Domestic Apply
Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).
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 (effective 24/25) at various organizations, including 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 0111010246767.
Domestic Funding Options
Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.
Domestic Information Request
If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.
International Student Apply
International students, once you have chosen your program and checked the admission requirements you are now ready to apply for admission.
International Student Study Permit
Your study permit is the document that allows you to stay in Canada and study. It is different from a student visa, which is the document that allows you to enter Canada.
International Information Request
Our international student representatives are happy to answer your questions about programs, services and any immigration related questions that you may have. Please use the form link provided.
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 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)
- Athabasca University (BPA)
- MacEwan University (BSW)
*Students are encouraged to speak to a student advisor about specific transferability.
Program Start/End Date
August 29, 2024, to May 30, 2025 (Fall and Winter Terms)
Application Deadline
Domestic: August 15, 2024
International Student: June 30, 2024 (Applications will be considered if you can obtain a study permit and all the relevant documents before July 15, 2024)
Locations
Cold Lake Campus
Lac La Biche Campus
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Year 1
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2023
| Tuition | $2,556.72 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Mental Health First Aid | $150.00 |
| Total | $2,998.20 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2023
| Tuition | $2,556.72 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Total | $2,848.20 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $5,846.40
Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170.
Year 2
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2023
| Tuition | $2,556.72 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Assist Training | $250.00 |
| Total | $3,098.20 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2023
| Tuition | $2,556.72 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Total | $2,848.20 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $5,946.40
Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170.
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)
Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.
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: June 1, 2024
| Tuition | $8,272.40 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Mental Health First Aid | $150.00 |
| Total | $8,713.88 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: October 15, 2024
| Tuition | $7,670.15 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Total | $7,961.63 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $16,675.51
International Student Fees
Year 2
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: June 1, 2025
| Tuition | $8,272.40 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Assist Training | $250.00 |
| Total | $8,813.88 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: October 15, 2025
| Tuition | $7,670.15 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $37.50 |
| Total | $7,961.63 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $16,775.51
Guaranteed yearly tuition for 2024-25 -Year 2 of program started 2023-24 not including mandatory fees: $16,249.35
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.
Community Social Work
We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.