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
What Social Work asks for besides your marks
- Applicant Background Summary (ABS) form (optional): due April 25, 2027. Optional but highly recommended extracurricular form in the Laurier applicant portal, submitted once for all programs. Official page
From Laurier's admissions pages, checked October 2026.
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