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25 August 2025

6 minutes read

13 Best Universities in Canada for Social Work Program for Indian Students (Bachelor of Social Work and Masters in Social Work in Canada)

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

22 August 2024

6 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • Best universities in Canada for social work offer globally accredited BSW and MSW programs, blending academics with practical training in clinical and community fields.
  • Best universities in Canada for social work prepare students for careers as clinical social workers, school social workers, and social services managers across Canada.
  • Best universities in Canada for social work ensure affordable tuition fee options, strong faculty support, and pathways to secure a post-graduation work permit.

For Indian students attracted to social work, Canada is appealing because of its reputation internationally, programs recognized or accredited by social work professional associations, and prospects for work in the field.

Canadian universities offer bachelor and master’s level social work education and education where education combines quality, practical education, and education to work in certain sectors.

Why Study Social Work in Canada?

Did you know that Canada is one of the top study destinations for international students studying social science? Canada offers students access to accredited programs, great educational facilities, and a commitment to socially inclusive social programs that offer Canadian students study social work education where they are exposed to different social policy or social-services.

Why Pursue Masters in Social Work in Canada at Top Universities?

Fun fact: the demand for social work professionals is projected to consistently grow within Canada until 2025. The Master of Social Work improves knowledge of social work and advanced social-work education, social work with a clinical focus, and school social work and is a preparation educational programs for advanced practice leadership roles.

13 Best Universities in Canada for Social Work Program for Indian Students

Interesting fact: Canadian universities are typically always on the short list of leading universities worldwide for social sciences.

best universities in canada for social work 1

From Toronto to McGill University to Calgary and Dalhousie University, the students for social work can accommodate many choices.

1. University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is one of the leading institutions in Canada for a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social-Work programs. Requirements include GPA, transcript, letter of recommendation, statement of purpose, and IELTS or TOEFL.

2. McMaster University

McMaster University has a good school of social work that has courses focusing on social challenges and social inclusion based in Canada. Sucessful students in this program submit a personal statement, resume and may be required to submit GRE or ACT scores.

3. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto and McGill University are ranked in the area of social sciences. The school of social work has Master of Social Work and Clinical Social Work Advanced programs. The submission of a successful transcript, GPA, letter of recommendation and you may be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

4. University of Ottawa

University of Ottawa offers social work courses that will be of interest to international students. Applicants for a degree in social work must submit a resume, personal statement, transcript, and complete the English Language requirements i.e. IELTS or TOEFL.

5. University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba is one of the best universities in Canada for both social work – practice. The school social-work programs prepare students for clinical social work and community practice. The universities requirements include a transcript, GPA, and statement of purpose.

6. Western University

Western University is one of the Canadian universities when educational institutions in Canada are formatted in a word search and desired destination education in the interpretation of paragraph four in the social-work program. When applying for a social work degree in Canada, students will submit a transcript, resume, GPA, IELTS or TOEFL, and personal statement.

7. McGill University

McGill University is an attractive choice for researching educational destinations on studying in Canada. The master of social-work program at McGill focuses on analyzing social policies related to family services Canada and various other types of social-services. Students also submit a GRE or GMAT, transcript, and letter of recommendation.

8. York University

York University’s school social work program relies on social-work and clinical social work via community development. The application process includes a personal statement, resume, their transcript, and proof of language proficiency via either IELTS or TOEFL.

9. University of Alberta

University of Alberta is a bachelor’s and master of social work giving a general educational and social work practice. The school of social work deal with advanced social work and social work practice. The application process includes GPA, a transcript, ACT, or SAT scores, and a resume.

10. Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is one of the top schools in Canada for MSW in Canada, like the University of Calgary. The program, like McGill, prepares school and clinical social workers, and the application process includes a statement of purpose, transcript, GPA, and IELTS.

11. Memorial University of Newfoundland

Memorial University of Newfoundland offers social-work education accredited by several national and international bodies. Their courses cover a variety of types of social-services manager roles, school social worker training, and specializations in clinical social work. To apply, students will need a transcript, GPA, and IELTS or TOEFL scores.

