Accredited MSW Programs in Canada

MSW Helper supports applicants who are applying to Accredited Master of Social Work programs in Canada, including Master of Social Work Programs in Ontario. In this guide, we have prepared information on acceptance rates, available programs, and school-specific application guides.

Learn more about Accredited MSW programs in Canada and Master of Social Work Programs in Ontario using our online directory!

Master of Social Work Programs in Ontario:

  • Location: Kitchener, Ontario and Online

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: Yes

    Part-time options: Yes

    Online-options: Yes

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Fall (September); Winter (January); Spring (May)

    More information:

  • Location: Toronto, Ontario

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: Yes

    Part-time options: Yes

    Online-options: No

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Fall (November)

    More information:

  • Location: Waterloo, Ontario and Online

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: No

    Part-time options: Yes

    Online-options: Yes

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Fall (December)

    More information:

  • Location: London, Ontario

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: Yes

    Part-time options: No

    Online-options: No

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Winter (January)

    More information:

  • Location: Toronto, Ontario

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: No

    Part-time options: No

    Online-options: No

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Fall (December)

    More information:

  • Location: Toronto, Ontario

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: Yes

    Part-time options: Yes

    Online-options: No

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Fall (December)

    More information:

  • Location: Windsor, Ontario, and Online

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: Yes

    Part-time options: Yes

    Online-options: Yes

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: November, January (In person program) February, July (MSWwp)

    More information:

  • Location: Ottawa, Ontario

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: Yes

    Part-time options: Yes (limited availability)

    Online-options: No

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Fall (December)

    More information:

  • Location: Hamilton, Ontario

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: No

    Part-time options: Yes

    Online-options: No

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Fall (December)

    More information:

  • Location: Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: No

    Part-time options: No

    Online-options: No

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Winter (February)

    More information:

  • Location: Sudbury, Ontario

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: No

    Part-time options: Yes

    Online-options: No

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Winter (January)

    More information:

  • Location: Montreal, Quebec

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: Yes

    Part-time options: Yes

    Online-options: No

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Winter (January)

    More information:

  • Location: St. John’s NL, Online

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: No

    Part-time options: Yes

    Online-options: Yes

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Winter (January)

    More information:

  • Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: Yes

    Part-time options: Yes

    Online-options: Yes

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Fall (November)

    More information:

  • Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: Yes

    Part-time options: Yes

    Online-options: No

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Fall (December)

    More information:

  • Location: Regina, Saskatchewan

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: No

    Part-time options: No

    Online-options: No (Program is hybrid)

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Fall (November 1st)

    More information:

  • Location: Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, Online

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: Yes

    Part-time options: Yes

    Online-options: Yes

    Clinical specialization: Yes

    Application dates: Fall (November)

    More information:

  • Location: Victoria, British Columbia and Online

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: Yes

    Part-time options: Yes

    Online-options: Yes

    Clinical specialization: No

    Application dates: Fall

    More information:

  • Location: Kelowna and Vancouver, British Columbia

    Advanced Standing: Yes

    Regular Track: Yes (Kelowna campus only)

    Part-time options: No

    Online-options: No

    Clinical specialization: Yes (Kelowna campus)

    Application dates: Winter (January)

    More information:

Interested in a BSW or PhD in social work? Check out the list of options here.

What are the acceptance rates for Master of Social Work Programs in Canada?

Master of Social Work programs are extremely competitive. On average, most schools of social work accept between 16 percent to 30 percent to their Master of Social Work programs.

See the full breakdown of acceptance rates at each school here.

Which schools offer clinical MSW programs in Canada?

There are two schools that offer clinical social work programs in Canada: The University of Calgary and the University of British Columbia - Okanagan.

Learn more about clinical social work programs in Canada.

What schools offer the best MSW programs in Canada?

The best social work programs in Canada include the University of Toronto, The University of Calgary, The University of British Columbia, and McMaster University.

However, just because it’s a top-rated program that does not mean it’s necessarily the best program for you. Learn more about what you should consider when applying to MSW programs.

What schools offer online MSW programs?

There are six schools that offer online MSW programs in Canada: Wilfrid Laurier University, Dalhousie University, The University of Windsor, The University of Waterloo, The University of Victoria, and the University of Calgary.

Learn more about available online MSW programs here.

School Specific MSW Application Guides

Our school-specific application guides were created to teach you how to prepare your application and craft responses to the prompts provided by various MSW programs in Ontario and Canada. Check them out below!

University of Toronto

MSW Application Guide

University of Windsor

MSW Application Guide

McGill University

MSW Application Guide

University of British Columbia

MSW Application Guide

Wilfrid Laurier University

MSW Application Guide

List of All Canadian MSW Programs

What is the difference between advanced standing and regular track MSW programs?

Advanced standing programs are only for applicants who have a Bachelor of Social Work degree. They take one year to complete. Regular-track MSW programs are two years in length and are designed for those with all other academic backgrounds.

Check out our list of advanced standing and regular track MSW programs.

Social Work Scholarships in Canada

In this post we have put together a list of social work scholarships for MSW students. Check it out here.

How To Get An MSW Degree In Canada

While the fastest way to get an MSW degree is to pursue a 4 year BSW program first, there are actually multiple pathways to getting a Master of Social Work. Each path has it’s own set of pros and cons.

Learn more about the 4 major academic pathways to an MSW degree.

Free Resources for Canadian MSW Applicants

MSW Personal Statement Template

Get your copy of our MSW Personal statement template to help you brainstorm ideas for your graduate school personal statement.

Facebook Group

Get connected to our online community and get support from hundreds of other applicants who are also applying to MSW programs.

Free Webinar

Join our free 30 minute webinar to learn how to craft a compelling personal statement that stands out. Learn about what schools are looking for and mistakes to avoid.