Frequently Asked Questions (IELP)
This page addresses some frequently asked questions about the 2026 EdD Cohort in International Educational Leadership & Policy program. For questions related specifically to application requirements, visit the Registrar's Office.
If you have specific inquiries that are not addressed on this page, e-mail your question to Dr. Karen Mundy at karen.mundy@utoronto.ca
Application and ¥
¥ for the 2026 cohort open in September 2025. Students will receive admission decisions on a rolling basis, starting in March 2026.
Students in this program must have a Master’s degree and demonstrate their ability to conduct research. International students may be asked to demonstrate English proficiency.
When making admissions decisions, we consider academics, professional experience, and admissions documents (resume, statement, letters of reference, sample of written work). The program is designed for students who want to study educational leadership and policy outside of Canada, or the internationalization of education in Canada. ¥ are competitive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
To apply, you will be asked to submit a writing sample (such as a major research paper or publication). You are encouraged to answer faculty admissions questions about how your background (academic and professional) has prepared you for this degree and why you are good fit for the program. It is recommended that you highlight your international educational leadership plans in your application. You also need two reference letters ideally one of which speaks to your research and analytical abilities.
Make sure you review the program website and our introductory video. If you still have questions, you can email the IELP program coordinator, Professor Karen Mundy at: karen.mundy@utoronto.ca
Format
The IELP EdD is a professional degree, which, unlike a traditional PhD, requires a “dissertation in practice” – a thesis focused on a real-world problem of professional practice. For more information on the dissertation in practice, please visit this link.
The program is also unique in its focus on international policy and leadership in education.
The program is also offered as a cohort-based program, allowing students to form lasting professional collaborations and friendships.
The majority of IELP courses are offered online, enabling students to study from anywhere in the world. Courses are designed to prepare students to successfully complete major milestones towards their thesis. The program has two in-person research institutes held in Toronto.
Thesis Supervisor
Students are encouraged to identify 2-3 faculty they would like to work with in their application. At admissions, you are assigned an academic advisor who will work with you to find your thesis supervisor, ideally by the end of Year 1 of the program.
Thesis supervisors mentor students through major program milestones – including the comprehensive exam, the thesis proposal, research ethics, research and analysis and final preparation and defence of the thesis.
Fees and Costs
The IELP is generally four-year self-funded program designed for working professionals. You can find current 2025/26 fees for the program on the tuition and financial support website . Fees are set annually and may increase.
Costs for travel and accommodation at the Research Institutes in Toronto are paid for by the student.
Transfer & Leave of Absence
Students may request a leave for up to 3 sessions (1 year); or more if they have medical or family leaves during their programs.
Learn more about
Students may not transfer to a PhD program at OISE from an EdD program.
Career Prospects
Students in our programs have used their degrees to advance their careers in different fields. For example, our recent students have completed research on education in conflict and emergencies; on educational topics related to their work with UNICEF and the World Bank and other international nongovernmental organizations; and on educational leadership in international school settings. Student often plan to use their EdD to launch into new leadership roles, or to transition to research or academic positions.
It is worth noting that students in the first two cohorts of this program have published their EdD research in peer-reviewed academic journals or professional journals.
