Admissions and Enrollment

How to Apply

Renison staff is here to help, from application to graduation or course completion. For details on how to apply to our programs and courses, find the area you are interested in, and follow the links below. 

Looking for information on residence? Visit Residence and Student Life.

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SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK

There are two areas of study within the School of Social Work. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a post-graduate degree that you may apply to after completing your undergraduate degree, and the Master of Social Work (MSW) is an advanced degree that you may apply to after completing a BSW. 

More Details: School of Social Work
Renison's BSW program distinguishes itself through strong academics as well as a hands-on, skills-oriented approach to social work practice. Your education will be further enhanced by the School of Social Work and Renison's mission in promoting social justice and community service.

There are three options for admission to the the BSW program:

  • Full-time studies:
    For those students who have completed an undergraduate Bachelor's degree and who wish to enter full-time studies. 
  • Part-time studies:
    For those students who have completed an undergraduate Bachelor's degree and who wish to study part-time. 

Master of Social Work

Renison University College offers a health-focused onlineMaster of Social Work (MSW) program. The MSW Program is offered in collaboration with the Faculty of Health at the University of Waterloo.

The MSW program is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis.  

  • Full-time:
    For those students who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work, or equivalent, and who wish to enter full-time studies (3 academic terms, 1 year).
  • Part-time:
    For those students who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work, or equivalent, and who wish to enter part-time studies (6 academic terms, 2 years).

Questions?

If you have questions about admission to the School of Social Work, please contact renison.socialwork@uwaterloo.ca

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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Social Development Studies (SDS)combines psychology, sociology, social work and interdisciplinary SDS courses. SDS is also one of Renison's direct-entry programs, but you are also able to apply through the Honours Arts and/or Honours Arts and Business program by selecting SDS as your major. 

There are a number of pathways for entry to the SDS program. Most commonly, applications come from those graduating high school, or transferring from a college program. 

More details: Social Development Studies

Check out the table below for typical requirements. 

Interested in Co-op? 

Students who wish to pursue SDS within Waterloo's co-op program can apply via the Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business Co-op Program. For details, visit SDS Co-op Program. 

High School student/recent graduate

Admission average: Low 80s

  • Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including English 4U (minimum grade of 70% is required)
  • Mathematics of Data Management is recommended as helpful background for the program
College student/recent graduate

Admission average: Minimum cumulative college average of 75%

  • Any Grade 12 English 4U (minimum grade of 70% is required), OR a college English/communications equivalency
University student/recent graduate

Admission average: Minimum cumulative university average of 65%

  • Any Grade 12 English 4U (minimum grade of 70% is required)
Not studying in Ontario?

Ready to Apply?

If you plan to be a full-time Waterloo student, you'll apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), which handles applications to each of Ontario's universities. For full details and instructions, visit Waterloo's How to Apply webpage. 

Questions?

If you have questions about admission to Social Development Studies, please contact:

Jennifer Lin, Marketing, Recruitment & Outreach Officer, at renison@uwaterloo.ca

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HONOURS ARTS/HONOURS ARTS AND BUSINESS

Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business will help you discover your passion!

There are a number of pathways for entry into the Honours Arts and Honours Arts and Business programs. Most commonly, applications come from those graduating high school, or transferring from a college program. 

More Details: Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business

Check out the table below for typical requirements.  

Interested in Co-op? 

If you are applying to the Honours Arts and Business program, you can apply directly into co-op. Co-op is available with in all Arts and Business majors, including Social Development Studies.

You can find more information about Co-op for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business on the Faculty of Arts website.  

High School student/recent graduate

Admission average: Low 80s

  • Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including English 4U (minimum grade of 70% is required)

Recommended courses:

  • For Social Science programs such as Anthropology; Economics; Political Science; Psychology; Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies; Social Development Studies; or Sociology.
  • Mathematics of Data Management is recommended as helpful background for the program.
  • For Economics: Calculus and Vectors is also recommended; however, you may decide to take an introductory calculus course in first year to acquire additional background.
College student/recent graduate

Admission average: Minimum cumulative college average of 80%

  • Any Grade 12 English 4U (minimum grade of 70% is required), OR a college English/communications equivalency
University student/recent graduate

Admission average: Minimum cumulative university average of 65%

  • Any Grade 12 English 4U (minimum grade of 70% is required)
Not studying in Ontario?

Ready to Apply?

If you plan to be a full-time Waterloo student, you'll apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), which handles applications to each of Ontario's universities. For full details and instructions, visit Waterloo's How to Apply webpage. 

Questions?

If you have questions about admission to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business, please contact:

Jennifer Lin, Marketing, Recruitment & Outreach Officer, at renison@uwaterloo.ca

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CULTURE AND LANGUAGE STUDIES

Through courses and programs in Applied Language Studies, East Asian Studies, Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures, the humanities (English Language and Literature, Fine Arts, and Religious Studies), and languages (American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, English Language Studies, Korean, Japanese, and Mohawk (Kanien’kéha)), Culture and Language Studies (CLS) contributes vibrantly to Renison’s vision for “Global Engagement through Languages and Cultures.”

More Details: Culture and Language Studies

Degree-seeking students from across the University of Waterloo take CLS courses to enhance their degree, expand their knowledge, and gain practical language skills!

Explore CLS courses

Questions?

If you have questions about Culture and Language Studies, please contact cls@uwaterloo.ca

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE

For over 50 years, Renison’s English Language Institute (ELI) has been offering English language courses and programs to students from around the world to support them in achieving their academic, personal and professional goals.

More Details: The English Language Institute

Through options for short immersion programs, online language study, or longer-term academic programming, the ELI provides you with the opportunity to build your skills and increase your confidence in English by learning alongside students from around the globe. 

Learn about the programs at the English Language Institute

Questions?

If you have questions about the English Language Institute, please contact:

Michele Parrott at eli@uwaterloo.ca

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COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Community and Professional Education (CAPE) offers credit-free programs, courses, and events in the areas of language, culture, and spirituality to the community. CAPE offerings are a great way to learn something new, gain practical skills, build your resume, and achieve your personal and professional goals. 

More Details: Community and Professional Education

Direct registration courses

These courses are offered to both the campus community and community at large through direct registration. You do not have to be a University of Waterloo student to register; prerequisites may apply for some courses. Courses/programs available through direct registration include: 

  • American Sign Language 

  • Chinese (Mandarin) 

  • Japanese 

  • Korean 

  • Indigenous Studies 

  • Faith and Spirituality  

Application-based programs

These programs are offered to the campus community and community at large, but require a formal application including specific application requirements. Programs requiring a formal application include: 

  • ACE-TESOL Certificate Program (English language teacher training program) 

To learn more about all the courses and programs being offered, Visit the Community and Professional Education website 

Questions?

If you have questions about Community and Professional Education, please contact:

Anna Fletcher-Marsh at cape@uwaterloo.ca

Questions?

If you have any questions about admission or enrollment in any Renison program or course, please contact us at renison@uwaterloo.ca.