Bachelor of Social Work in Canada is a 4 year undergraduate course that includes subjects like Health Care and Social Work Practice, Psychology , Criminology, Human Rights, and Human Diversity. For admission to BSW in Canada, the majority of universities demand at least one year of volunteering or community work experience along with a high school certificate or diploma. You also need a minimum aggregate of 85% in class 10th and 12th for admission to the top universities in Canada.
The average tuition fees for BSW in Canada in the top universities in Canada is 109,524 CAD, which is equivalent to 66.12 lakhs INR for Indian students. The estimated average salary of a social worker in Canada is 58,530 CAD (35.40 lakhs INR) per annum.
Bachelor of Social Work in Canada - Highlights
| Degree Types | Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) |
| Course Duration | 4 years |
| Program Type | Full-time, Part-time |
| Intake Seasons | Fall, Winter, Summer |
| Admission Requirements | Minimum 85% aggregate in class 10th and 12th, Resume/CV, Minimum 100 hours of volunteer work, Official Transcripts |
| English Proficiency | A minimum overall band score of 6.5 in IELTS |
| Tuition fee | 46,000 to 163,840 CAD (27.77-98.88 lakhs INR) |
| Average Salary | 58,000 CAD (35.02 lakhs INR) |
| Job profiles | Social Worker, Policy Maker, Lobbyist/Activist, Art or Music Therapist, Crisis/Employment/Family/Human Resources Counsellor, Consultant |
Top Universities for Bachelor of Social Work in Canada
Some of the top universities in Canada, along with the programs offered and application deadlines are listed below:
| University | Program | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University | Bachelor of Social Work | January 15, 2023 |
| University of British Columbia | Bachelor of Social Work | January 15, 2023 |
| McMaster University | Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) | February 1, 2023 |
| Western University | Bachelor of Social Work | March 15, 2023 |
| University of Calgary | Bachelor of Social Work | March 1, 2023 |
| York University | Bachelor of Social Work | February 1, 2023 |
| Carleton University | Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) | March 1, 2023 |
| University of Regina | Bachelor of Indeginious Social Work Bachelor of Social Work (Pre - Social Work) | Winter: December 15, 2022 Summer: April 15, 2023 Fall: August 15, 2023 |
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Table of Contents |
What is a Bachelor of Social Work degree in Canada?
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a 3–4-year undergraduate program that is usually meant for people who are interested in providing professional guidance and assistance to people in need. The core subjects offered include Diversity and Empowerment, Mental Health and Addiction Issues, Social Work with older adults, Indigenous people, and Critical Social Work, etc. Professionals with social work training or degrees typically work in fields related to society, including community development, education, counselling, and issues associated with women, children, and families.
Bachelor of Social Work in Canada: Specializations and Subjects
Some of the common subjects included in Bachelor of Social Work in Canada are as follows:
- Youth and Children's Studies
- Social Movements, Social Justice, and Vulnerable Populations
- Health Care and Social Work Practice
- Psychology Minor
- Criminology Minor
- Human Rights and Human Diversity Minor
- Diversity and Empowerment
- Mental Health and Addiction Issues
- Social Work with Older Adults
- Indigenous people and Critical Social Work
Why Pursue Bachelor of Social Work in Canada?
- According to the QS World Rankings 2023, some of the top universities in Canada offering a bachelor's degree in social work, including McGill University and the University of British Columbia, are ranked among the top 50 universities in the world.
- Over the years 2019 to 2028, there are anticipated to be 27,100 new job openings in the fields of social workers, probation and parole officers, and related occupations.
- Canada offers an easy and transparent process for obtaining a visa for international students.
