Admissions To Social Work Programs | School of Social Work

The School of Social Work is recognized as having one of the most progressive and socially responsive social work programs in Canada. The School offers different undergraduate (BSW) streams and the innovative graduate program, including MSW and PhD. Students receive a professional social work education that is characterized by a commitment to human rights and social justice. Dedicated instructors, who draw from a strong contemporary curriculum and their own practical experience, afford students the opportunity to acquire their own social work philosophies and skills. York students are equipped for professional practice in a wide variety of social work arenas, from work with individuals and families to practice with community, policy, research, and international settings.

The School of Social Work fosters intellectual curiosity and a spirit of inquiry through its emphasis on critical perspectives in social work. In light of its belief in social work as social justice work, the School consistently teaches applied practice skills throughout the curriculum.

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Streams

101 Direct Entry High School: for students who have graduated and are coming directly from high school.
105 Direct Entry College/University: for students coming with a community college diploma and/or university credits.
105 Post-Degree: for students who have completed a 3-year (90 credits) degree and/or a 4-year (120 credits) degree.
York University Internal: for current undergraduate York students interested in changing their major to social work.

Admission Requirements

high school students — 101 Direct Entry High School

three york u students sitting outside on campus on sunny summer day — 101 Direct Entry High School

Frequently Asked Questions

OUAC is the Ontario Universities' Application Centre. It’s the system York and many other universities in Ontario use to receive undergraduate applications. Using it allows you to apply for up to 3 programs for a single fee of approximately $150, whereas applying to universities individually may cost more (usually around $100 per application).

No, the initial application must be done via OUAC.

MyFile is a system for future York students to manage their application and submit supplementary information/documents (if applicable). MyFile access is granted once you apply via OUAC and receive your 9-digit York reference number via email. It is also where you will see the decision regarding your YorkU application.

To submit your referee information, please go to Supplementary Information Forms and click on Fall/Winter 2025 application - Program in Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, B.S.W., Spec. Hons. Social Work - Keele Campus - FGS Referee Information Form. Once this information is submitted, referees will receive an email to provide their reference and send it back to the university when completed. Applicants do not collect reference letters from referees.

Please confirm with the Office of Admissions by calling 416-736-5000 or 416-872-9675 or emailing study@yorku.ca.

GPAs are calculated by the Office of Admissions before your application comes for assessment at the School. For details on this process, please call them at 416-736-5000 or 416-872-9675 or email study@yorku.ca.

Transfer credits are only assessed by Admissions once you are admitted to the program. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a pre-assessment.

Yes. If you are in the final term of your studies, you can use unofficial transcripts for your application. If you are admitted, your offer will include a deadline for you to send your final transcripts to York. Typically, all documents pertaining to your application must be submitted via MyFile unless otherwise instructed by the Office of Admissions in your offer letter.

No. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances. Please apply next year. Applications usually open in October for entry in the following year (e.g., October 2025 for entry in Fall 2026).

No, we only offer a Fall start for the BSW program.

We normally start posting decisions on MyFile around May.