2025 PCJ Open House
PCJ's multidisciplinary program attracts top-achieving students, who go on to take positions in prominent international organizations, work with social justice-oriented non-governmental organizations, and pursue graduate degrees in law and social science. Our students conduct original research, engage with some of the world’s top experts on the causes and consequences of violence, and participate in internships that provide hands-on experience.
About the application process
While the PCJ program seeks students with diverse experiences and qualifications, this is a limited enrollment program that can only accommodate a small number of students. Admission is determined by a range of criteria, including a student’s academic background, statement of interest, a writing sample and a video submission. In some cases, reference letters may also be requested.
In the past, enrollment in Peace, Conflict and Justice has proven to be extremely competitive across all these dimensions, and an applicant’s success in any one of these dimensions does not guarantee admission to the program.
To apply, you must have completed 4.0 FCE.
The application process: Step by step
Please review these instructions carefully as the application process has changed. Questions related to your application must be directed to pcj.admissions@utoronto.ca.
The PCJ Program will accept applications for the 2025-26 academic year between March 3 - April 25, 2025!
Step 1: Request PCJ on ACORN
You can request a Peace, Conflict and Justice subject POST on ACORN between March 3, 2025 – April 25, 2025. You can request the major (ASMAJ1228), specialist (ASSPE1228), or both.
Step 2: Prepare your supplementary materials
After requesting the PCJ program(s) on ACORN, you must submit the supplementary materials listed below via 2025-26 Peace, Conflict and Justice (PCJ) Program Application Form (Page 1 of 5)
NOTE: Applications made via ACORN alone will NOT be considered.
A. In no more than 300 words for each response, please answer the following two questions:
1. Describe an issue related to justice, peace, and/or conflict that you are interested in exploring further and explain how the PCJ program will contribute to your understanding of this issue.
2. What other academic programs (e.g. minor, major, specialist) do you intent to pursue, and how does PCJ complement other courses you plan to take as an undergraduate student at U of T?
B. Provide a written paper that you wrote during your first year of undergraduate studies that demonstrates your critical and analytical thinking skills (maximum length of 10 pages, excluding bibliography/references).
C. Provide your 2-page CV highlighting, but not limited to, relevant professional, academic, volunteer, research, and leadership experience.
D. Provide a copy of your most recent U of T Transcript (official or unofficial) displaying First Year marks.
E. Please submit a 3 minute video (maximum) answering the following prompts. Please be sure to have your camera turned on.
1. Provide a brief introduction
2. Explain why you are applying to PCJ.
3. What matters to you and why?
4. In what ways will you contribute to the PCJ program?
Step 3: Submit your supplementary materials
Submit your supplementary materials using the following form: 2025-26 Peace, Conflict and Justice (PCJ) Program Application Form (Page 1 of 5)
*Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their supplementary materials before April 25th. Applications made via ACORN alone will NOT be considered.
Step 4: Results
All applicants will be notified of their results between April 26 – June 6 on ACORN. Some students may be placed on a waitlist; however, this does not guarantee admission into the program.
Step 5: Registration
If you are invited to the program, you are responsible for accepting the invitation on ACORN by the deadline. Students who are admitted into the PCJ program have guaranteed entry into our core courses.
Please note that second round requests will not be accepted.