Overview

This programme is Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible either by meeting IRCC’s field of study criteria (as of November 1, 2024) or by being a degree programme exempt from these requirements (as of March 11, 2025). Please consult the IRCC website for the most current information.

During your Developmental Services Worker programme at Algonquin College of study you apply theory and skills in various field placements, with opportunities to experience work as an Educational Assistant and Community Support/Residential Counsellor.

Quick Facts:

You facilitate the development of skills for people with disabilities to enjoy independence, citizenship and social living.

As a student, you learn strategies for providing support in ways that are respectful of the dignity and individuality of each person with whom you work with.

The Developmental Services Worker programme uses both experiential and outcome-based theory to help you prepare to work a variety of educational, community and social service settings.

Field placements allow you to explore concepts from a hands-on point of view and are an important learning tool to prepare for your profession. Throughout the programme, you complete a series of field placements, totaling close to 600 hours of work experience.

More than 90% of graduates from this programme are employed within six months of graduating.

Careers

You may find work in a variety of roles after graduation, including:

educational assistant

developmental assistant

special needs worker

residential counsellor

employment specialist

life skills instructor

vocational instructor

family support worker

support network facilitator

Post-Graduation Work Permit

This programme is Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible either by meeting IRCC’s field of study criteria (as of November 1, 2024) or by being a degree programme exempt from these requirements (as of March 11, 2025). Please consult the IRCC website for the most current information.

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Communications

Promoting Health and Wellness

Person Centered Approach

Essential Supports for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Paraprofessionals in Education

Check out the full curriculum

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

More details

February 1: Equal Consideration Date. Applications received after this date will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as space is available

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ottawa, Canada

Disciplines

Social Work Developmental Psychology View 120 other Bachelors in Social Work in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR

Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR

General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR

Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.

English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.

Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Algonquin College and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15472 CAD / year

≈ 15472 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

2722 CAD / year

≈ 2722 CAD / year

Living costs

Ottawa

Canada

1168 - 1925 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Developmental Services Worker.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Quick Facts:

Careers

Post-Graduation Work Permit

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Ottawa

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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