Social workers are an absolute necessity in a world characterised by conflict, mental breakdowns, near incapacitation due to old age, illiteracy, inequality, and poverty, to mention a few. Social workers are individuals that have been professionally trained to provide humanitarian and other essential services to the needy. If you intend to acquire further professional training via an MSW degree, then one Country you should not hesitate to select is Canada, a highly developed and multicultural setting that will provide you with a globally respected degree certificate and offer you endless career prospects after your education.
Read More: Study in Canada
Table of Contents
- MSW in Canada: Highlights
- Why MSW in Canada?
- Who Should study MSW in Canada?
- List of MSW Courses in Canada
- Best MSW Colleges in Canada
- Cost of Studying MSW in Canada
- Tuition Fees
- Cost of Living in Canada
- Eligibility Criteria to Study MSW in Canada
- Exams Required to Study MSW in Canada
- Scholarships to Study MSW in Canada
- MSW JOB Opportunities in Canada
- TOP Recruiters
- How to Apply for MSW in Canada (Step by Step Guide with AECC Global)
- FAQ
MSW in Canada: Highlights
MSW program highlights vary across Canadian universities. For instance, the University of British Columbia offers two MSW courses:
- Advanced One-Year track MSW
- Foundational Two-Year track MSW
The first highlights of these two courses are presented below.
Program |
Master of Social Work (MSW) |
Course
|
Advanced One-Year track MSW |
Duration of the Courses
|
12 months |
Eligibility |
students applying to the Advanced One-Year Track of the program must hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree from an institution accredited by the Canadian Associate for Social Work Education (CASWE) or the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Individuals without such a degree cannot be admitted into the Advanced One-Year M.S.W. Applicants must have:
|
Entrance Exams |
For applicants from a university at which English is not the primary language of instruction: A minimum overall score of 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) with no individual section score lower than 22, beyond the College of Graduate Studies required minimum overall score of 90; or A minimum overall score of 7 on the ACADEMIC IELTS with no individual section score lower than 6.5, beyond the College of Graduate Studies required minimum overall score of 6.5; or A minimum final score of 90 with a minimum of 3+ in the speaking test on MELAB, beyond the College of Graduate Studies required minimum overall score of 85. |
Tuition Fees |
CAD9,375.03 per term; CAD28,125.10 per year |
Jobs |
|
Average Salary |
|
Why MSW in Canada?
- A highly developed economy
- Friendly immigration policies
- Close to the United States
- multicultural
- Accounts for over two dozen of the top 100 universities in the current QS rankings
- Safe environment with a conducive climate
- High wages and a low unemployment rate
- Increased GDP share for the education sector
- World-class education/research facilities
- Lower cost of living when compared to countries of similar pedigree
- English and French are spoken as official languages
- Increased opportunity for Internships and jobs after graduation
- Beautiful scenery and natural habitats for tourism
- Scholarship opportunities
Who Should study MSW in Canada?
Any Indian (or student from elsewhere) with a good bachelor's degree who desires an internationally acclaimed and career-enhancing degree can study MSW in Canada. If you are not from a native English country, then you will also need to obtain the required grades in English language proficiency tests. Some institutions may also ask for entrance exams like GRE and others.
List of MSW Courses in Canada
In Canada, MSW courses are not uniform but vary from one institution to another. Here are some systems available in the "Advanced Standing" MSW Program of the University of Toronto, Canada's leading tertiary institution:
- Children and their Families
- Human Services Management & Leadership
- Mental Health & Health
- Social Justice & Diversity
- Social Work in Gerontology
Best MSW Colleges in Canada
College Name |
QS World Rankings |
City |
University of Toronto |
26 |
Toronto |
McGill University |
27 |
Montreal |
University of British Columbia |
46 |
Vancouver |
University of Guelph |
581-590 |
Guelph |
Carleton University |
601-650 |
Ottawa |
McMaster University |
140 |
Hamilton |
University of Waterloo |
149 |
Waterloo |
Western University |
170 |
London |
University of Ottawa |
230 |
Ottawa |
University of Calgary |
235 |
Calgary |
York University |
494 |
Toronto |
University of Manitoba |
601-650 |
Winnipeg |
Dalhousie University |
272 |
Halifax |
Cost of Studying MSW in Canada
Like other areas such as eligibility criteria and entrance exams, the cost of studying MSW can vary according to your university of choice. This is mainly because of differences in tuition and other fees and student as well as additional costs such as on-campus accommodation, among others.
Costs can also be influenced by the level of financial assistance or funding available to students at each university.
