The following documents must be submitted online through UWinsite Student:
- 2025-2026 PhD Application for Admission
- PhD Policy Statement
- Curriculum vitaƩ
- Statement of interest & Research Proposal
- Professional or academic writing sample
Referee Instructions:
- Academic Referee Instructions Form 1
- Academic Referee Instructions Form 2
- Academic, Employment, or Helping Professional Referee Instructions Form 3
*Please note that all references are due by the application deadline*
NOTE: Submitting an incomplete Application will delay processing as it will not be evaluated until it is complete. We do not receive applications until all documents and references are submitted.