The Social Service Worker (SSW) diploma program at Seneca Polytechnic prepares students for professional careers within the human services sector. The curriculum focuses on trauma-informed practice, mental health, community development, supportive counselling, advocacy, social justice, equity, and crisis management.
Students develop practical skills through classroom learning and extensive field placements while working with children, youth, families, adults, and seniors. The program emphasizes anti-oppressive practice, strength-based interventions, and professional ethics aligned with the standards of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Graduates are well-prepared for employment across a wide range of social service organizations and may also pursue further education pathways, including Seneca's Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction program.
- Academic Requirement: • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent • Mature Applicant accepted • Grade 12 English (C or U) or equivalent
- ELP Requirement: • IELTS Academic: 6.0 Overall (No band below 5.5) • PTE Academic: 58 • Duolingo: 105–110 • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 20 in each skill • CAEL: 60 • Cambridge English: 169 (No skill below 162)
- Special Requirement: • Police Vulnerable Sector Check required before placement • TB Test required • Flu Vaccination required • COVID-19 Vaccination may be required by placement providers • Field Placement must be completed in person
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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: $16,178
- Total Tuition Fee: $32,356
- Course Duration: Ontario College Diploma
- Credentials: Diploma
- Intake: • September 2026 • January 2027
Required Documents
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Valid Passport
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Academic Transcripts
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Grade 12 Certificate
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English Language Test Score
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Statement of Purpose
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Resume (if applicable)
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Previous Visa Documents (if applicable)
Academic Requirements
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OSSD or Equivalent
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Grade 12 English (C or U)
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Mature Applicants Accepted
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
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CAEL: 60