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).
Student Testimonials
– Ashley Howdle
“The small atmosphere made my experience so personalized. I wouldn’t have chosen anywhere else to do my post-secondary Community Social Work program.“
– Reese Richards
“The CSW program has exceeded my expectations. One of the things that I like most about Portage College is the small class sizes. This creates a welcoming learning environment where I feel seen and heard. The instructors are knowledgeable and invested in our success.
The practicum experiences have been amazing and hands-on. They have allowed me to apply what I have learned in the classroom to real-life situations. Overall, I feel well prepared and excited to move forward into my career in social work.“
– Reanna Brownlee
“As a student who just graduated from high school in a smaller city, Portage College was the best decision for me to successfully transition and succeed academically. The Community Social Work program instructors, coordinators, and staff provide the best support to help you feel comfortable and confident. I am happy I chose to pursue my studies here.””
Raised for local non-profit agencies from events organized by Community Social Work students in Cold Lake and Lac La Biche.
Make a Difference in Your Community!
Meet Lyla Allan, Program Coordinator for Addictions Counselling and Community Social Work at Portage College. In this video, Lyla shares how these programs prepare students to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Learn how students gain the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to support individuals facing real-life challenges. If you are passionate about helping others and want to build a career that truly makes a difference, these programs could be the right path for you.
Community Social Work Graduate, Emily Richards
“I had phenomenal instructors and practicum experiences that taught me the fundamentals of social work and gave me the ability to feel confident in making the connections I need to succeed as a social worker.”
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.
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!
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
- 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 with Vulnerable Sector Check
- Child Intervention Record Check
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 31, 2026, to May 28, 2027
Year 2: August 31, 2026, to May 28, 2027
Application Deadline
Domestic: August 15, 2026
Locations
Cold Lake Campus
Lac La Biche Campus
Delivery
In-Person Learning
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Year 1
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026
| 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 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $3,696.76 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026
| Tuition | $2,818.78 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $3,170.26 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,867.02
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, 2026
| 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 |
| ASIST Trainng | $300.00 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $3,796.76 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026
| Tuition | $2,818.78 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $3,170.26 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,967.02
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 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.
Document Fee
The Document Fee will include official transcripts, unofficial transcripts, certificates, diplomas, Confirmation of Enrollments, ID cards, all documents/letters from the Registrar’s office, etc.
International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00
Tuition Deposit $1,300.00 (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 $1,300 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy.
Year 1
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026
| Tuition | $7,803.00 |
| 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 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $9,283.23 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026
| Tuition | $7,803.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $8,154.48 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $17,437.71
Year 2
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026
| Tuition | $7,803.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Guard Me Insurance Fee | $602.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| ASIST Training | $300.00 |
| Total | $9,383.23 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026
| Tuition | $7,803.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $8,154.48 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $17,537.71
Guaranteed yearly tuition for 2027-2028 – Year 2 of program started 2026-2027 not including mandatory fees: $15,606.00.
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.
Document Fee
The Document Fee will include official transcripts, unofficial transcripts, certificates, diplomas, Confirmation of Enrollments, ID cards, all documents/letters from the Registrar’s office, etc.
Document Fee
The Document Fee will include official transcripts, unofficial transcripts, certificates, diplomas, Confirmation of Enrollments, ID cards, all documents/letters from the Registrar’s office, etc.