Our full-time MSW degree option is completed in 1 year (3 academic terms) and starts each year in the fall term.
The University of Waterloo uses an online application process for all graduate programs.
NOTE: You may ONLY apply for ONE option - EITHER Full-time OR Part-time. You may not apply to BOTH options.
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, from an accredited Social Work Program, is a mandatory entrance requirement for our MSW program. No exceptions will be considered.
All academic admissions requirements (BSW degree and Research Methods course) must be completed and results known by July 1 of the year of entry. No exceptions will be considered.
The application process for entry into the program in Fall 2026 is now closed.
For those who applied by the deadline of November 15, 2025, 11.59pm (Eastern), you have until December 1, 2025, 11.59pm (Eastern) to upload ALL supporting documentation through your applicant portal.
You will be notified in March 2026 as to whether or not you have been offered admission. Your admission decision will be available in your Applicant Portal.
Please note: During the admission process applicants may, or may not, be called for an interview.
Thank you for your interest in our Master of Social Work (MSW) full-time option offered through the School of Social Work at Renison University College, in collaboration with the Faculty of Health at the University of Waterloo.
Our MSW full-time option takes one year to complete, over a total of three terms.
We welcome applications from Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents and international students with valid International Student Visas and/or applicable permits. All applicants must live in Canada for the duration of the program, since Field Education placements must be completed in Canada.
The School of Social Work seeks to reflect a diverse student population and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of all ages, gender identities, cultural, racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, and abilities. If you wish to self-disclose you may note your social background and identities when responding to the Program Specific Questions in the application form. This is purely voluntary.
If you have a special interest topic we invite you to make note of this in the Program Specific Questions in your application.
International Applicants: You are required to provide proof that your international BSW qualification is equivalent to a Canadian BSW. This equivalency can be obtained from the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW).