Course at a Glance
- BachelorDegree level
- 5 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of ArtsField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- Bachelor of Arts in Social Development StudiesAwards
- $54,020Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Whether generating social insights or making meaningful change, your journey starts here In Social Development Studies (SDS), you’ll explore how people grow, how societies function, and how change happens. Learn how human interactions are influenced by individual, collective, and structural forces such as mental health, social relationships, economic conditions, education and politics, and movements for social justice and social change.
Read more
Through courses in areas such as psychology, sociology, and social work, you'll gain a toolkit for understanding individuals and communities – and the systems that shape them. Dive deeper by including paid co-op work terms to explore potential careers, adding a minor or second major, or pursuing opportunities such as research and an honours thesis on a topic of personal interest. You can also add business skills to your degree by choosing SDS as a major within the Honours Arts and Business program. Upon graduation, you’ll be well-prepared for a meaningful career in helping professions such as counselling, teaching, social services, human resources, social work, and law.
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 6.5
- Study modefull-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Ontario students || Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including || • English 4U (minimum final grade of 70% is required) || Admission average: low 80s || Mathematics of Data Management is recommended as a helpful background for the program. || Not studying in Ontario? || Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business. || Learn about transfer credit pathways from college Social Service Worker programs. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 63; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: An English-language test score is required only if the applicant's four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system. Exemptions: four most recent years of full-time education completed in Canada; bilingual Francophone Canadians (or first-language French with four or more years of full-time Canadian high school); or four most recent years of full-time education taught in an entirely English-language school system in Canada or another country (supported by official transcripts showing language of instruction, or an official hardcopy letter sent directly by the school principal - emailed letters are not accepted). Full-time ESL programs do not qualify. Applicants below the required scores may enter through Waterloo's Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/english-language-requirements
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
- Tuition$54,020 CAD / year≈ $39,721 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsInternational Student Entrance Scholarship: CAD 10,000 for first-year studies, paid in two instalments of CAD 5,000 (late July and late November) against first- and second-term tuition. No application is required; eligible students see it in the Waterloo applicant portal from mid-April. Conditions: full-time enrolment (three or more courses) in the first and second terms, and continuing international fee-paying status. It does not replace or reduce other entrance scholarships. SourceView scholarship page
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: Application deadline 1 February 2027; documents deadline 15 February 2027 (programs other than Engineering). International students have the same deadlines. Waterloo admits first-year students for the September term only. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/fut…
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
How much does Social Development Studies cost?
CAD 54,020 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
5 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Ontario students || Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including || • English 4U (minimum final grade of 70% is required) || Admission average: low 80s || Mathematics of Data Management is recommended as a helpful background for the program. || Not studying in Ontario? || Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business. || Learn about transfer credit pathways from college Social Service Worker programs. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 63; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: An English-language test score is required only if the applicant's four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system. Exemptions: four most recent years of full-time education completed in Canada; bilingual Francophone Canadians (or first-language French with four or more years of full-time Canadian high school); or four most recent years of full-time education taught in an entirely English-language school system in Canada or another country (supported by official transcripts showing language of instruction, or an official hardcopy letter sent directly by the school principal - emailed letters are not accepted). Full-time ESL programs do not qualify. Applicants below the required scores may enter through Waterloo's Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/english-language-requirements
Is there a scholarship?
International Student Entrance Scholarship: CAD 10,000 for first-year studies, paid in two instalments of CAD 5,000 (late July and late November) against first- and second-term tuition. No application is required; eligible students see it in the Waterloo applicant portal from mid-April. Conditions: full-time enrolment (three or more courses) in the first and second terms, and continuing international fee-paying status. It does not replace or reduce other entrance scholarships. Source View scholarship page
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