You've made a great choice by applying to Nipissing University!
The Bachelor of Social Work program prepares you for a rewarding career in social work. Through a blend of classical and innovative teaching approaches, we are dedicated to establishing a positive climate for learning through supportive interaction, integrity, personal growth and creative expression.
Next Steps
Official Transcript Requests - February 8, 2025 @ 4:30 pm EST
The first step on your to do list is to request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (college and university) you have attended or are currently attending. Transcripts submitted at the time of application must show all courses required for admission consideration as either completed or in progress. It is your responsibility to ensure that all courses (completed and in progress) appear on your transcript that is sent by your institution.
Include all transcripts from institutions attended on a Letter of Permission even if courses are incomplete and grades do not appear on the transcript.
When ordering your transcript(s) please keep the deadline date in mind. Choose an option that will ensure that we receive your transcript by the deadline.
1. If you attended an Ontario college or university, use the online transcript request option found as part of your OUAC application.
2. If you attended a non-Ontario college or university, contact the institution(s) to request your transcript(s) and have them sent directly to the Office of the Registrar – Admissions, Nipissing University.
3. If you attended a postsecondary institution outside of Canada or the United States, you must have your foreign transcripts assessed by World Education Services (WES). We require a WES Credential Evaluation Report, including a course-by-course analysis. WES evaluations must be sent directly to the Admissions Office and must be received by the transcript deadline. Note: If you attended an international institution on exchange from your Canadian-based home university, you do not need a WES evaluation.
Exceptions
- Current Nipissing students and Nipissing graduates do not need to order or send Nipissing transcripts.
- If you attended Nipissing prior to 1992, you are considered a Laurentian University student and must request that transcript.
- If your name is different than what appears on your official transcript(s), submit legal proof of name change (if applicable) to Nipissing University by February 8, 2025 at 4:30 pm EST.
- Applicants with English-language proficiency results must submit them to Nipissing University by February 8, 2025 at 4:30 pm EST.
- If you applied through or had your application transferred to Nipissing’s International Application portal, please follow the instructions you have been provided regarding submission of your transcripts.
Non-Academic Requirements - February 8, 2025 @ 4:30 pm EST
There are both mandatory and optional non-academic components of your application.
Mandatory
1. Statement of Interest
The Statement of Interest will be a response to the following:
Describe your REASONS for pursuing professional education in Social Work. What EXPERIENCES have influenced your choice?
The Statement of Interest should be two (2) single pages double spaced (12pt, Arial). Please ensure that your name is included on your Personal Statement. Please submit your Personal Statement via email to admissions@nipissingu.ca.
2. Analysis of a Social Issue
All applicants will prepare a response to the following:
Identify a current social issue and discuss the factors that contribute to or cause this issue. Discuss what the impact or the consequences of the issue are on people and on society. How do you see a social worker’s role in contributing to resolving or reducing this issue?
Your analysis should be linked to your classroom learning as much as possible. Ensure that you are demonstrating engagement in critical thinking and critical reflection, and good academic writing skills.
Your response should be two (2) single pages double spaced (12pt, Arial) not including references. Please ensure that your name is included on your Analysis. Please submit your Analysis via email to admissions@nipissingu.ca.
3. Resume of Volunteer, Work and Educational Experience
This is not a traditional resume. This resume should contain only three headings: Work Experience, Volunteer Experience and Educational Experience. Under each heading your experiences should be listed in chronological order beginning with the most recent. There is no page limit to this list. Please use 12pt Arial font for your resume. Please ensure that your name is included on your Resume. Your Resume should be submitted via email to admissions@nipissingu.ca.
The sample resume will explain what the Social Work Admissions Committee looks for in each section of your resume. It will also provide you with sample entries.
4. References
All applicants will submit one (1) academic and one (1) professional reference. Your references should be chosen from people who know your academic skills and/or potential as a professional social worker. They should also be able to address the information below. References from friends or relatives will not be accepted. References should send their letter to you in a sealed envelope, with their signature on the back of the envelope over the seal.
Each letter should address the following:
- How long have you known the applicant?
- In what capacity have you known the applicant?
Indicate your assessment of the applicant in the following areas:
- Quality of interaction with people
- Ability to work co-operatively with others
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Capacity for independent thought and action
- Ability to carry out responsibilities
- Ability to organize own work
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to perceive and solve problems
- Capacity for change and openness to feedback/constructive criticism
- Compassion for others
- Leadership skills
- Awareness of social problems
- Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and understanding
Provide a candid assessment of this individual’s potential for success in completing the program including a description of specific activities or accomplishments that reflect the applicant’s strengths and opportunities for development. Provide contact information, should the selection committee need any further information
Optional
1. Equity Declaration Form
Nipissing University welcomes applications from persons of diverse backgrounds. We recognize that there are institutional processes and cultural differences that present barriers to some applicants obtaining access to programs. The School of Social Work is committed to diversity, equity and accessibility. Approximately 10% of the places in the Bachelor of Social Work (Professional Years) program are reserved each year for students from groups including, but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, economically disadvantaged, Franco-Ontarians, visible minorities, LGBTQ+ and those from northern/remote/rural areas. Applicants who are members of one or more of these groups are encouraged to self-identify using the Equity Declaration form. Completion of this form is completely voluntary.
The Equity Declaration form can be submitted online.
2. Course Requirement Summary Form
The Course Requirement Summary form allows you to indicate the courses that you feel meet the required prerequisites for admission consideration. The form assists Admissions with the assessment of your application. It by no means guarantees that you have met the required prerequisite course requirements. It is up to the discretion of the Admission Office to determine if the courses you have completed or are in progress in meet these requirements.
The Course Requirement Summary form can be submitted online.
3. BSW Essential Requirements
We ask that applicants to the Social Work program review the BSW Essential Requirements document. You can access it on the Social Work website. This document discusses the essential requirements necessary to provide reasonable assurance that students can successfully complete the Bachelor of Social Work program at Nipissing University and participate in all aspects of social work education and practice. BSW students are expected to be able to meet these standards in the classroom and in the practicum. By submitting an application, you are acknowledging that you have reviewed this document and understand its contents. If you have any questions, please contact socialwork@nipissingu.ca.
If the completion of any part of this application raises any concerns or sensitive issues for you, please visit NU Listens or Need Help Now for a list of resources and support.
Residence Application and Deposit – June 2, 2025 (new NU students), March 2025 (returning NU students)
Returning students: Please visit the Residence website for further information regarding application procedure and specific deadline dates.
New students: Nipissing University Residence Life offers students the opportunity to live in dedicated communities among their classmates. All residences are fully furnished with a bed, desk and dresser in each room, and a couch, tables and chairs. The kitchens are decked out with all the large appliances you will need. Information about how to apply to residence is included with offers of admission.
Visit the Residence Site for details and floor plans.
