The Community Social Work program at Portage College provides you with practical training and experience to assist individuals, families, and various groups in navigating their way through situations in life.
Practicum faculty supervisors meet with students individually and match them with a practicum placement. Students complete 350 practicum hours per year at addiction treatment centers, disability centers, probation and correctional centers, schools, women’s shelters, and youth centers.
This program is available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is O111010246767.
Please Note: This program is eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP). Students must meet associated attendance requirements’ to be eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP).
International Trip to Ireland
This past year, several of our Community Social Work Students, faculty, and alumni travelled to Ireland to gain valuable insight into what social work in a different country can look like. This video highlights some of those memories from their trip!
CSW Student, Trevor Letondre
Trevor Letondre was in his forties when he was accepted into the Community Social Work program at Portage College. He had spent 30 years working in the oil patch as a truck driver, but in the back of his mind, he had another calling – he wanted to help people.
More international students are choosing Portage College to start or complete their studies because of the personal attention they receive and the high standard of instruction.
Career Potential Graduates are eligible to apply to become a registered social worker. Current provincial legislation makes it mandatory for individuals with a social work education who work within the scope of social work practice to be Registered Social Workers (RSWs).
Graduates work with individuals, families, groups, and communities in a variety of agencies, including Indigenous agencies, addictions, court and probation services, disability services, emergency shelters, provincial and federal departments, residential treatment centres, schools and senior services.
Credentials
Diploma
Graduates are eligible for provisional RSW registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers.
Admission Requirements Grade 12 or equivalent with:
- English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%, or English Language Arts 30-2 at 70%
- NOTE: Those who do not meet the admission requirements above are encouraged to look into Open Studies
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.
In addition to these academic requirements, the following documentation must be provided:
- Three academic/professional letters of reference (within the last 5 years)
- Criminal Record Check
- Child and Welfare Intervention Check
- Signed Student Agreement declaring free from substance abuse
Transferability
Transfer agreements are currently in place with:
- University of Calgary (BSW)
*Students are encouraged to speak to a student advisor about specific transferability.
Program Start/End Date
Year 1: August 28, 2025 to May 29, 2026
Year 2: August 28, 2025 to May 29, 2026
Application Deadline
Domestic: August 15, 2025
Locations
Cold Lake Campus
Lac La Biche Campus
Domestic Student Fees Application Fee $53.50
Year 1
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $2,818.78 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Mental Health First Aid | $200.00 |
| Total | $3,636.76 |
Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $2,818.78 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Total | $3,110.26 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,747.02
Part-time Fees Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit,” one credit is $188. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $188.
Year 2
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $2,818.78 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Assist Training | $300.00 |
| Total | $3,736.76 |
Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $2,818.78 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Total | $3,110.26 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,847.02
Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $188. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $188.
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)
Textbook Rentals Rentals can be arranged through the Portage College Bookstore: By Phone: Toll free 1.866.623.5551 ext. 5647 or 780.623.5647 Visit Portage Bookstore for other supplies.
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.
Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in-person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the ongoing maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00
Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable)
If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy.
Year 1
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $7,650.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Guard Me Insurance | $602.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Mental Health First Aid | $200.00 |
| Total | $9,070.23 |
Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $7,650.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Total | $7,941.48 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $17,011.71
International Student Fees
Year 2
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $8,252.25 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Assist Training | $300.00 |
| Total | $9,170.23 |
Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $7,650.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Total | $7,941.48 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $17,111.71
Guaranteed yearly tuition for 2025-26 -Year 2 of program started 2025-26 not including mandatory fees: $17,111.71
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies Textbook Rentals Rentals can be arranged through the Portage College Bookstore: By Phone: Toll free 1.866.623.5551 ext. 5647 or 780.623.5647 Visit Portage Bookstore for other supplies.
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.
Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.