International Admissions

Thank you for your interest in the University of Windsor, an international university that combines strong academics, innovative research and vibrant student life within an accessible, supportive community.

There’s no such thing as a “typical” UWindsor student. We’re artists, athletes, scientists, musicians and activists. We come from 80 different countries and every imaginable background. Thanks to our rich diversity, we all learn how to think and act as responsible global citizens.

We encourage you to learn more about the advantages of a UWindsor education and to schedule a visit to experience campus life for yourself.

When you’re ready, we’ll walk you through the application process and admissions requirements.

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About the University

The University of Windsor is a comprehensive, student-focused university, with about 18,000 students enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:

• Law
• Business
• Engineering
• Science
• Education
• Nursing
• Human Kinetics
• Social Work
• Faculty of Art, Humanities, and Social Sciences

We have strong student-faculty relationships, exceptional award-winning faculty, and innovative staff. An atmosphere of excellence across all of our programs encourages lifelong learning, teaching, research, and discovery.

Located next to North America’s busiest international border crossing, the University of Windsor campus looks out on the beautiful Detroit River waterfront. Windsor is also Canada’s southernmost city and enjoys some of the country’s best weather.

This location speaks to UWindsor’s strength as an internationally oriented, multi-disciplined institution that actively enables a broad diversity of students, faculty, and staff to make a better world through education, scholarship, research and engagement.

Our basic characteristics of openness, warmth, and support make the University of Windsor an exceptionally welcoming community for students and faculty from Asia, Europe, and Africa-or from just down the street.

Our Vision and Mission

Our Mission

To empower positive change through regionally and globally engaged inquiry, learning, scholarship, creation, and research.

Our Vision

As a locally engaged, globally connected institution, the University of Windsor will enable people to transform their circumstances. As partners, leaders, and learners, we will engage in impactful research, relevant teaching, creative endeavours, and inclusive relationship building to foster positive change.

Our Values

Academic Excellence:
We strive for academic excellence in teaching, learning, research, scholarship, and creative activity. We encourage innovation and collaboration with local and global communities. Diverse ways of knowing, knowledge traditions, and ways of creating and disseminating knowledge enhance the richness of our academic pursuits.

Action on Indigenization, Truth, and Reconciliation
We have a responsibility to Indigenize and decolonize the University, and to make it a place where Indigenous staff, students, faculty, and community members feel supported, and where the impacts of intergenerational traumas are addressed. There is much to learn from Indigenous teachings and traditions and integrating Indigenous knowledge and values will improve our institution for everyone.

Community Impact
We are an anchor institution in our region, with the privilege and responsibility of living, learning, working, and creating partnerships here. We bring global perspectives, emerging knowledge, and leadership to the table as we address regional challenges together. Our impact is greatest when we all learn together.

Engagement with Students
We strive to be a place where all learners feel welcome, are included, and can succeed, and where students, staff, faculty, and communities work together to foster meaningful engagement and experiences. This requires us to ensure the student voice and aspirations are heard, and that we respond to those voices with compassion, care, and flexibility.

Environmental Sustainability
We are committed to working with on- and off-campus communities to ensure that climate action and environmental sustainability are integral to decision making. We are on a journey to greater sustainability, through innovation, reciprocal partnership, collaborative action, and shared learning and knowledge.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Decolonizing the University, ensuring justice, and embedding anti-oppression and anti-racism in our institution requires long-term care and commitment. An equity focus must be engrained in all our decision making in order to address the policies and practices that have oppressed and stigmatized members of our communities for too long.

Openness to Change
We have shown that we can adapt and be agile when necessary. Our challenge now is to translate temporary adaptations into sustained transformative evolution of the institution. Nimbleness, adaptability, creativity, and flexibility are institutional muscles we need to grow and develop. As an institution we need to evolve beyond the way we’ve always done things, be willing to take calculated risks, and continuously learn from our actions.

Prioritizing People
Our people are the foundation of all that we do. We are committed to becoming an institution that increasingly and consistently operates from a place of care, compassion, respect, humility, and empathy.

Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness is founded on accountability, transparency, honesty, and integrity. It requires us to thoughtfully measure and report our progress. Where we miss the mark, we will acknowledge it, learn from our missteps, and use what we learn to inform future approaches. As a public institution, we are accountable for our stewardship of public funds: financial sustainability is critical to fulfilling our mission.

