How to apply

Applications are now open

March 2 - April 24, 2026

The Peace, Conflict and Justice (PCJ) program is a limited-enrollment program that admits a small cohort of students each year. We welcome applications from students with diverse academic backgrounds, experiences, and interests related to peace, conflict, and justice.

Admission is based on a holistic review of several components, including a student’s academic record, statement of interest, writing sample, and a short video submission. In some cases, applicants may also be asked to provide reference letters.

Because the program receives many strong applications each year, admission is competitive. Strength in any single component of the application does not guarantee admission, as decisions are based on the overall quality of the application.

To apply to the program, students must have completed at least 4.0 FCE at the time of application.

Application Form

As part of the program requirements, PCJ students must complete 1.0 credit from 100-level gateway courses drawn from disciplines such as History, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, and/or International Relations. These courses provide the foundational disciplinary perspectives that support the interdisciplinary PCJ curriculum. While these courses do not need to be completed at the time of application, they must be successfully completed before graduating from the program. Other introductory courses in relevant disciplines may also be eligible to fulfill this 100-level requirement; students should contact the Program Director for discussion and approval.

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.

Step 1: Request PCJ on ACORN

You can request a Peace, Conflict and Justice subject POST on ACORN between March 2, 2026 – April 24, 2026. 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 the link here.

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 application form here.

*Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their supplementary materials before April 24th. Applications made via ACORN alone will NOT be considered.

Step 4: Results

All applicants will be notified of their results between April 25 – June 5 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.

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.