About personal support workers
As a personal support worker (), you’ll make an enormous difference in the lives of long-term care residents and their families.
From helping with the activities of daily living to providing companionship and support, your work will have a direct impact on long-term care residents’ quality of life and their experience in their home.
Quick facts
- Up to 24,000 new are needed by 2026.
- Train in as little as 5 months.
- Up to $25,400 in incentives available to new and current students and graduates from recognized programs since April 1, 2024.
PSW Course in Canada Highlights
| Course | Personal Support Worker (PSW) |
| Type | Diploma, Certificate |
| Mode | Full-time, Part-time |
| Duration | 6 months, 1-2 months |
| Average Fees | CAD 1348 (Approx) |
| Average Salary | CAD 37,050 (Approx) per year |
Top Colleges to Study PSW Course in Canada for International Students
Studying Personal Support Worker (PSW) course in Canada offers a fulfilling career path in health care. Here’s a table featuring the top 10 colleges in Canada for international students to study PSW (Personal Support Worker) courses, along with their location, average cost, and duration:
| PSW Course Colleges | Location | PSW Course Duration (approx.) |
| Centennial College | Toronto, Ontario | 8 - 12 months |
| Humber College | Toronto, Ontario | 8 - 12 months |
| Seneca College | Toronto, Ontario | 8 - 12 months |
PSW Course Fees in Canada for International Students
Pursuing a PSW (Personal Support Worker) course in Canada is a valuable step towards a rewarding career in health care. To assist prospective international students, we've compiled a table that outlines various PSW course offered by different universities and colleges in Canada. This table provides insights into the course duration and the average approximate fees, offering a comprehensive overview to help you plan your educational journey effectively.
| PSW Course University/College | PSW Course | PSW Course Duration (Months) | PSW Course Fee in Canada (CAD) (Approx) |
| Centennial College | PSW Certificate | 12 | CAD 15,000 - 20,000 |
| Humber College | PSW Certificate | 12 | CAD 15,000 - 18,000 |
| Seneca College | PSW Certificate | 12 | CAD 14,000 - 19,000 |
Government incentives
Right now, Ontario is offering incentives to students and newly graduated personal support workers. You could get up to $25,400 as you start your new career.
Placement stipend for students
What it is: Up to $5,400 while you complete your clinical placement in a long-term care home or in home and community care.
How you get it: You get paid by your employer.
Your employer must submit an online request for a clinical placement stipend on your behalf through Ontario Health.
Get started
Once you have your high school diploma, you can get your personal support worker certificate from:
- publicly-assisted colleges
- career colleges
- district school boards
- Indigenous institutes
Training involves classroom learning and a clinical placement. Some certificate programs can be completed in as little as 5 months.
Students who enroll in a district school board program will have their student fees waived.
Already work in long-term care, but want to become a
The Learn & Earn Accelerated Program offered by Humber College offers upskilling for existing employees at long-term care homes across Ontario to become . The program consists of full-time online coursework followed by a paid on-site clinical placement at the long-term care home where you already work. Check with your home for more information. Graduates of this program who make a commitment to work in a home for one-year are also eligible for the incentives.
Find a job
If you are already qualified, here are some places to look for your next opportunity.
Search job ads from members of:
