Social Work (BSW) at Laurier: Admission Average
Wilfrid Laurier University · Waterloo, ON
What average do you need for Social Work (BSW) at Laurier?
Social Work (BSW) at Wilfrid Laurier University typically admits students with averages in the high 70s-80s, roughly 78–89%. It ranks #7 of 11 Laurier programs by admission average.
Strong program with Waterloo region community connections.
How competitive is it?
Of the 10 universities we track that offer it, 5 ask for a higher average and 2 ask for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 89% or higher is above the typical range, 78% up to 89% is inside it, and 74% up to 78% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Social Work at other universities
- Thompson Rivers University – mid-to-high 80s
- MacEwan University – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Manitoba – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Regina – mid-to-high 80s
- Memorial University of Newfoundland – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Windsor – high 70s-80s
- University of Calgary – high 70s-low 80s
- University of Ottawa – high 70s
- York University – high 70s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- One additional U/M course
- Volunteer or community experience (valued)
First-year courses
- Introduction to Social Work
- Human Development
- Social Policy
- Field Placement Preparation
- Research Methods
These are typical for Social Work (BSW) programs across Canada. About the Social Work (BSW) degree
After a Social Work (BSW) degree
Social Work (BSW) usually takes 4 years. Many graduates go on to graduate or professional school.
- Social Worker (RSW) – $50,000 to $90,000
- School Counsellor – $60,000 to $100,000
- Indigenous social work is a critical and growing specialisation - U of M has particularly strong Indigenous program connections.
- The MSW (2 years post-BSW) is required for clinical social work and significantly increases earning potential.
- Field placements are extensive - you will be working with real clients from early in the program.
Applying to Laurier
Wilfrid Laurier University shares the city of Waterloo with the University of Waterloo, which creates a unique dual-university ecosystem. Laurier is known for its Lazaridis School of Business, one of Ontario's more respected business programs, and for an excellent music program. The campus has a notably close-knit community feel and strong school spirit.
Wilfrid Laurier University is in Waterloo, ON, was founded in 1911 and has about 21,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $6,100 a year, co-op is available and first-year residence is guaranteed.
Deadlines: OUAC (Ontario) January 15.
- The Laurier/Waterloo Double Degree (BBA/BMath) is one of the most sought-after dual degrees in Canadian business - very competitive.
- Laurier's tight community feel is a genuine differentiator from larger schools - students consistently cite belonging as a strength.
- Being in Waterloo means co-op placements benefit from one of Canada's densest tech ecosystems.
Other Laurier programs
- Business Administration (BBA) – high 80s
- Business & Computing (BBA/CS) – high 80s-low 90s
- Computer Science – high 80s
- Financial Mathematics – high 80s
- Music – Audition-based
- Psychology – high 80s
- Communication Studies – high 70s-80s
- Political Science – high 70s-80s
- Criminology – high 70s-80s
- Kinesiology – high 80s
- Education (BEd) – mid 70s