Highlights -
- Top Universities- The Top universities for a bachelor in Social Work in Canada are McGill University and the University of British Columbia. McGill contains the highest no of Indian students around 782.
- Eligibility Criteria- As an Indian student, you must have at least 70- 85% in your 12th examination. Additionally, you also need an IELTS score of 6,5 to 7. Many universities might also ask for two social-work related LOR and SOPS.
- Intakes - The major intakes for Indian students for social work courses are fall, winter, and summer. Majority of the Indian students prefer the fall intake which starts in September.
- Job Outcomes - After completing your UG course in social work, you can work as a social worker, mental health counselor, and school counselor, amongst many others.
- Salaries - As an Indian student, you can earn an average annual salary of 67,688 CAD per year or 34.71 CAD per hour after BSW in Canada.
A Bachelor of Social Work in Canada (BSW) is a 3–4-year undergraduate program for people interested in providing professional guidance and assistance to people in need. There are a total of 18 universities in Canada that provide full-time, part-time, and bachelor of social work distance education in Canada. Indian students can also earn an online bachelor's degree in social work in Canada from top universities like Vancouver Island University, The University of Calgary, and the University of Manitoba.
- If you are an Indian student, you are expected to complete half of the 120 minimum credits needed to complete your social work major.
- As an Indian student, you will spend around 20,598 CAD for a public university and 44,320 CAD for a private -four-year university in Social work in Canada.
- The average tuition fee 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.
- According to the Canadian Association for Social Work Education, Indian students need to complete a field internship before graduating, fulfilling at least 400 hours.
- Your internship will likely occur during your program's final year or the last semester of the course.
- The average annual salary for a social worker after a bachelor in Canada is 67,688 CAD per year or 34.71 CAD per hour.
- Entry-level positions start at 44,036 CAD annually, while most experienced workers make up to 82,579 CAD annually.
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 | Tuition Fees (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGill University | Bachelor of Social Work | December 1. 2024 | 27,447 |
| University of British Columbia | Bachelor of Social Work | January 15, 2025 | 47,189 |
| McMaster University | Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) | Open | 37236 |
| Western University | Bachelor of Social Work | July 10, 2024 | 47,434 |
| University of Calgary | Bachelor of Social Work | August 15, 2024 | 30,250 |
| York University | Bachelor of Social Work | TBA | 37,281 |
| Carleton University | Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) | June 15, 2024 | 43,836 |
| University of Regina | Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work Bachelor of Social Work (Pre-Social Work) | TBA | 36,514 |
Note: 1CAD= 61.14 INR, as of 21st June, 2024
Specializations and Subjects for Bachelor of Social Work in Canada
Some of the common subjects included in the 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 a Bachelor of Social Work in Canada?
Some of the reasons why Indian students prefer Canada for Bachelor in social work are discussed below -
- Top Universities - According to the QS World Rankings 2024, 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.
- Scope - Job Bank reported that in 2021, 93,600 social workers were employed, with an estimated increase of 28,400 new positions to be filled by 2028, leading to more employment opportunities for Indian students.
- ROI- Indian students prefer to stay in Alberta, Canada because of its affordability.
Admission Requirements for Bachelor of Social Work in Canada
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 | (87% or more in class 12)
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 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 a minimum overall average of 70%, Official transcripts | 6.5 |
| Carleton University | A minimum aggregate of 75% of Essay questions
Two reference letters Resume/CV Relevant volunteer/Community work experience |
A minimum overall band score of 6.5 (6.0 for 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 a 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 enroll 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)
Cost of Bachelor of Social Work in Canada
Bachelor of Social Work in Canada costs 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 fees (CAD) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University | 27,447 | 16.78 lakhs |
| University of British Columbia | 47,189 | 28.85 Lakhs |
| McMaster University | 37,236 | 22.76 Lakhs |
| Western University | 47,434 | 29.01 Lakhs |
| University of Calgary | 30,250 | 18.49 Lakhs |
| York University | 37,281 | 22.79 Lakhs |
| Carleton University | 48,836 | 29.85 lakhs |
| University of Regina | 36,514 | 22.32 Lakhs |
Note: 1CAD= 61.14 INR, as of 21st June, 2024
Cost of Living in Canada
The estimated expenditure and cost of living in Canada for an Indian 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 |
| Total | 2100 | 1,28,079 |
Note: 1CAD= 61.14 INR, as of 21st June, 2024
Scholarships for Bachelor of Social Work in Canada
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 Bachelor of Social Work degree 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 the International Scholarship for Women | Active involvement and commitment to charitable/volunteer work | $24,600 |
Placements for Bachelor of Social Work in Canada
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 organizations, community health centers, 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 |

Social Workers' Salaries Across Canadian Provinces
According to Neuvoo, an experienced Indian social worker, you can expect to earn between CAD 76,065 and CAD 94,843 in Canada annually. However, the actual earnings may vary depending on the location you choose to settle in the country.
| Provinces | Average annual salary (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Alberta | 95,843 |
| Northwest Territories | 86,639 |
| Yukon | 86,540 |
| Ontario | 79,911 |
| Nova Scotia | 78,564 |
| Nunavut | 76,437 |
| British Columbia | 75,065 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 74,978 |
| Saskatchewan | 71,911 |
| Quebec | 67,543 |
| New Brunswick | 65,747 |
| Prince Edward Island | 61,519 |
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.
There are numerous paid internships for volunteering provided to students for bachelor of social work in Canada. Scholarships and awards help students to meet the expenses of tuition costs. Students are offered many job placements and opportunities with high salaries in Canada.
FAQs
Ques. What is the salary of BSW in Canada?
Ans. The average social worker BSW salary in Canada is $73,466 per year or $37.68 per hour
Ques. Can I immigrate to Canada as a social worker?
Ans. As an experienced social worker, you can migrate to Canada with a great chance of securing employment in 6 of 11 Canadian provinces. The job opportunities primarily concentrate in Canada's Prairie and Atlantic regions, including Alberta. Manitoba.
Ques. How long is BSW in Canada?
Ans. The BSW degree provides the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for professional practice, focusing on the interface between personal problems and public issues. It is a single, integrated program that is generally completed in two years on a full-time basis.
Ques. What is the future of social work in Canada?
Ans. In general, job openings in social work are projected to rise between 2019-2028 because of increased demand and job vacancies created by the retirement of the baby boom generation. Future prospects vary across Canada depending on the province or territory.
Ques. What qualifications do you need to be a social worker in Canada?
Ans. In most provinces, the Bachelor of Social Work is the minimum educational requirement for entry into the profession. Postgraduate education leading to a master's or doctoral degree is also available. A four-year undergraduate program is required for a bachelor's degree.




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