Bachelor of Social Work in Canada: Admission Requirements
Nearly all top universities in Canada require a high school diploma or certificate with a minimum cumulative GPA of 70% for admission to a Bachelor of Social Work. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency with an IELTS score of at least 6.5 bands. Some of the admission requirements for admission to the top universities offering BSW in Canada are listed below:
| University | Admission Requirements | Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University | 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale (87% or more) 2 social work-related LORs |
6.5 band score with individual component scores of 6.0 |
| University of British Columbia | At least 85% aggregate in 12th Minimum of 100 hours of relevant volunteer work |
A minimum band score of 6.5 with no individual component less than 6.0 |
| McMaster University | 2-year diploma in Applied Arts and Social Services with a minimum cumulative average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale SWAT (Social Works Admission Test) Transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions |
A band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in individual components |
| Western University | Relevant volunteer work experience | An overall band score of 6.5 with no component less than 6.0 |
| University of Calgary | Mathematics in class 12th | 6.5 |
| York University | Class 12th graduation with minimum overall average of 70%, Official transcripts | 6.5 |
| Carleton University | Minimum aggregate of 75% Essay questions Two reference letters Resume/CV Relevant volunteer/Community work experience |
A minimum overall band score of 6.5 (6.0 each band) |
| University of Regina | Minimum overall average of 70% in class 12th, Official Transcripts (for admission to Pre-Social Work) Completion of 30 credit hours of pre-social work program or Minimum 70% average in the last 10 courses taken at any post-secondary education institution (for admission to BSW) |
Minimum band score of 6.5, with no other component score less than 6.0 |
Bachelor of Social Work in Canada: Eligibility Requirements
The minimum eligibility criteria for students willing to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work from top universities in Canada are listed below:
Basic Admission Requirements:
- Minimum overall average of 70% in class 12th
- English Proficiency Test Score: A minimum overall band score of 6.5 in IELTS, with no other component score being less than 6.0
- At least one year of volunteer/community work experience
- 2-3 reference letters
- Updated Resume/CV
- Official Transcripts
- Valid Passport
- Student Visa
Canadian Student Visa Requirements:
- Valid Passport
- Acceptance letter from the university/institute you have planned to enrol in
- Proof of Funds (for travel costs, tuition costs and living expenses)
- Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
- English Language Proficiency Exam
- TOEFL: 90/120
- IELTS: a minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6
- Statement of Purpose
- Passport-size photographs
The cost for a Canadian Student Visa is approximately 150 CAD (9,052 INR)
Bachelor of Social Work in Canada: Cost
Bachelor of Social Work in Canada cost is around 106,763 CAD (64.36 lakhs INR). The details for the same are discussed below:
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for a Bachelor of Social Work in Canada in some of the top universities in Canada are tabulated below:
| University | Tuition Fee (CAD) | Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University | 70,986 | 42,86,000 |
| University of British Columbia | 94,165 | 56,83,311 |
| McMaster University | 163,840 | 98,88,533 |
| Western University | 147,940 | 89,31,367 |
| University of Calgary | 48,816 | 29,47,097 |
| York University | 135,164 | 81,62,116 |
| Carleton University | 126,008 | 76,09,650 |
| University of Regina | 89,280 | 53,91,638 |
Cost of Living in Canada
The estimated expenditure and cost of living in Canada for an international student ranges from 80,152 INR to 1,14,503 INR. The following table demonstrates the average monthly expense to be expected by an international student in Canada:
| Expense Type | Average Cost (CAD) | Cost Equivalent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 400 - 600 | 24,106 - 36,159 |
| Food | 200 - 300 | 12,053 - 18,079 |
| Transport | 100 - 250 | 6,026 - 15,066 |
| Internet | 30 - 50 | 1,808 - 3,013 |
| Miscellaneous | 600 - 700 | 36,159 - 42,186 |
Bachelor of Social Work in Canada: Scholarships
Numerous scholarships are offered by some of the top universities in Canada to international students who are in need of financial assistance to pursue a degree in Bachelor of Social Work in Canada. Following is the list of some of the popular scholarships in Canada for international students:
