Important Information to Consider
- The School of Social Work does not assess prospective candidates’ admissibility prior to the submission of the application. It is incumbent upon each prospective candidate to determine if they meet the requirements for admission and then apply accordingly. See https://www.mcgill.ca/applying/requirements . Further questions regarding the application process should be directed to Service Point.
- Admission is only for the Fall Semester.
- All candidates are expected to have better than average grades. Preference is given to candidates with significant social work-related experience, paid or volunteer. Preference is also given to candidates who demonstrate personal suitability for the social work profession.
- Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the BSW degree.
- All BSW courses are provided at the McGill University downtown campus only; no BSW courses are offered via distance or online education.
Special Student Requests for BSW Courses:
- BSW courses are fully restricted to BSW program students
- Only under the extenuating circumstance and with supporting documentation from the Professional Social Work Order of Quebec (OTSTCFQ), can an applicant to McGill as a Special Student request permission to register for BSW courses. As a first step, an applicant must provide supporting documentation to – and acquire written approval from - the Julia.krane [at] mcgill.ca (BSW Program Director) before applying to McGill as a Special Student. To apply as a Special Student, click here.
- All field placement courses (SWRK 322, 323, 344, 420, 421, 422) are excluded from approval for Special Students.
Language Requirements:
- The language of instruction in BSW courses is English. For more information, click here.
- Some students might be required to demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency prior to admission. Please refer to the McGill University Proof of English Proficiency page and the School of Social Work Language Policy for more information.
- Students are expected to be functional in French (comprehension, spoken, and written) for the field placement components of the BSW program.
- Applicants are asked to self-rate your French proficiency on the BSW CV-supporting document form. This is important as French proficiency is needed for field placements in U2 and U3 of the BSW Program. The information provided on French proficiency is not considered as part of the admission decision; it is used for field placement planning purposes only.
- For graduates who intend to practice social work in Quebec, Québec law requires candidates seeking admission to the professional social work order of Quebec (OTSTCFQ) to demonstrate a working knowledge of the French language. For more information, please see our Social Work in Quebec page.
Applications from Indigenous Students and International Students:
- With McGill’s Aboriginal Admissions Protocol, Indigenous students can submit additional documentation that would be considered as part of their application to McGill. Prospective First Nations, Inuit, or Métis students should identify themselves as such when completing their application. This will connect them with services provided by Indigenous Access McGill when applying. For more information, please visit the First People’s House website. Students can also contact the Indigenous Access McGill Program for support in applying.
- Saviez-vous qu'une personne-ressource est à votre disposition pour vous écouter et vous aider? Visite l’Adjointe aux étudiants francophones de première année.
- International students must have the necessary Immigration Documents to study in Canada. Given the field placement requirements in our BSW Program, international students must obtain a Co-Op/Internship Work Permit through the Canadian government, alongside their student visa. Students should also refer to the website for International Students at McGill .