Steps to Apply

Step 1: Applying

• Regular Track programs require a Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Standing programs require a BSW degree. See admission requirements for details.
• We recommend that you submit and pay for your application at least one week prior to the closing date.

Step 2: Submitting Documentation

• All supplemental materials as noted in the application checklist must be uploaded and submitted by the application close date. Please use "Review" button to check your documents. When satisfied, click on “Submit my application”.
  • Those who apply closer to the application date and who have not received their email as per Step 2 by the deadline date, have 24 hours to upload their documents. Similarly, the referees for those applicants will have two weeks from the application closing date to submit the online reference. Applications missing documents after the application close date are considered incomplete.

Visit our Graduate Admissions Toolkit for more information about applying.

Application Deadlines

On-Campus Programs – Full-time, Fall Entry Only

Applications open mid-October each year.

Online Programs – Part-Time Only

For both the MSW Regular Track and MSW Advanced Standing programs, applications are accepted during the following time periods:

¹Target dates are noted but are subject to external factors.

²For MDiv/MSW program applicants: This program is jointly administered by Martin Luther University College and the Faculty of Social Work at Laurier. Applicants are required to apply to each area separately (Luther and Social Work) and to complete the application form and submit documentation and application fees as required for each area, by the specific deadlines for each program. When applying to the Faculty of Social Work, indicate in your personal statement that your anticipated program is the MDiv/MSW. Only applications for September (fall term) starts are considered.

Application Checklist

After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from gradadmissions@wlu.ca advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier’s Online Registration & Information System (LORIS).

An application for admission to all MSW programs must include:

• The Application Summary – this PDF is generated after you complete your OUAC application (log back in to OUAC to retrieve it if you did not download it after submission).
• Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work; undergraduate, graduate and college.
• A completed personal statement form. This form includes:
  • Specific questions from the faculty. Read the instructions and answer questions thoughtfully and reflexively.
  • Graduate exemption requests for previous graduate work (if applicable).
  • Field Placement Agreement; Read and agree to the declarations.
• A completed summary of experience in human service organizations form. 
• A resume of your academic and work experience. Include a history of your publication and scholarly paper activity and any other information you feel will interest the admissions committee.
• Completed reference forms. Three references are required. One (1) Academic and two (2) Professional*

Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. If applicable, results from accepted testing services must be uploaded to LORIS.

*Note: Applicants who have been out of school for three or more years, and who cannot obtain an academic reference, will be required to submit an additional professional reference in its place. A professional reference is someone who can speak to your work and/or volunteer experience in human services. Do not include personal references from friends and family. Reference forms are electronically submitted to Laurier by the referee and do not need to be uploaded. Applicants who have been out of school for three or more years, and who cannot obtain an academic reference, will be required to submit an additional professional reference in its place.