The Personal Support Worker (PSWC) program at Seneca Polytechnic is a one-year Ontario College Certificate designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in community and healthcare support services. Students develop practical skills in personal care, hygiene assistance, household management, meal preparation, medical assistance, palliative care, and restorative activities. Through hands-on laboratory training and two field placements, students gain real-world experience supporting individuals and families in healthcare institutions and community settings. The program emphasizes compassionate, client-centered care and collaborative learning alongside other healthcare professionals, preparing graduates for employment in long-term care homes, retirement residences, hospitals, and community support organizations.
- Academic Requirement: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature applicant English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course
- ELP Requirement: IELTS Academic: Overall 6.0, no band below 5.5 PTE Academic: Minimum 58 Duolingo: 105–110 TOEFL iBT: Minimum 20 in each skill
- Special Requirement: To be eligible for clinical practicum placements, students must obtain a Clinical Preparedness Permit including: Immunization records Hepatitis B, Varicella, Measles, Mumps and Rubella immunity verification TB Testing / Chest X-Ray (if required) Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Standard First Aid Certification Mask Fit Testing Criminal Record Check Vulnerable Sector Screening
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Students whose study permit applications are still pending may request a deferral to the next available intake, provided the request is submitted before Day 10 of classes and the program is available. Deferrals are granted only once.
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Students awaiting an IRCC decision must still meet the deferral deadline. Requests submitted after Day 10 of classes will not be approved solely because a study permit decision is pending.
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Students may alternatively withdraw and apply for a refund by submitting the required withdrawal form and supporting documentation. Applicable administrative fees may be deducted.
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If a study permit application is refused, students may defer their admission and request a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to support a future study permit application. PAL issuance is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
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Refund requests due to study permit refusal must include a copy of the official IRCC refusal letter and be submitted within 14 days of the refusal date.
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Only the refusal letter associated with the intake being withdrawn from will be considered for refund eligibility.
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Students whose second study permit application is refused before the start of classes may still qualify for a refund, subject to Seneca’s refund policy.
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Deferral requests are subject to program availability, and late requests may require a written appeal.
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Approved late deferrals may be subject to a CAD $200 late fee.
- Application Fee: $90
- LOA Deposit: $0
- Annual Tuition Fee: $16,572
- Total Tuition Fee: $16,572
- Course Duration: 1 Year (2 Semesters)
- Credentials: Ontario College Certificate
- Intake: September 2026 January 2027 May 2027
Required Documents
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Valid Passport
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Class 10 Marksheet and Certificate
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Class 12 Marksheet and Certificate
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English Language Test Results
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Resume/CV (if applicable)
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Statement of Purpose (if required)
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Previous Visa Documents and Refusal Letters (if applicable)
Academic Requirements
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OSSD or equivalent
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Grade 12 English (C or U)
English Language Requirements
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IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5
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PTE Academic: 58
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Duolingo: 105–110
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TOEFL iBT: Minimum 20 per skill
Program Information
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Campus: King, Newnham
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Delivery: Hybrid
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Duration: 1 Year (2 Semesters)
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Credential: Ontario College Certificate
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School: Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing
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Intakes: January, May, September
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PGWP Eligible: Yes
Field Placement Requirements
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Two Mandatory Field Placements
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Facility Placement
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Community Placement
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Placements Completed In Person
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Clinical Preparedness Permit Required
Clinical Requirements
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Immunization Records
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Hepatitis B, Varicella, Measles, Mumps and Rubella Immunity Verification
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TB Testing/CXR if Required
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Basic Life Support Certification
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Standard First Aid Certification
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Mask Fit Testing
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Criminal Record Check
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Vulnerable Sector Screening