Being a social worker is one of the noblest professions. Social work makes for a beautiful yet taxing career choice as social workers join a challenging work environment to help people facing unheard battles and often find themselves helping others with various situations. Social workers typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work to enter the field of social change. Canada is one of those countries that offer a top-class master’s course in social work. Do you want to take the next step and move to Canada to become a social worker? If yes, then here’s what you need to know about an MSW course in Canada, its scope, fees and other details.
This Blog Includes:
- MSW Course in Canada- Overview
- Why Study Masters in Social Work in Canada?
- Top Universities for MSW in Canada
- Eligibility
- English Language Requirements
- Cost of Studying Masters in Social Work in Canada
- Cost of Living
- MSW Course Fee in Canada
- MSW in Canada Application Process
- MSW Online Course in Canada
- Scholarships to Study Masters in Social Work in Canada
- MSW Course Scope in Canada
- MSW Salary in Canada
- Jobs after MSW in Canada
- FAQs
MSW Course in Canada- Overview
Masters in Social Work MSW in Canada is a professional postgraduate degree program designed for students who are passionate to develop a deep understanding of social work. MSW includes theoretical concepts from various fields such as medicine, sociology, philosophy, economics, and politics. The program curriculum may vary for different universities but coursework, field placement training and research opportunities are an important part of the course.
Why Study Masters in Social Work in Canada?
According to the Canadian government, social workers typically make between 19.20 CAD/hour and 46.15 CAD/hour. They work in a variety of industries, including hospitals, school districts, social assistance agencies, welfare groups, penal institutions, and the commercial sector. Because there is a dearth of social workers in Canada, the occupation is now in high demand.
British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Ontario are among the Canadian cities and provinces with a strong need for social workers. As a result, MSW programs in Canada are highly valued for both professional and personal development. Transcripts, resume, statements of purpose, letters of recommendation, English proficiency exams, and so on are the fundamental entrance criteria.
Top Universities for MSW in Canada
Canada is known for providing top-notch education and is home to some of the top universities in the world. Here’s a list of the top universities in Canada that offers a Master in Social Work MSW Course:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Waterloo
- McMaster University
- University of Calgary
- Western University
- Dalhousie University
- York University
- Ryerson University
- University of Manitoba
- University of Windsor
- University of Western Ontario
- Université de Montréal
- Wilfrid Laurier University
Eligibility
Each university has its own criteria for admission to Master’s in Social Work MSW in Canada. However, a general criterion for pursuing MSW in Canada is as mentioned below:
- You must have a bachelor’s degree in social work BSW or in any discipline.
- The GPA requirements will vary for different universities but a minimum of 3.0 is required for MSW.
- Some universities may ask for work or volunteer experience.
- International Students must provide proof of English Proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL.
English Language Requirements
To pursue MSW in Canada, there are certain requirements for admission to each university. The table below mentions the minimum score requirements for some of the top universities:
| University | IELTS Requirements | TOEFL iBT Requirements |
| University of Toronto | 7.0 | 93 |
| McGill University | 6.5 | 86 |
| University of British Columbia | 6.5 | 93 |
| University of Calgary | 6.5 | 86 |
| University of Waterloo | 7.0 | 90 |
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Cost of Studying Masters in Social Work in Canada
Cost of Living
| Expenses | Costs (USD) |
| Accommodation | 190-570 |
| Food (Per Meal) | 8-20 |
| Books & Supplies | 230 |
| Transportation | 70 |
| Other Expenses | 55-115 |
MSW Course Fee in Canada
MSW course fee will vary for different universities but the table below mentions the average cost of studying in some of the best universities in Canada:
| University | Average Tuition Fees per annum | In INR |
| McGill University | CAD 16,781 | 9,99,720 |
| University of British Columbia | CAD 28,125 | 16,75,539 |
| University of Waterloo | CAD 10,912 | 6,50,077 |
MSW in Canada Application Process
To apply for admission to the MSW program in Canada. You can shortlist your MSW Course with the help of our trusted AI Course Finder and Call our Leverage Edu experts at 1800 572 000 to find out how to start with the application process to study MSW Course in Canada.
MSW Online Course in Canada
Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo are the two universities in Canada offering MSW Course Online.
Wilfrid Laurier University
The University offers an online MSW program and is the only online program of its kind in Canada available to students without a BSW degree. The course duration is 2 years.
University of Waterloo
The University offers a partial online MSW program and is Canada’s first health-focused Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The online MSW program offers in-person Summer Institutes, which comprises one week at the beginning of the program, and one at the end.
Scholarships to Study Masters in Social Work in Canada
Joan Cummings Memorial Award
Dalhousie University provides an annual grant to students with disabilities who are enrolled in the university’s Bachelor or Master of Social Work programmes. Applicants must show supporting documentation of disability scholarship/service.
Lawrence T. Hanco*ck Scholarship
The Lawrence T. Hanco*ck Scholarship is awarded yearly by Dalhousie University to students enrolled in the Master of Social Work programme who have achieved outstanding academic standing and show potential of leadership and service.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier CGS programme offers financial help to highly qualified students from across Canada and around the world. Academic excellence, research potential, and leadership are the three key factors used to evaluate prospective candidates. The programme provides 50,000 CAD each year for three years of study.
MSW Course Scope in Canada
Social workers were one of the top 20 most in-demand jobs in Canada in 2020 and continue to be so. Social workers are in high demand in 6 of Canada’s provinces and territories such as British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.
Students with an MSW Degree in Canada can work in the following:
- Hospitals
- Community health centres
- Mental health clinics
- Schools and child welfare
- Family service and Family Courts
- Social housing departments
- Government departments
- Private counselling and consultation agencies
MSW Salary in Canada
The salary scope for MSW course in Canada varies for entry-level and experienced positions. The average salary is CAD 63,417 (INR 37-40 Lakhs) per annum. The average salaries for in various provinces are mentioned in the table below:
| Provinces | Average Salary per annum | In INR |
| British Columbia | CAD 69,600 | 41,48,020 |
| Alberta | CAD 74,180 | 44,20,979 |
| Ontario | CAD 71,934 | 42,87,122 |
| Nova Scotia | CAD 52,411 | 31,23,590 |
Jobs after MSW in Canada
Following are some of the most popular job profiles that fall under the scope of MSW course in Canada.
| Job Profile | Average Salary (USD) |
| Public Policy Social Worker | 54,881 |
| Social Science Researcher | 63,561 |
| Health Clinical Coordinator | 55,619 |
| Counsellor | 46,990 |
FAQs
Which are the best MSW colleges in Canada?
The University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo, McGill University, McMaster University and the University of Calgary are among the top universities in Canada for MSW.
What is MSW Course Fee in Canada?
MSW Course Fee ranges from CAD 12,000 to CAD 28,000 (INR 7-16 Lakh) in Canada for international students.
How long is the MSW Course in Canada?
MSW Course in Canada is a 1-2 years professional postgraduate degree offered in both full-time and part-time mode.
This was all you needed to know about the MSW Course in Canada. If you want to pursue MSW in Canada then feel free to contact Leverage Edu and our experts will then provide you with end-to-end assistance starting from your university application to the time you reach your university and commence your studies. Call us at 1800 57 2000 to book a FREE 30-minutes counselling session today.