Tuition Fees
University Name |
Course |
Duration |
Tuition Fees in INR |
University of Toronto |
MSW- Advanced Standing (full time) |
3 years [maximum] |
INR3000171.56 [$38,690] |
McGill University |
MSW Thesis [full time] |
3 years [maximum] |
INR 742664.59 per term [$9,577.35] |
University of British Columbia |
MSc Advanced [full time] |
1 year |
INR2180928.54 [$28,125.10] |
Western University |
MSc Advanced Standing [full time] |
3 terms |
INR958110.10 [$12,355.72] |
University of Ottawa |
Master's in Social Work [full time] |
4 years [maximum] |
INR738295.77 per term [$9,521.01] |
York University |
MSW Advanced Standing |
3 terms |
INR486655.90per term [$6,275.88] |
University of Manitoba |
MSW Advanced Level |
4 years [maximum] |
INR472645.27per term [$6,095.20] |
Dalhousie University |
Master of Social Work |
2 years |
INR1843698.09 [$23,776.20] |
Cost of Living in Canada
As noted above, costs incurred by students tend to differ from one university or college to another. Moreover, prices also depend on the characteristics of the city hosting the institution. Usually, the more significant and more urbanized your host city, the more likely a higher cost of living.
Below is some cost of living estimates for a typical international student at Western University:
Kind of Expenses
|
Amount in CAD |
|
Living in Residence |
Living off-Campus |
|
Residence & Meal Plan (8 months) |
$14,240 to $16,860 |
$0 |
Off-Campus Rent (8 months, although you may have a 12-month lease) |
$0 |
$4,800 to $10,400 |
Food (without Meal Plan) |
$0 |
$2,800 to $4,800 |
Utilities |
$0 |
$400 |
Internet |
$395 |
$120 to $560 |
Phone |
$400 to $640 |
$400 to $640 |
Personal Items |
$800 |
$800 |
Local Transportation (bus pass included in tuition and fees) |
$0 |
$0 |
Clothing |
$800 to $2,000 |
$800 to $2,000 |
Entertainment |
$800 |
$800 |
Laundry |
$200 |
$200 |
Books & Supplies |
$1,500 to $3,000 |
$1,500 to $3,000 |
Total Cost (first academic year) |
$18,585 to $24,185 |
$12,260 to $23,600 |
Eligibility Criteria to Study MSW in Canada
Here are the eligibility criteria for the MSW program at Western University, London:
MSW Advanced Standing (3 terms):
Completion of an accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.
- Successful completion of a course in Research Methods (including instruction in both qualitative and quantitative methods). There is no specific minimum grade requirement.
- A minimum average of 70% in academic courses taken in the last two years of full-time study during the undergraduate degree or the last 20 half-courses in part-time study.
- A minimum of 1,000 hours of relevant experience (paid or unpaid) in social services.
MSW Foundational (6 terms):
The completion of a 4-year Bachelor's Degree.
- Successful completion of a course in Research Methods (including instruction in both qualitative and quantitative methods). There is no specific minimum grade requirement.
- A minimum average of 70% in academic courses taken in the last two years of full-time study (during undergraduate or graduate degree) or the last 20 half-courses in part-time study.
- A minimum of 1,000 hours of relevant experience (paid or unpaid) in human or social services.
Additional Requirements
- International students and applicants who obtained the Bachelor of Social Work degree from a country other than Canada must confirm the Canadian Association of Social Work that their degree has been assessed as equivalent.
Exams Required to Study MSW in Canada
Depending on the university, exams can be in the form of entrance exams (such as GRE) and English proficiency exams (such as IELTS) for applicants from non-native English countries.
The exams required for admission into Western University, London are tabulated below:
Exam Name |
Minimum and Score |
The minimum acceptable score is 250 for the standard electronic version and a minimum score of 5/6 on the Test of Written English, 600 for the paper and pencil version and a minimum score of 5/6 on the Test of Written English, or 100 for the internet version with no score less than 23 on each of the 4 skill categories |
|
The minimum acceptable score is 7 out of 9 overall and on each subcomponent. |
|
MELAB |
The minimum acceptable score is 80 on each section and an overall score of 85 |
CAEL Assessment |
The minimum acceptable score is 60. |
Minimum overall score of 115. |
Scholarships to Study MSW in Canada
A large number of scholarships are available for both international and domestic MSW students in Canada. Here are a few of them:
Scholarship Name |
Description |
Eligibility |
Amount in CAD |
Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work Scholarships/Bursaries [University of Toronto] |
The awards are available to registered students listed below under the following categories: Community-Based Practice Direct Practice (Individual/Families/Groups)
|
the applicant must be a full-time student enrolled in either the MSW or PhD programs |
$1000-4000. |
FIFSW Tuition Fee Bursaries [University of Toronto] |
To be awarded to MSW students enrolled full-time in either the first or second year of the Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency specialization, who demonstrate financial need. |
Applicants must be already accepted into the MSW Program at the time of application and must maintain full-time registration status throughout the academic year. Bursaries are open to eligible Canadian Citizens and international students |
maximum of $5,000 each. |
Grace Hannah Chellam Scholarship [University of Toronto]
|
Awarded annually, based on financial need, to an MSW or PhD student with a special interest or specialization in the area of international social work |
Applicants must meet OSOTF [Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund] requirements Awards are restricted to applicants who meet the provincial government’s funding guidelines concerning financial need and Ontario residency (attending University in Ontario) |