Our History

1857 The University of Windsor traces its roots to the establishment in September 1857 of Assumption College, which, by 1919, had become one of the largest colleges affiliated with the University of Western Ontario.

1950s A pivotal moment occurred in 1950 when Assumption College embraced inclusivity by admitting its first women students. It gained independence from the University of Western Ontario in 1953.

Between 1954 and 1956, the institution underwent transformative changes, attaining full membership in academic associations and adopting the name Assumption University, incorporating the non-denominational Essex College.

1960s – 1970s The University of Windsor was officially incorporated on December 19, 1962, and by July 1, 1963, became southwestern Ontario’s first autonomous degree-granting institution, affiliated with Canterbury, Iona, and Holy Redeemer colleges.

Under President Dr. J. Francis Leddy (1964-1977), the university experienced explosive growth, achieving full membership in the International Association of Universities by 1964, with the student population growing from 1,500 to 8,000 by 1977.

1980s – 1990s The 1980s and early 1990s, under President Ron Ianni, marked significant growth, including the construction of notable buildings like the Odette Building and the CAW Student Centre.

2000s In 2003, record enrolment led to a $50 million investment in new facilities under President Ross Paul including the Alumni Hall student residence, the Anthony P. Toldo Health Education Centre, the Jackman Dramatic Art Centre, and upgrades to classrooms and labs.

President Alan Wildeman oversaw the 2012 opening of the Medical Education Building to house a satellite medical school, and the university expanded into Windsor’s downtown core in 2011, repurposing for academic use such historic sites as the former Armouries and Windsor Star newspaper buildings.

In 2012, the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation became the Faculty of Engineering’s new home, boasting extensive teaching and research labs.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013, the University of Windsor reflected on its evolution as a dynamic public institution.

In 2019, the Essex CORe opened, a state-of-the-art research facility for Biology, and Materials Chemistry, Health, and Medical Physics.

2020s In 2022, the University extended its downtown presence by acquiring 300 Ouellette Ave. for the School of Computer Science Master of Applied Computing program.

The University further extended its community presence with the redevelopment of the Toldo Lancer Centre. This versatile facility now serves as the hub for recreational services, intercollegiate sports, and varsity teams, providing a modern space.

Today, the 51-hectare campus offers 140+ programs, serving over 16,000 students. The institution provides nine cooperative education programs benefiting 1,100 students and boasts a global network with more than 135,000 proud University of Windsor alumni.

Our Location

The University of Windsor’s campus sits on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg people of the Three Fires Confederacy, comprising the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa nations.

Windsor stands as one of the oldest communities in North America boasting a storied history, from its backdrop to battle in the War of 1812, its crucial role as the final stop in the Underground Railroad offering refuge to freedom seekers, to its longstanding roots in the automotive industry dubbing the city the automotive capital of Canada.

Nestled in a border city, next to the United States, the downtown and west Windsor campus offers a myriad of attractions. Windsor is known for its diverse culinary scene, rich artist community, and scenic riverfront trail, providing stunning views of the Detroit skyline. Just minutes away, downtown Detroit offers a vibrant hub featuring art galleries including the Detroit Institute of Art, museums, major concert venues, and sporting events.

The city’s unique combination of culture and its proximity to the busiest international border crossing, the Great Lakes and Detroit River creates an unparalleled experience.

Visit us soon to see what makes Windsor-Detroit such an amazing place to live and learn.

Federated and Affiliated Institutions – Our partners in a well-rounded education

In 1963, the University of Windsor became southwestern Ontario’s first publicly-funded autonomous degree-granting institution. Along the way, we’ve enjoyed affiliations with several smaller colleges that offer an education guided by religious faith and practice.

• Assumption University, founded as Assumption College in 1857, was the original predecessor of the University of Windsor. Assumption University is now a federated partner of UWindsor, a new online Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies, a course on the Holocaust, a dynamic campus ministry program open to all, a social justice series for high school students, and the historic Christian Culture Series.

• Canterbury College is a small, Anglican college that offers courses in language and culture and Christian studies. It also hosts the not-for-profit organization, ElderCollege, offering to adults 55 and older. The college also rents off-campus housing to University of Windsor students looking for a familial, Christian-themed residency.

