Diploma in Settlement Studies
Do you want to support and empower newcomers to Canada? Start your career as a settlement service worker through this two-year diploma program. Learn how to help newcomers integrate into their communities while advocating for their rights.
Have you taken the Community Support Worker program at NorQuest? If so, you have received transferable credits and can enter Year 2 of the Settlement Studies program.
During this program, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills necessary to help newcomers to Canada access the services they need to thrive, such as housing, schooling, employment, transportation, healthcare, and more.
After completing this program, you’ll be able to:
Determine your clients' needs through assessments and interviews, then refer them to the services they require
Recognize how the transition to life in Canada can affect family dynamics
Support individuals with disabilities
Provide your clients with current resources available to newcomers
Document and observe your clients’ needs
Develop action plans for newcomers struggling with trauma or culture shock
Identify the laws and policies around settlement services in Canada
Understand how other cultures address mental health challenges and disabilities
This program is offered in two different delivery options: in person at our downtown Edmonton campus or Hyflex, meaning you can choose if you’d like to attend class in person or online.
Intakes
- Jan
- Sep
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
As a settlement service worker, you’ll play a crucial role in Canada’s immigration system. You can explore career opportunities in the non-profit sector, settlement sector, and various departments within the municipal and provincial governments. You may also be employed by agencies that have partnerships with schools and public libraries.
Some job titles you can explore include:
Settlement practitioner/consultant/counsellor
Immigration partnership coordinator
Settlement case manager
Settlement support worker
Newcomer planner
Settlement outreach worker
By taking this program, you can also gain transferable credits to several Athabasca University’s degree programs to advance your career and increase your earning potential.
PSW Opportunity
Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
Graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Desire to stay in Canada temporarily for work.
Important Note:
Graduating from a DLI doesn't automatically qualify you for a PGWP.
Validity of PGWP:
Depends on the length of the study program or the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.
Duration of PGWP Based on Study Program Length:
Less than 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials): Not eligible for PGWP.
At least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), but less than 2 years: PGWP may be granted for the same length as the study program (e.g., a 9-month program results in a 9-month PGWP).
2 years or more: PGWP may be valid for 3 years.
Completion of Multiple Programs:
PGWP may combine the lengths of each program if:
Each program is PGWP eligible.
Each program is at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) in length.
Important Restriction:
You cannot obtain a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
English language proficiency requirements
If English is your second language, you must provide proof of English language proficiency before admission. These results must be no more than two years old when you start your program.
Test scores we accept:
IELTS Academic: 6; no section score below 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 71
Cambridge English Language Assessment: 170-179
CAEL: 60
PTE Academic: 54
Duolingo: 105
minimum of 80% in ESLS 7000 or ESLS 7100 (or ESLG 2101), and 80% in ESLW 7000 or ESLW 7100 (or ESLG 2103)
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Under Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 09 Month
-
Total Tuition Fee:
35920 CAD
Average Cost of Living: 22895 CAD /year
Application Fee: 150 CAD
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