Social Work — Bachelor of Social Work (BSW, 90 credits / 3 years)
Published R score thresholds
| Threshold type | R score | Term | Applicant category | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required minimum R score | 27 | Document dated 2024-01-15 | CEGEP applicants (Quebec DEC) | Source |
| Minimum per subject | 25 | Document dated 2024-01-15 | CEGEP applicants (Quebec DEC) | Source |
Official wording (BSW admissions fact sheet, School of Social Work, October 2, 2023): « Minimum R-Score, Overall: 27.0 ». Values repeated at the official information session of April 27, 2026.
Official wording (same fact sheet): « English/French: 25.0 » — minimum R score in the language course (English or French depending on the CEGEP).
Prerequisites
Basis of admission
- DEC (Quebec CEGEP applicants)
Eligible DECs and their conditions
- DEC (DCS) — or French baccalauréat / IB
Limited and competitive admission; the School expects above-average grades AND significant experience related to social work (paid or volunteer) and personal aptitude for the profession. Courses are in English, but proficiency in French (comprehension, speaking, writing) is necessary for local field placements and for admission to the OTSTCFQ. Source of the minimums: official admissions fact sheet of the School of Social Work dated October 2, 2023 — to be rechecked at the next cycle: « Admission Standards for CEGEP Students: Minimum R-Score, Overall: 27.0; English/French: 25.0 ». Below the minimum (or CGPA < 3.0), a statement of extenuating circumstances (“statement of extenuating circumstances”) must be attached.
Key dates
| Date | Deadline | Applicant category |
|---|---|---|
| March 1, 2027 | Application deadline (Fall 2027) | CEGEP applicants (Quebec DEC) |
| March 7, 2027 | Supporting documents deadline (School of Social Work admission fact sheet) | CEGEP applicants (Quebec DEC) |
Possible bridging options
Social Work Written Submission Form Required
Written form required for ALL BSW applicants: 6 sections (including optional information on equity groups and a detailed record of education).
Reference letters (2, helping role) Required
Two reference letters from people who know directly the applicant's work “in a helping capacity” or their potential in social work; signed, on letterhead, sent by the referees (required at least for transfers according to the School's page; the BSW admissions fact sheet lists them in the supporting documents).
If you're not eligible yet
- Overall R score below 27.0 or language score below 25.0 (minimums of the 2023 fact sheet).
- Insufficient experience related to social work (explicit non-academic criterion of the School).
Official pathways
Statement of extenuating circumstances attached to the application
According to the School's admissions fact sheet: with an overall R score below 27.0, the applicant must attach a statement of extenuating circumstances explaining the gap.
Adjacent programs
- Social Work — UQAM, UdeM, Sherbrooke
- B.A. (McGill) then 2-year BSW for graduates
Official sources
Data verified on October 26, 2026 from the university's official sources. A past threshold does not guarantee admission: it describes previous years.