- Level
- 2-Year UG Diploma
- CIP code
- 44.0000
- Duration
- 2 year university diploma including a practicum
- Field
- Social and Community Services
- Institution
- Public University
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
Program overview
A two year university diploma in frontline social service practice, covering interviewing and helping skills, human development, addictions and mental health awareness, group work and a supervised practicum.
University Diploma in Social Services is the direct feeder into the Bachelor of Social Work at this university, and taken together the two make a four year path to a registrable qualification.
University Diploma in Social Services is delivered by Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, a designated learning institution. Because University Diploma in Social Services is a two year university diploma rather than a degree, the Canadian field of study requirement applies to it, so the Post-Graduation Work Permit depends on this programme sitting inside an eligible field at the moment you apply. Where VIU offers the same subject as University Diploma in Social Services at degree level for the same tuition, the degree removes this risk entirely. The eligible field list is revised by the Canadian government, and eligibility for University Diploma in Social Services is tested when you apply rather than when you enrol. The study permit application for University Diploma in Social Services also requires a British Columbia attestation letter, which VIU issues with the letter of acceptance.
Admission to University Diploma in Social Services requires Grade 12 or Class 12 at 50 percent. The English requirement is IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and tuition for University Diploma in Social Services is recorded at CAD 24,963 a year with a CAD 156 application fee, with a recorded initial deposit of CAD 10,000. No scholarship is recorded against University Diploma in Social Services. Two windows only, September 2027 and September 2028. Apply Study Visa manages the University Diploma in Social Services application, the deposit, the letter of acceptance and the Canadian study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: Grade 12 or Class 12 with the percentage stated for this programme.
- English (meet any one): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 88 with at least 20 in each section, PTE Academic 60 with no component below 60, or the Duolingo English Test at 115 with no sub score below 105.
- Application and deposit: An application fee of CAD 156 applies. An initial deposit of CAD 10,000 is recorded, which is substantial and should be confirmed in writing before any money is sent.
- Scholarship: No scholarship is recorded against this programme. Budget the full tuition.
- Programme availability: VIU is working through a published Deficit Mitigation Plan and has cancelled or suspended a number of programmes since 2025. Confirm in writing that this programme is running for your intake before you pay a deposit.
- Work permit: University Diploma in Social Services is a two year university diploma rather than a degree, so the field of study test applies and PGWP eligibility must be confirmed in writing for your intake before you commit. No spousal open work permit arises, because that needs a master programme of 16 months or longer. A British Columbia attestation letter is required with the study permit application.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa handles the British Columbia attestation letter, the study permit application and the biometrics appointment with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Community Support Worker: non profit and outreach services
- Residential Care Worker: supported living settings
- Youth Worker: youth serving organisations
- Intake Worker: social service agencies
- Outreach Worker: housing and harm reduction programmes
- Degree Completion: the Bachelor of Social Work at VIU
Reality check: diploma level social service work pays modestly and carries no professional title, so plan the degree completion from the start rather than treating it as optional.
About Vancouver Island University
- Type
- University
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.6
- World rank
- #1366
- Established
- 1936
- Reference No.
- O19395299688
