Dalhousie social work admission requirements: no entry from high school, so you finish at least one year of university first

Dalhousie says you cannot enrol in the BSW directly from secondary school. You must finish at least 30 university credit hours, which is one year, before you apply. Dal adds that most applicants finish about two years first.

So a Grade 12 student plans a first year in another program, such as an arts or science degree. Dal says there are no specific prerequisite classes for the BSW, though general arts and science courses are good preparation. Credits from college or other non university programs do not count.

If you finish Grade 12 in 2027, you start university in September 2027 in another program. The earliest you could apply to the BSW is February 15, 2028, after your first year. The BSW itself starts in September only.

Your high school marks matter for that first program, but Dal's BSW does not look at them. Dal says high school transcripts are not required for the BSW application. Your university grades are what count. Check your first program's average with our Top 6 average calculator.

Because Dal has no required prerequisite classes, you can pick a first year program you enjoy and can do well in. Arts and science courses are the kind Dal names as good preparation. Courses such as sociology, psychology, history and Indigenous studies fit that description.

Pick a program you would be happy to finish if the BSW does not work out. That gives you a real backup. Remember that your university average, not your Grade 12 marks, is what Dal's BSW will look at, so a steady first year matters more than anything else.

The application asks for every paid and unpaid role, with hours per week. Dal also asks for a non academic reference from many applicants. Both are easier if you have steady volunteer or work roles in the community.

Start a role in your first university year and keep it going. A food bank, shelter, youth program or support line gives you real hours, a likely reference and material for your statement on a current social issue.

Dal requires a minimum average of B- (70%). If you apply without a degree, Dal looks at your university credits. If you already have a degree, it looks at your last 60 undergraduate credit hours.

Dal says each candidate is considered on their own qualifications, rather than ranked against other applicants. It does not publish an acceptance rate or a higher competitive average. Dal gives priority to qualified Nova Scotia residents, so applicants from other provinces should plan a backup.

You complete the Dalhousie undergraduate application, then the social work documents. The social work statement discusses a current social issue and why you want to study social work. Guidelines are in the application portal.

You also list your paid and unpaid roles with hours per week, and arrange two references. If you are in university or graduated in the last three years, one must be academic and one non academic. You send official transcripts from every post secondary school. Interviews are not part of the process unless Dal asks.

The BSW deadline is February 15 each year at 11:59 p.m. Atlantic time. All documents and both references must be in by then. Dal recommends you submit at least two weeks early.

Incomplete and late applications are not considered. You also cannot apply to both the campus and online options in the same year. Your references are your responsibility, so ask them early.

Dal offers the BSW on campus in Halifax and online, full time or part time. Full time study takes about two years for degree holders. Part time students have up to 10 years. The usual full time load is five courses in fall and winter.

The online option is for Canadians and permanent residents living in Canada. International students and protected refugee applicants can apply for campus study only. Online students pay online delivery fees on top of tuition.

There is no co-op stream. Every BSW student completes 700 hours of required fieldwork practice. Dal runs an orientation to field education later in the first year of the BSW.

The BSW is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education. That accreditation matters when you later register to practise as a social worker. Online students complete the same fieldwork hours, so plan where you will do your placement if you study from outside Halifax.

Dal's School of Social Work has an affirmative action policy. It covers Acadian, Indigenous and African Canadian applicants, racially visible people, people with disabilities and LGBTTQI applicants.

Applicants in these groups still need 30 university credit hours (not in social work) with a B- average.

Dal's 2026-2027 undergraduate fee schedule lists Social Work at $332.50 per billing hour, $997.50 per course and $4,987.50 for a 15 hour term. With required fees, the estimate is $6,550.55 for fall and $5,475.76 for winter.

Your first year in another program is billed at that program's rate. Arts, for example, is $4,515.00 for a 15 hour term in 2026-27.

The entrance scholarship deadline for September 2027 is February 15, 2027. That applies to your first year program, not the BSW. Dal's general dates page lists May 1, 2027 to accept and May 15, 2027 for guaranteed residence.

Out of province applicants can compare deadlines on our Canadian deadlines page.

Dal's BSW is a second step. Your child first needs a good university year, then a strong statement and references. Most applicants have two years done before they apply.

If your child wants to start social work right away, compare a direct entry school such as our TMU social work page. Also see the Dalhousie admissions overview.