Course at a Glance
- MasterDegree level
- - 1–2 years or longer - 1-year BSW Entry - 2-year…Duration
- Halifax, CanadaLocation
- Health, Medicine, and Life SciencesField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- HalifaxCampus
- Tuition on request — ask our teamFees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The Master of Social Work program embraces a critical and anti-oppressive, social justice approach to social work practice. | Gain advanced education for specialized social work practice and leadership, grounded in critical and anti-oppressive social justice approaches. | Dalhousie’s Master of Social Work (MSW) develops specialized practice and leadership grounded in critical, anti-oppressive social justice perspectives. Choose course-based or thesis study, and learn through critical theory, policy analysis, research skills, and field education.
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Flexible part-time and online options help you shape a program that fits your goals, while accredited curriculum supports professional recognition in Canada. | Accreditation | Our programs are CASWE accredited and nationally recognized.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 7.0
- Study modeFull-time, Part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
The MSW annual application deadline is November 15 of each year. | This program requires you to meet the following criteria: | BSW entry | A baccalaureate degree in social work (BSW) is required. This option is available on campus or online. View the Canadian BSW degrees considered for this requirement . | Those with a BSW degree are preferred to have at least two years of full-time paid employment in a social work position. | Non BSW entry | A completed four-year undergraduate university degree (120 credit hours) in a related field is required. View the list of universities considered . | This option is only available on campus on a full-time basis. | Preference is given to applicants with two years of social work related experience (paid or volunteer). | Academic requirements | A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.3 scale) or an equivalent cumulative average of at least B in the last 60 undergraduate credit hours completed. Graduate level credits are not used in the admission average. | Note: There is no transfer credit or advanced standing awarded in the MSW degree. | English language requirements | If required: TOEFL iBT 92; IELTS (Academic) 7; PTE Academic 65 with nothing below 54. | Additional considerations | The following are considered in the selection process: | Academic performance | Social work-related experience | Strength of Statement of Scholarly Interest | Appropriateness of educational/professional goals to the School’s program | Strength of references | Important notes about selection: | Admission to this program is highly competitive. Possession of admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission | The number of places offered each year is limited. | Contact the admissions advisor | Email: sswadmissions@dal.ca · English: IELTS 7.0; TOEFL iBT 92; PTE Academic 65 · English test waiver: The Faculty of Graduate Studies will waive the language test if you completed your degree at a recognised university where the language of instruction is English and in a country where English is one of the official languages; the waiver is requested during the application process. Completion of Dalhousie English Language Studies 'English for Academic Purposes - Level 2' with an overall grade of A- is also accepted. Source: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/gradstudies/apply-graduate-studies/admission-requirements/english-requirements.html · Application fee: CAD 115.00
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- TuitionTuition on request — ask our team
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsFunding may include School of Social Work awards and bursaries (e.g., Hancock Scholarship, MSW Alumni Scholarship, Cragg Award) plus Faculty of Graduate Studies funding.
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: The MSW annual application deadline is November 15 of each year. || Faculty of Graduate Studies general application deadlines: September admission - June 1 (Canadian applicants), April 1 (non-Canadian applicants); January admission - October 31 (Canadian…
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.0 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
- 1–2 years or longer - 1-year BSW Entry - 2-year…, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
The MSW annual application deadline is November 15 of each year. | This program requires you to meet the following criteria: | BSW entry | A baccalaureate degree in social work (BSW) is required. This option is available on campus or online. View the Canadian BSW degrees considered for this requirement . | Those with a BSW degree are preferred to have at least two years of full-time paid employment in a social work position. | Non BSW entry | A completed four-year undergraduate university degree (120 credit hours) in a related field is required. View the list of universities considered . | This option is only available on campus on a full-time basis. | Preference is given to applicants with two years of social work related experience (paid or volunteer). | Academic requirements | A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.3 scale) or an equivalent cumulative average of at least B in the last 60 undergraduate credit hours completed. Graduate level credits are not used in the admission average. | Note: There is no transfer credit or advanced standing awarded in the MSW degree. | English language requirements | If required: TOEFL iBT 92; IELTS (Academic) 7; PTE Academic 65 with nothing below 54. | Additional considerations | The following are considered in the selection process: | Academic performance | Social work-related experience | Strength of Statement of Scholarly Interest | Appropriateness of educational/professional goals to the School’s program | Strength of references | Important notes about selection: | Admission to this program is highly competitive. Possession of admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission | The number of places offered each year is limited. | Contact the admissions advisor | Email: sswadmissions@dal.ca · English: IELTS 7.0; TOEFL iBT 92; PTE Academic 65 · English test waiver: The Faculty of Graduate Studies will waive the language test if you completed your degree at a recognised university where the language of instruction is English and in a country where English is one of the official languages; the waiver is requested during the application process. Completion of Dalhousie English Language Studies 'English for Academic Purposes - Level 2' with an overall grade of A- is also accepted. Source: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/gradstudies/apply-graduate-studies/admission-requirements/english-requirements.html · Application fee: CAD 115.00
Is there a scholarship?
Funding may include School of Social Work awards and bursaries (e.g., Hancock Scholarship, MSW Alumni Scholarship, Cragg Award) plus Faculty of Graduate Studies funding.
Is it accredited?
Social worker: Canadian Association for Social Work Education / Association canadienne pour la formation en travail social (CASWE-ACFTS), through its Commission on Accreditation (COA). CASWE-ACFTS accredits Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degree programmes and states plainly that it does NOT accredit individual practitioners. Accreditation cycles are usually 8 years and run against the Educational Policies and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Where a programme does not meet all…
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