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award Details (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University Scholarship | Enrolled in full-time degree programs | Up to $8,500 for undergraduate students |
| University of British Columbia Scholarship | A Canadian study permit, noteworthy volunteer/community work, exceptional academic record | Varies every year as per the funds |
| University of Calgary Scholarship | Academic excellence, financial need | $20,000 |
| She began International Scholarship for Women | Active involvement and commitment to charitable/volunteer work | $24,600 |
Bachelor of Social Work in Canada: Placements
Post completion of the Bachelor of Social Work program in Canada, students can work in various sectors and areas like consultancy/counselling services, non-profit organisations, community health centres, mental health, and ageing services, etc. Some of the most pursued job profiles after a Bachelor of Social Work in Canada are as follows:
| Positions | Average Salary (CAD) | Equivalent Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Worker | 58,530 | 35.40 lakhs |
| Mental Health Counsellor | 53,377 | 32.26 lakhs |
| School Counsellor | 54,038 | 32.66 lakhs |
| Crisis Counsellor | 54,465 | 32.93 lakhs |
| Program Coordinator (Non-Profit Organisation) | 40,288 | 24.36 lakhs |
| Program Manager (Non-Profit Organisation) | 56,103 | 33.91 lakhs |
Post-Study Work Visa in Canada
International students can voluntarily choose to stay and work in Canada after completion of a degree or diploma that is at least 8 months in length. For this, you can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) with which you can work anywhere in Canada, and in any occupation.
Bachelor of Social Work in Canada: College Comparison
| Criteria | McGill University | University of British Columbia | McMaster University |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World Ranking 2023 | 31 | 47 | 152 |
| Minimum percentage required | 87% or more | 85% or more | 83% or more |
| IELTS | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Tuition Fee | 70,986 CAD | 94,165 CAD | 163,840 CAD |
| Average Starting Salary | 71,075 CAD | 76,000 CAD | 61,000 CAD |
Bachelor of Social Work in Canada v/s Australia
| Criteria | BSW in Canada | BSW in Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Institutions offering social work courses | 81 | 101 |
| IELTS | A minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no other component score less than 6.0 | 7.0 |
| Average Tuition Fee (per annum) | 27,380 CAD (16.54 lakhs INR) | 32,500 AUD (17.03 lakhs INR) |
| Average Starting Salary | 58,530 CAD (35.40 lakhs INR) per annum | 68,909 AUD (36.08 lakhs INR) per annum |
| Visa Cost | 150 CAD | 535 AUD |
| Duration of Work Permit | 3 years | 2-4 years |
FAQs
Ques. Is Social Work in demand in Canada?
Some of the provinces in dire need of social workers include Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. Over the years 2019 to 2028, there are anticipated to be 27,100 new job openings in the fields of social workers, probation and parole officers, and related occupations.
Ques. What university has the best social work program in Canada?
McGill University and the University of British Columbia are the two top-ranked universities offering Bachelor of Social Work in Canada. This undergraduate program is also available at top universities in Canada like McMaster University, the University of Waterloo, Western University, and the University of Calgary.
Ques. How long is a Social Work degree in Canada?
Bachelor of Social Work in Canada is a 3-4 year undergraduate course. The duration of a Bachelor of Social Work varies as per your choice of course and university.
Ques. What are the requirements to apply for a Bachelor of Social Work in Canada?
Some of the basic admission requirements include a high school degree or diploma with a minimum cumulative aggregate of 70%, a Resume/CV, 2-3 LORs, a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5, and a minimum of 1 year experience in volunteer or community work.
Ques. What can you do with a BSW in Canada?
Some of the most popular positions include a mental health/crisis/school counsellor, Policy Maker, Lobbyist/Activist, Program Manager in an NPO, Human resources consultant, social assistance officer, social policy researcher or analyst, Veteran services officer, and many more.
Ques. How much are social workers paid in Canada?
The estimated average salary of a social worker in Canada is 58,530 CAD, equivalent to 35.40 lakhs INR per annum.
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