Bachelor of Social Work – Honours

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Algoma University is a generalist undergraduate program offered across three Ontario campuses: Brampton, Sault Ste. Marie, and Timmins:

• Specialized Focus Areas: Prepares students to practice entry-level anti-oppressive social work with a heavy emphasis on Indigenous, structural, critical feminist, anti-racism, and Franco-Ontarian perspectives.

• Historical & Cultural Context: Situated on the former site of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School, the program provides unique cross-cultural learning, including lectures from residential school Survivors to help students understand colonization, oppression, and self-determination.

• Community-Centered Curriculum: Focuses on the distinct health service, family welfare, crisis intervention, and social service needs of northern, rural, and remote regions compared to urban centers.

• High Career Demand: Developed in consultation with local employers to address critical labor shortages across public agencies, hospitals, schools, clinics, courts, and nursing homes.

Academic Background: Grade 12 / High School Diploma.

Minimum GPA: 70.0%

Minimum Language Test Scores:

• IELTS: 6.0

• TOEFL: 79.0

• PTE: 60.0

• Duolingo: 110

Conditional & Direct Admission Options:

• Direct Admission (Pending Scores): Applicants awaiting language test results can apply for direct admission and receive a conditional offer, provided qualifying results are submitted before the final offer letter.

• English Pathway Courses: Applicants can fulfill language requirements by taking English language courses prior to starting academic study, with duration based on initial proficiency levels.

English language courses prior to beginning their academic program. The required duration depends on the student's initial proficiency level.

Additional Notes
Entrance scholarships for international students at Algoma University are automatically applied upon admission review and available for undergraduate and post-secondary certificate programs:

Chancellor's Award ($5,000 CAD/year, up to $20,000 CAD total): Awarded to high school graduates enrolled full-time (15 credits/term). Requires an A+ average (90–100% OSSD equivalent) and higher language scores (IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 85 / PTE 65 / Duolingo 125). Renewable for up to 3 additional years with an 80% annual average, 12 credits/term minimum, and no failed courses. (Recipients who transition to Canadian Permanent Residency remain eligible for renewal).

President's Award ($2,500 CAD, one-time): Granted to Ontario Secondary School (OSSD) graduates entering their first year full-time (12 credits/term) with an average of 80%–89.9% across top six Grade 12 U/M courses.

The Dean's Award ($1,000 CAD, one-time): Granted to incoming first-year international students studying full-time (minimum 12 credits/term) holding a minimum B+ academic standing (or equivalent).

Award of Excellence ($500 CAD, one-time): Granted to incoming first-year international students studying full-time (minimum 12 credits/term) holding a minimum B academic standing (or equivalent).