Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Master of Social Work (MSW) with specialization in Medical and Psychiatry is a comprehensive 2-year full-time postgraduate program offered by Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH) at Manipal Academy of Higher Education. This course is designed to prepare professionals for careers in medical and psychiatric social work, combining theoretical knowledge with practical fieldwork experience. The total fees for the program is 2.32 lakhs for Indian students. The course is popular among students seeking to work in healthcare settings, psychiatric hospitals, and community mental health centers. Admissions for 2026 are currently closed as the application deadline of March 31, 2026 has passed. The course is expected to commence in August 2026.

Key Points:

Ranked 1st among Emerging Colleges in Social Work and 14th in overall rankings by India Today-MDRA Best Colleges Rankings 2025
Concurrent fieldwork practice and organization-based internships integrated throughout the curriculum
Exposure to research-oriented learning paradigm with student exchange programs with international universities
Innovative pedagogy including Problem-Based Learning (PBL), mock courts, and gamification techniques
Rural camp and study tours for field immersion and active learning opportunities
Seminars, workshops, and conferences with alumni and industry experts

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

MAHE MSW Fees

The MSW Medical and Psychiatry program at Manipal involves a total tuition fee of 2.32 lakhs for the entire 2-year duration. This represents an increase from the previous year's fee of 2.12 lakhs. The fees cover all academic components and are structured to be affordable for students pursuing postgraduate social work education. Additional charges may apply for hostel accommodation and other services.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fees (2 years)	2,32,000
Total Fees	2,32,000

Fees are refundable as per MAHE's refund policy.
Students can explore education loan options through various banks including Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, ICICI Bank, and State Bank of India.
EMI options may be available through partner financial institutions.

MAHE MSW Admission 2026

The MSW Medical and Psychiatry program follows a merit-based admission process with selection based on academic qualifications and personal interview. The application deadline for 2026 admissions was March 31, 2026, and admissions are now closed. The course is expected to commence on August 3, 2026. Eligible candidates with a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks can apply.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Application Deadline (2026)	March 31, 2026
Orientation Date	August 3, 2026
Class Commencement Date	August 3, 2026
Last Date for Withdrawal without Reporting to Campus	July 15, 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university
Minimum 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination
Selection based on merit and personal interview performance

Admission Process:

Submit online application through https://apply.manipal.edu/
Select "Public Health" stream during application
Eligible candidates will be called for personal interview
Final selection based on merit and interview performance
Confirmation of admission upon fee payment

MAHE MSW Scholarships 2026

Manipai Academy of Higher Education offers various merit-based and need-based scholarships to support deserving postgraduate students. The institution provides scholarships under the category of "Merit Scholarship for all Other Undergraduate (UG) & Post Graduate (PG) Programs" which covers MSW students. Additionally, students can explore AICTE Tuition Fee Waiver (TFW) and PG Scholarships, as well as government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and State Scholarship Portal (SSP) of Karnataka.

Scholarship Types

Scholarship Type	Details
Merit Scholarship for PG Programs	Based on academic performance in qualifying examination
AICTE Tuition Fee Waiver (TFW)	Eligible students can apply for fee waiver
National Scholarship Portal (NSP)	Government scholarships for eligible candidates
State Scholarship Portal (SSP) Karnataka	State government scholarships for Karnataka residents
Education Loan Options	Available through Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, ICICI Bank, and SBI

Merit scholarship amounts vary based on academic performance.
Students are encouraged to apply through the National Scholarship Portal and State Scholarship Portal for government scholarships.
Education loans are available with flexible repayment options and interest subsidy schemes for eligible students.

MAHE MSW FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between MSW Medical and Psychiatry and other MSW specializations at Manipal?

Ans. The MSW Medical and Psychiatry specialization focuses specifically on social work in healthcare and psychiatric settings, whereas other specializations like Community Development and Human Resource Management have different focus areas. This specialization prepares students for roles in hospitals, psychiatric centers, and mental health organizations.

Ques. Is the MSW Medical and Psychiatry degree recognized by hospitals and healthcare organizations in India?

Ans. Yes, the MSW degree from Manipal is recognized by hospitals and healthcare organizations across India. Graduates work as medical social workers, psychiatric social workers, and counselors in various healthcare settings. The degree is valued by employers in the healthcare and mental health sectors.

Ques. What are the career opportunities after completing MSW Medical and Psychiatry from Manipal?

Ans. Graduates can work as medical social workers in hospitals, psychiatric social workers in mental health centers, counselors in rehabilitation centers, community health workers, and in corporate social responsibility programs. There are also opportunities in NGOs, government health departments, and international organizations working on mental health initiatives.

Ques. Does Manipal provide placement assistance for MSW graduates?

Ans. Yes, Manipal provides placement assistance through collaborations with industry and research institutes. The university has strong connections with healthcare organizations, NGOs, and government health departments that actively recruit MSW graduates.

Ques. Can I pursue higher studies after completing MSW Medical and Psychiatry from Manipal?

Ans. Yes, MSW graduates can pursue MPhil or PhD programs in social work, psychology, or public health. Many graduates also pursue specialized certifications in areas like family therapy, trauma counseling, and addiction rehabilitation.

Ques. What is the scope of medical and psychiatric social work in India currently?

Ans. The scope is expanding rapidly with increasing awareness about mental health in India. There is growing demand for trained psychiatric social workers in hospitals, community mental health centers, de-addiction centers, and corporate wellness programs. The field offers both clinical and community-based career paths.