12. University of Calgary

If you’re looking at the best MSW in Canada, you should definitely consider the University of Calgary which is on par with Dalhousie. The school of social work includes offerings for social work and community development and also accredited programs. You will also need to submit a transcript, GPA, personal statement and IELTS or TOEFL.

13. University of Victoria

The University of Victoria is known for its popularity of their social-services programs is offering a bachelor and master of social work. Once completed, students will be eligible to work in Canada in 2025 after getting a post graduation work permit. The application outlines a few requirements which include a transcript, GPA, IELTS or TOEFL and resume.

Bachelor of Social Work Degree vs MSW Programs in Canada for International Students

Did you know that the Government of Canada supports both undergraduate and postgraduate social work courses?

Let us compare bachelor of social work and MSW in Canada for international students through bullets and a table.

FeatureBachelor of Social WorkMaster of Social Work
LevelUndergraduate degree in social-workPostgraduate master of social-work program
FocusBasics of social-services, social inclusionAdvanced social-work, clinical social-work, analysis of social-policies
CareerEntry-level school social worker, assistant rolesClinical social worker, social-services manager, advanced social-work professionals

What Work Experience Is Required to Be a Social Worker?

Surprising fact: Many Canadian universities require prior volunteer experience in social-services before admission. To pursue a social-work degree in Canada, applicants must show involvement in social-work and community development or school social-work settings.

What Opportunities Do Social Work Programs Offer?

Did you know that students can work in Canada in 2025 with a post-graduation work permit after completing social-work courses?

best universities in canada for social work 2

Opportunities vary across fields and Canadian universities offer unique career paths.

OpportunityDetails
Clinical Social-WorkCareers as clinical social worker in hospitals and health institutions.
School Social-WorkSchool social worker roles within education in Canada.
Social Services ManagerManagement positions in family services Canada and United Way Canada.
Social-Work and Community DevelopmentWork field includes social-work and community development across provinces.
Research & PolicyAdvanced social-work education focusing on analysis of social policies.

What is the Canadian Association for Social Work Education to Study in Canada?

Did you know that the Canadian Association for Social-Work Education grants accreditation to programs at Canadian universities? It holds universities like the University of Toronto and McGill University accountable for maintaining quality in social-work practice to prepare students to face global social challenges.

Conclusion

Canada is an ideal place for international students who want to study social-work. There is a good choice of accredited programs, quality education, and opportunities to work in many fields, all of which will prepare international students for their careers in the future.

Get in touch with the experts at Ambitio today and start your journey to the top institutions in Canada.

FAQs

Which are the best universities in Canada for social work for international students?

The best universities in Canada for social work include the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, and University of Calgary, offering globally accredited programs.

What degrees do the best universities in Canada for social work offer?

The best universities in Canada for social work offer both bachelor of social work (BSW) and master of social work (MSW) degrees, with options in clinical social work, school social work, and social work practice.

Why should Indian students choose the best universities in Canada for social work?

Indian students should choose the best universities in Canada for social work because they provide affordable tuition fee options, advanced social work education, and post-graduation work permit opportunities.

Do the best universities in Canada for social work require IELTS or TOEFL?

Yes, the best universities in Canada for social work require English proficiency scores such as IELTS or TOEFL, along with transcript, GPA, letter of recommendation, and personal statement for admission.

How much is the tuition fee at the best universities in Canada for social work?

The tuition fee at the best universities in Canada for social work ranges between CAD 20,000 and CAD 45,000 annually, depending on whether students pursue a bachelor or master’s degree.

Do the best universities in Canada for social work provide career opportunities?

Yes, the best universities in Canada for social work prepare graduates for careers as clinical social workers, school social workers, social services managers, and leaders in community development.

Can students work in Canada after graduating from the best universities in Canada for social work?

Yes, students can work in Canada after graduating from the best universities in Canada for social work by applying for a post-graduation work permit valid for up to three years.

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