• Iona College, an interfaith institution, offers undergraduate courses in Theology and Lay Theology with a focus on social justice.

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Tuition Fee Estimator

The fees shown are the approved fees for 2025-2026 academic year. The fees calculated are per term and will be based upon the information you provide below. To obtain the exact fees you owe for the current term, please go to UWinsite Student.

If you are in a joint program with a partner institution, you will need to contact the other institution for their fees and payment information, if applicable.

Certicate programs are charged at the undergraduate rate of their specific faculty.

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Scholarships, Bursaries & Awards for International Students

The University of Windsor provides to international students scholarships and awards to recognize academic achievement.

Awards provided to entering undergraduates include the International Student Entrance Awards/Scholarships, the Outstanding Scholars Award, and the University of Windsor Women in Engineering Award.

These awards are made at the time of admission. No additional application is required.

Students may also earn in-course awards while continuing their studies at the University of Windsor.

Students entering research-based graduate programs that meet or exceed the equivalent of a Canadian 80% will be considered for a graduate study scholarship.

• International students may also compete for external scholarships.
• University of Windsor awards available to International Students
• Bursaries offered this year

UWindsor Open Entrance Scholarships

International students are automatically considered for the University of Windsor Open Entrance Scholarship program provided that the following conditions are met:

• Must be coming directly from secondary school studies – the student must have completed a minimum of one term of full-time secondary school studies in the year immediately preceding the academic year that they are applying for.
• In the year immediately preceding, the student is not considered to have returned to secondary school studies to upgrade after a year or more break in studies.

While a student may receive an offer of admission, scholarship eligibility is based on final and interim Grade 12 (U and M level equivalent) grades received (between May and July). Once all final grades are received, scholarship eligibility will be reviewed should grades improve sufficient to move in to the next scholarship tier.

Students must register full-time in the academic year immediately following their high school graduation to be considered. Scholarship payment schedule will be adjusted accordingly if a student’s start term is deferred to the Winter term.

Scholarship notification is sent to students via email. International students are automatically considered for Transfer Student Scholarships provided that the eligibility criteria has been met.

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What are the hours of operation for the International Student Centre?

• Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm

What is a Financial Estimation Letter?

• A Financial Estimation letter is a letter stating how much money a student needs for tuition and living expenses. Usually the Central or Government Bank requires this letter in order to release specified amounts of currency from holdings. To request a Financial Estimation letter, follow the instructions below:
• Fill out the Financial Estimation Request form found on our website
  • Specify what terms you are requesting for the estimate (if multiple terms one letter for all, or one letter per term) o
  • Obtain a copy of your Cashier’s receipt or printout of your SIS Account. This receipt must show your full name and student ID number.
• Once you have gathered the required documents, submit them to the front desk at the ISC. You will be emailed when the letter is ready for pickup. Please allow 3 business days for processing.

Is there any emergency relief funding for International Students?

• The University of Windsor has an Emergency Relief Fund for International Students that may support International Students during a temporary period of financial difficulty. Before a student can be referred to the application process, the student must first arrange for an appointment to meet with the Director in the International Student Centre.

How can I become involved with the International Student Centre?

• Check the ISC announcements on Brightspace, where we post announcements, events and important information. You will also gain access to additional resources and information. Visit the ISC’s website for more information.

My study permit is lost/stolen/destroyed. What do I do?

• You must fill out an application to obtain a replacement copy if your document is lost/stolen/destroyed. A non-refundable fee of $30.00 applies and payment must be included with the application. Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for instructions on how to fill out and mail the application.

My passport is lost/stolen/destroyed. What do I do?

• The process varies from country to country. You will have to contact the of your country in order to find out the application procedures. Once you have renewed your passport, you must then renew your study permit, and, if you are planning to travel, your entry visa.

Changing school or program

• Information regarding what you need to do when changing your program or program with regards to immigration policy can be found here

Where can International Students get Academic Advice?

• If you are an undergraduate student visit the Advising Centre to speak with the Academic Advisor.
• If you are a graduate student please speak with your departments Academic Advisor.

How do I get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

• To get a Social Insurance Number (SIN), you have to fill out an application. You also need to bring the following documents to submit with your application:
  • Your passport
  • Letter of confirmation of enrolment from the University. You can get this letter online from UWinsite Student.
  • A valid Study permit issued by CIC. A study permit is acceptable only when it indicates that the permit holder “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada.