approximately $1,800 |
Kings School of Social Work Academic Award in the Social Work Program [Western University] |
Each year, King's provides awards in each academic discipline in which a degree is offered at King’s |
|
$200 |
Mary Lou Karley Award for Excellence in Social Work Practice [Western University] |
This award was was created through generous gifts from family members, friends and colleagues in memory of Mary Lou Karley, Coordinator of Field Instruction in the School of Social Work from 1999-2009, so as to perpetuate her commitment to excellence in social work practice. |
Awarded annually to a graduating MSW student chosen by the School, who has demonstrated qualities of leadership and commitment which promise future professional excellence |
$500 |
Michèle Kérisit Scholarship [University of Ottawa] |
In honour of Michèle Kérisit who led a full and inspiring life, one devoted to helping women through her research on immigrant and refugee women, women survivors of armed conflict, Francophone women in Ontario, and senior women |
The applicant must: 1. be a female student with the status of permanent resident (or has submitted an application for permanent residency), international student (with a study permit), refugee (protected status) or Canadian citizen for less than 10 years; 2. be registered in an undergraduate or graduate program at the School of Social Work of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa; 3. demonstrate financial need, as determined by the Financial Aid and Awards Service of the University of Ottawa; and 4. have at least one dependent child. |
$3,000 minimum |
John Flynn Memorial Scholarship |
This scholarship was created in memory of John Flynn (MSW). John Vincent Flynn, born in Ottawa, on June 9, 1984, had a deep love of life and showed genuine affection and generosity towards people. Unfortunately, his life was suddenly cut short by a heart attack in Berlin on February 16, 2019 |
The applicant must: 1. be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, a person with the protected/refugee status or an international student; 2. be registered as a full-time student in the Honours with Specialization in Social Work program at the School of Social Work of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Ottawa; 3. demonstrate community involvement; and 4. demonstrate financial need, as determined by the Financial Aid and Awards Service of the University of Ottawa |
$1,000 |
MSW JOB Opportunities in Canada
Even with the ravaging global pandemic, Canada has been experiencing a massive boom in the creation of new jobs so much so that in March 2022, the unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since 1976. This is obviously good news for MSW (and other) graduates looking for work.
The following are some MSW job opportunities in Canada.
Job Profile |
Average Salary |
Community Support Worker |
CAD43,957 |
Mental Health Worker |
CAD51,321 |
Social Worker |
CAD63,417 |
Geriatric Social Worker |
CAD47,500 |
Community Organizer |
CAD45,495 |
Child, Family, & School Social Worker |
CAD54,859 |
Licensed Clinical Social Worker [LCSW] |
CAD70,000 |
Addiction Counselor |
CAD46,097 |
Community Health Worker |
CAD55,000 |
Family Support Worker |
CAD47,883 |
TOP Recruiters
- United Nations
- US Department of Veteran Affairs
- International Rescue Committee
- The Salvation Army
- Save the Children
- Mercy
- World Health Organization
- YMCA
- International Justice Mission
- Volunteers of America
- Danish Refugee Council
- AccentCare
- Women for Women International
- UnitedHealth Group
- Oxfam International Secretariat
- Sutter Health
- HelpAge International
- SSM Health
- Food for the Hungry International
- Providence
How to Apply for MSW in Canada?
- Register With AECC India And Chat With An Education Counselor
- Apply To Institutions With Our Help (We Have Great Working Relationships With Many Canadian Universities)
- Sit For IELTS Or Any Applicable Examinations
- Receive Institution Offer Letter
- Pay Tuition Fee
- Prepare & Lodge Visa Documents
- Collect Visa Grant Letter
- Book Your Pre-Departure Services At AECC India
Quick Read: Canada Student Visa
Like every other master's degree, an MSW can significantly boost your income earning potential in addition to widening your job opportunities, especially if the degree is obtained from a world-class institution such as those found in Canada. From its friendly immigration policy to a low unemployment rate, among others, Canada is a fantastic destination not only for an MSW program but for virtually every other university program, which is why the country is highly recommended by AECC. In addition to recommending, AECC will also help make the often lengthy and tiresome process of being admitted into a Canadian university or college fairly easy for you. All you need to do is contact the company today, and all your application worries will become history.
FAQ
What is the qualification for MSW in Canada?
To study master's in Social Work in Canada, students should have:
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work (or)
- Four-year Bachelor's degree in any other specialisation.
How much does it cost to study MSW in Canada?
To study MSW in Canada, costs around CAD 12,000 to 28,000 for international students.
How long is MSW in Canada?
The study period for the master's in Social Work is around 1 to 2 years.
Can I do MSW without BSW?
Yes. Students can pursue a master's in Social Work without having studied Bachelor's in Social Work. Therefore a bachelor's degree in any specialisation is enough to apply for a master's in Social Work.
AECC is one of the world's leading educational consultancies with versatile expert professionals who are ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey of fulfilling your dream.