Application Instructions

Thank you for your interest in the Joint PhD in Educational Studies Program.

The admission portal for the 2027 Academic Year will open in May 2026. The deadline to receive all required documents, including references, is October 1, 2026.

⚠️ Important:
Although the deadline is October 1, applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until late September to begin their application. Referees, transcripts, and document verification can take time. Starting early will help ensure your application is complete and submitted on time.

Note: The 2027 Academic Year begins early July 2027 – exact start date TBD.

Before You Apply: Confirming a Supervisor

Before beginning the online application, applicants must secure a confirmed supervisor from the Joint PhD Designated Faculty List.

Your Home University—Brock University, Lakehead University, or the University of Windsor—is determined by the institution where your confirmed supervisor is based.

👉 Designated Faculty List

Approaching a Potential Supervisor

There is no single “correct” way to contact a potential PhD supervisor; however, applicants are encouraged to send a professional email that includes:

• • A brief introduction and summary of your academic background

  • A short description of your proposed research area and guiding research question

  • A reference to the supervisor’s recent work and how it aligns with your interests

  • A request to meet (in person, by phone, or via video conference) to discuss possible supervision

You must have supervisor confirmation before submitting your application.

Once a faculty member has agreed in principle to supervise your doctoral research, they will typically be instrumental in advising on the development of your Research Plan, including refinement of the research focus, alignment with the field of study, and methodological considerations. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to consult with their confirmed supervisor while preparing the Research Plan component of the application.

Application Process Overview

The online application process is supported by the University of Windsor. As a result, your application will display the University of Windsor logo and contact information, regardless of which university you select as your home institution.

👉 See this Knowledge Base article for detailed instructions:
How to fill out a graduate application?

All applications to the Joint PhD Program are automatically forwarded to the Office of the Joint PhD Secretariat for assessment.

Step 1: Complete the online application including the following sections:

• Program Selection
• Supplementary Admissions Form
• Potential Supervisor Selection
• Biographical Information
• Personal Contact Information
• Citizenship Declaration
• Academic History
• References
• Other Information

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $125.00 CAD is required and payable by American Express, Mastercard, or Visa.

Applications will not be processed without payment of the fee.

Within approximately one week of payment, applicants will receive an email confirming receipt and providing:

• A Windsor student number and username

• Temporary password

• Instructions for accessing the application portal to monitor document status

Step 2: Academic References

Two academic references are required from qualified scholars who can assess your potential for doctoral-level study and research.

• Referees’ names, positions, and institutional email addresses must be entered in the online application

• Referees will receive automated instructions from the UWinsite Student Graduate Application System

⚠️ Important
Referees are normally given 21 days to submit their references. This timeline does not adjust if you apply close to the October 1 deadline.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all references are submitted by October 1, 2026.

All references are confidential and may be verified for authenticity.

Step 3: Transcripts

Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts and/or degree certificates from all post-secondary institutions attended, including:

• All semesters, courses, grades, and grading scales

• Proof of degree conferral, where applicable

Transcripts will be verified for authenticity. Submission of fraudulent or falsified documents is a serious offense.

If admitted, applicants must submit official transcripts as instructed in the offer of admission.

📌 Transcripts not issued in English must be accompanied by a notarized English translation.

Step 4: Supporting Documents

Applicants must upload the following documents through the application portal:

1. Research Plan (maximum 1500 words)

   • Use the official Research Plan Template 

   • Include proposed research area, relevant literature, and methodological considerations

   • Indicate intended field of study, potential supervisor, and preferred Home University

2. Academic Curriculum Vitae (CV)

   • Use the official Academic CV Template 

3. Supplementary Admissions Form

   • Use the official Joint PhD Supplementary Admissions Form 

4. Proof of Research Competence

   • Master’s thesis or equivalent evidence (e.g., major paper, peer-reviewed publication)

   • May be merged with the Research Plan, if applicable

5. Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

   • See official requirements and minimum scores listed on the program website

   • Note: The Duolingo English Language Test is not accepted

All transcripts and materials submitted in support of an application to the Joint PhD in Educational Studies Program become the property of the Joint PhD Secretariat and will not be returned.