You need to apply in person at the nearest Service Canada Centre, or come to the ISC’s SIN Clinic where we invite a Service Canada officer to issue SINs to eligible Students. Check your Brightspace ISC announcements for dates for the next SIN Clinic.

Where can I file my taxes?

• **For the 2025 Tax Season, the International Student Centre will be suspending the free Tax Clinic hosted at the University of Windsor. We will be referring students to other tax clinics in the area: Find a tax clinic.**

Where can I get legal advice?

• Community Legal Aid (CLA) offers legal services by appointment at two locations:

University of Windsor Law Building, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, ON Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm (519) 253-7150 Areas of Law offered at this location:

• Landlord & Tenant
• Highway Traffic
• Criminal/Provincial Offences
• Small Claims
• Consumer Protection Act
• Wrongful Dismissal/Unpaid Wages

I have a housing issue. What do I do?

• Speak with someone from the Community Legal Aid (CLA) office they offer legal services by appointment at two locations: 443 Ouellette Avenue, 2nd Floor, Windsor, ON Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm Areas of Law offered at this location:

• Landlord & Tenant
• Highway Traffic
• Criminal/Provincial Offences
• Small Claims
• Consumer Protection Act
• Wrongful Dismissal/Unpaid Wages

What is the International Student identity Card (ISIC) and where can I get one?

• To get your ISIC card visit the University of Windsor Student Alliance (UWSA) office on the 2nd floor in the CAW. Bring your validated student card and a passport size photo.

What scholarships/bursaries are available for International Students?

• Visit the Student Awards and Financial aid website, or browse through eligible scholarships and bursaries on UWinsite Student.

I am feeling sad/depressed. How do I get support?

• There are a few options on and off campus to get support:

On campus:

Student Counselling Centre Room 293 CAW Centre University of Windsor Monday-Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm 519-253-3000 ext 4616

Off-campus:

• Good2Talk: 24 Hour Student Helpline: 1-866-925-5454
• Community Crisis Centre at Windsor Regional Hospital Ouellette campus. This includes:
  • A 24-hour crisis telephone line – 519-973-4435
  • 24 hour walk-in service at Ouellette Campus emergency department

I am unable to register for my current semester courses, what can I do?

• There may be a few reasons why you cannot register for your courses:
  • Study Permit not on file: Visit the International Student Centre or the Office of the Registrar to inquire.
  • Financial: You may have an outstanding balance. Visit the Cashiers office to inquire.
  • Academic: You may have conditions on your record or you may have not received an appointment time. Visit the Office of the Registrar to inquire.

How can I protect myself from Scams

Please review our two part scams webinar on ISC Brightspace under “Protect Yourself from Scams and Tenant Rights”

This scams webinar was held in March and April of 2021. All information is current as of those dates. Please refer to the appropriate organization website for the must up to date information.

In this two part series you will learn from our panel of experts on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and how to protect yourself from scams.

Part 1: Avoid Being a Victim of Scams

Part 2: Tenants Rights & Responsibilities

Learn more about job scams.

You can also visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website for more information on current scams, how to protect yourself, and how to report an incident

Insurance. What Kinds Do I Need and Why?

Insurance protects you from the unexpected and from being held liable. It is typically very low cost.

Health Insurance:
As an international student, you cannot be in Canada without insurance. Health Insurance is included as part of your tuition and is mandatory for all UWindsor students. All it takes is one unexpected health incident for you to understand why it is so critical to have.

Home/Contents/Renters Insurance:
All students should have home/tenant insurance. Even if you don’t own your home, as a renter, if something unexpected happens to your belongings (flood, fire, theft), you will be very glad that you purchased contents insurance. Worst of all, if your actions are responsible for causing damage in your landlord’s house and you are found to be liable, without insurance, your landlord, or their insurance company can hold you liable for all costs. You should shop for a reputable insurance company. There are many in Windsor to choose from. Most content insurance policy rates are extremely reasonably priced and would protect you and your belongings.

Auto Insurance:
Whether you have your own car or plan to travel with another driver, it is critical that the registered owner of the vehicle has comprehensive auto insurance coverage. Not having any of these insurances can be devastating to your health and your finances. Unexpected circumstances occur more often than you think.

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