105 Direct Entry
Delivery mode: on campus (online or hybrid learning not available)
Location: Keele
Intake: Fall (September)
The School of Social Work seeks to prepare students to be critical practitioners who seek social transformation. This stream accepts applicants with a community college diploma in social service work, community work, child and youth work, other diplomas, and/or university credits to enter the BSW program. Transfer credits are assessed during the admission process based on a review of the applicant’s academic transcripts. Some diploma holding students (e.g., Social Service Worker, some advanced standing Child and Youth Worker) are not required to take the first-year introductory BSW course.
Students admitted under this stream will typically have enough credits to enter the program at the second-year level, taking level 2000 core social work courses and courses outside the major once you join the program. In the subsequent years, you will focus on level 3000 and 4000 core social work courses as well as electives inside and outside the major.
In the final year, you will complete a field practicum or placement in a social service setting. The practicum is arranged by the School to provide important hands-on experience in a variety of social/human services community settings. It is intended to support the integration of theory and practice, preparing students to work as professional social workers. As such, the field practicum becomes the culminating experience of each student's education at the School. The Field Education Office works closely with hundreds of community partners in order to secure the best possible placement opportunities for students each academic year.
For an overview of the courses typically included in the College/University stream of the BSW, visit our Degree Pathways page.
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Eligibility & Requirements
- Completion of a diploma program or at least two full semesters or one year of full-time academic study at an accredited college/university.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of B (6.0 or 70%) or above.
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- A supplementary application with the following:
- A Social Justice Statement (see the Supplementary Application Form for the requirements of the Social Justice Statement).
- A resume – a minimum of two years of related social work experience, paid and/or voluntary, is preferred.
- Three references. Reference contact information is to be submitted via MyFile – please see details under the How to Apply section below.
Deadlines to Apply
- Applications are now closed for Fall/Winter 2025-26 entry and are expected to reopen in October 2025 for Fall/Winter 2026-27 entry. Late applications are not accepted.
The Supplementary Application Form includes the Social Justice Statement, which must be completed just above item #3 in the form. Please note the Social Justice Statement and the Supplementary Application Form are a single document, not two, and must be uploaded with your other required documents through your MyFile account.
How to Apply
Step One
Create your OUAC Account using the code YFS.
Step Two
Apply through the Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC).
- Once you apply through OUAC, you will receive an acknowledgement letter/email with your 9-digit York Reference Number and gain access to MyFile.
- In your MyFile Account, you can submit your referee contact information and upload the supplementary documents as attachments.
- To submit your referee information, please go to the Supplementary Information Forms tab on MyFile 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.
Step Three
Accept your offer online through MyFile by the deadline stated in your offer letter.
Step Four
Once you’ve accepted your offer, make sure to book your course enrolment appointment. For all new undergraduate students at York, participation in enrolment/course selection support means you will:
- Get help picking your courses and planning your academic schedule.
- Find out what transfer credit you’re eligible for.
- Learn how to enrol in courses.
- Find out how and when to pay your tuition fees.