Academic Requirements

Admission Requirements for Masters

Applicants for admission must be graduates of a recognized university, college, or institute as well as show evidence of scholarly achievement. Except where otherwise stated in the Admission Requirements of a particular program, degree students must have a four year bachelor's degree or its equivalent with at least second class standing (B) based on their last 20 half courses or equivalent.

For applicants from countries that follow a British-patterned grading system, please note:

• Overall standings are normally reported in lieu of an average. The CGPA can be determined on the basis of annual or overall standings as reported on the transcript or degree certificate.
• A minimum grade of B, or Second Class, Upper Division, is required.
• The National Diploma and Higher National Diploma are not recognized for admission to a graduate-level program.
• Be sure to include a copy of your institution grading scale when uploading your transcripts.
• An applicant holding a degree other than one in the discipline area to which admission is sought will be considered on the basis of courses taken and academic standing.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. No candidate will be admitted unless the academic unit recommends admission. All applicants will be advised by the Office of Graduate Studies in writing of their admission status.

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Program Specific Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for Master programs, the following requirements also apply:

• All candidates must hold a four-year undergraduate degree in social work with at least a "B" average

• Masters candidates are required to have completed a full 1.0 FCE (or two 0.5 FCEs) undergraduate research course(s). 

• Applicants interested in the thesis route must apply to the project route, initially. Be sure to include your interest in the thesis route when completing your Study Plan.

It should be noted that satisfaction of basic admissions requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program. The School offers a one-year HBSW degree  for those already holding an undergraduate degree in another discipline, which may be used to gain the basic academic qualification for admission to the MSW program

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Language Requirements

English Language Requirements

Accepted tests and minimum scores:

• Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) or CAEL CE (Computer Edition) or CAEL Online: 60
• Cambridge Academic English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency): 176 (no individual score less than 169)
• Duolingo English Test: 120 (no individual sub-score less than 115)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5 (no individual score less than 6.0)
• Michigan English Test (MET): 85
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 58 (no component score less than 50)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Institution Code 0888: Internet Based Test (iBT) 80 (no component score less than 19); Computer Based Test (cBT) 213 (no component score less than 17); Paper Based Test (pBT) when Speaking is present 550 (no component score less than 50). The revised pBT is not accepted as Speaking is no longer a category

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.