DiplomaRecommended

Diploma of Community Support Worker

Western Community College

Abbotsford, Canada
1 year
English
On campus
Diploma

About the program

A 24-week community support worker certificate with a 160-hour practicum in Vancouver.

Program highlights

Internship available: yes
Placement support: yes
Work during study: yes
Post-study work rights (Up to the length of the programme (8 months to under 2 years); 3 years if the programme is 2 years or more (Post-Graduation Work Permit; one-time; programme of at least 8 months, full-time, at a PGWP-eligible DLI; language CLB/NCLC 5 for college/non-university, CLB/NCLC 7 for university programmes; field of study must be on the eligible CIP list if the study permit was applied for on or after 2024-11-01; apply within 180 days of completion)): yes
PR pathway friendly: no

What you will learn

Build subject knowledge and transferable analytical skills in Community Support Worker. Apply appropriate methods to problems in this field
work on academic or practical tasks
and communicate findings clearly.

Career outcomes

Addictions worker
child and youth worker
community development worker
developmental services worker
drop-in centre worker
group home worker
life skills instructor

Curriculum

A 24-week programme taught Monday to Friday
in person or hybrid
with a guaranteed 160-hour practicum. Students also earn Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
First Aid for Opioid Harm Reduction and Naloxone
and Indigenous Cultural Safety certifications
plus training in substance use and addiction.

Entry requirements

Academic

Grade 12 (or equivalent) or mature student status (19+)
Some diplomas need more (bachelor degree for Health Services Administration
Digital Technology Solutions and Integrated Business Management
Science and maths prerequisites for Pharmacy Technician). English proficiency: IELTS 5.5
TOEFL iBT 46
PTE Academic 43
Duolingo 95
CAEL 40 or CELPIP L6 S6 R5 W5
Or English-medium schooling.

Accepted academic background

Grade 12 (or equivalent) or mature student status (19+), Health Services Administration requires a bachelor degree, Pharmacy Technician needs Math 12/Pre-Calculus 11 (C+), Biology 11 and Chemistry 11 (C), Hospitality Management asks for an overall C average

Language tests

IELTS 5.5
TOEFL iBT 46
PTE Academic 43
Duolingo 95

Other requirements

Interview required

Documents you’ll need

Academic transcripts
English proficiency evidence
Passport copy

How to apply

Check the programme entry requirements and English options. Complete the online application on the official university website (Apply Now) and pay the application fee. Submit transcripts
proof of English proficiency and a passport copy. An admissions advisor interviews you; you then receive the formal offer letter. Pay the tuition by the bank methods listed to receive the Letter of Acceptance. Use the Letter of Acceptance to apply for a Canadian study permit with proof of funds.

Other costs

Tuition per year	$13,300 CAD
Application fee	$375 CAD
Deposit	$36,748 CAD

Program details

Campus	Abbotsford
Faculty or school	Child, Family and Community Support
Department	_
Teaching language	English
Credit value	_
Study pace	_
Post-study stay	Up to the length of the programme (8 months to under 2 years); 3 years if the programme is 2 years or more (Post-Graduation Work Permit; one-time; programme of at least 8 months, full-time, at a PGWP-eligible DLI; language CLB/NCLC 5 for college/non-university, CLB/NCLC 7 for university programmes; field of study must be on the eligible CIP list if the study permit was applied for on or after 2024-11-01; apply within 180 days of completion)
Scholarship note	_

Intakes and deadlines

Program starts
November 2026
Apply by
No deadline listed

Frequently asked questions

The program takes 1 year.