Social Work Diploma

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Social Work Diploma program at Bow Valley College, prospective students must meet the following Academic Requirements:

• Credit in English 30-1, or 65% in English 30-2, or equivalent
• Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test with a standard score of 520 in Language Arts: Reading and Writing
• Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admission and Placement Test

Additionally, there is a pre-practicum requirement:

• A current Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) must be submitted prior to practicum placements. The existence of a criminal record may postpone or prevent clinical, practicum, or field work placements and, subsequently, successful completion of the program.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure their place in the program. For any clarification and support regarding the admission process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Before you apply, make sure you meet the language proficiency requirements for your program. Bow Valley College teaches courses in Canadian English. To be admitted, you must demonstrate English proficiency, usually through high school or college transcripts or an English language test, depending on your program.

English language test results are valid for two (2) years from the day of testing. Results that expire before the program start date cannot be accepted. Official results must be submitted.

The following English language tests are accepted:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• IELTS (International English Language Testing Service)
• CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks)
• Duolingo
• PTE (Pearson Test of English)
• CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses)
• CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
• OET (Occupational English Test)

For most programs, the following minimum scores are required:

• BVC Academic English 1: Not accepted
• BVC Academic English 2: Minimum grade of Grade B-
• Canadian Language Benchmarks: 8 in each strand (listening, speaking, reading, writing)
• Duolingo: 110
• TOEFL: 83
• IELTS Academic: 6.0 with minimum band score 6.0
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) A: 59 - 64

Alternatively, you can meet the requirements by providing:

• Transcript showing completion of an Alberta Education English Language Arts course that meets the program’s Academic Requirements.
• Transcripts showing three years of full-time high school where English was the language of instruction.
• Transcripts showing one year of full-time post-secondary education at an institution where English was the language of instruction.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.