Kerala University MSW : Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Master of Social Work (MSW) at Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram, is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered through the Department of Sociology at the Kariavattom Campus. The programme spans 4 semesters and offers specializations in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work and Community Development, equipping students with theoretical knowledge and field practice skills for careers in social welfare, NGOs, healthcare, and government sectors. With 30 seats and a highly affordable fee structure, the programme is one of the most sought-after MSW programmes in Kerala, backed by the university's NAAC A++ accreditation and NIRF Rank 24 (2023) among Indian universities.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are currently ongoing. The last date to apply online is April 30, 2026, and the entrance examination is scheduled between May 18 and May 24, 2026. Classes are expected to commence from July 16, 2026.

Key Points

• The MSW programme is offered under the Department of Sociology at the Kariavattom Campus, one of the most well-equipped social science departments in Kerala.
• Two specializations are available: Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, and Community Development, allowing students to align their training with career goals.
• 25% of seats are reserved for candidates holding a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, giving BSW graduates a distinct advantage in the admission process.
• The programme integrates extensive field practicum components across all four semesters, providing hands-on experience in hospitals, NGOs, community settings, and government agencies.
• SC/ST and OEC candidates are fully exempt from tuition fees and most other charges at the time of admission, making the programme highly accessible.
• The university's Kariavattom campus is adjacent to Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, offering students networking opportunities with professionals in the social development and corporate sectors.

KU MSW Fees

Fees

Hostel Fees (Optional)

• The Caution Deposit of Rs. 2,000 is fully refundable at the time of leaving the university, subject to no dues.
• SC/ST and OEC (Other Eligible Community) candidates are fully exempt from payment of tuition fees and most other charges at the time of admission.
• They are required to pay only the Caution Deposit.
• SEBC candidates with Non-Creamy Layer certificate are eligible for applicable fee concessions as per government norms.
• Hostel accommodation at Kariavattom is optional and not mandatory.
• Eligibility for hostel is restricted to students whose permanent residence is at least 40 km from the hostel (except PWD candidates).
• The registration fee of Rs. 750 (General) or Rs. 500 (SC/ST) paid at the time of online application is non-refundable and is separate from the above fee structure.
• No EMI facility is officially offered; fees are to be paid at the time of admission as per the university schedule.

KU MSW Admission 2026

Kerala University MSW Admission 2026 - Important Dates

Entrance Exam Details

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Any Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate (45% for SC/ST; 48% for SEBC candidates).
• In the case of BA, BSc, and BCom degrees, a minimum of 50% in Part III (core subjects) is required.
• 25% of seats are reserved for candidates holding a BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) degree; BSW holders are given preference in allotment to these reserved seats.

Admission Process

• Register online at admissions.keralauniversity.ac.in and pay the registration fee (Rs. 750 for General; Rs. 500 for SC/ST).
• Appear for the CSS PG Entrance Examination conducted by the University of Kerala (100 MCQ, 2 hours, 0.25 negative marking).
• A rank list is prepared based on entrance exam scores; SC/ST candidates admitted to vacant seats are exempt from the entrance exam requirement.
• Candidates are allotted seats based on rank, reservation norms, and availability; allotment is done centrally by the university.
• Selected candidates must report to the Department of Sociology, Kariavattom Campus, on the date of admission with original documents and pay the prescribed fees.
• Candidates from other universities must produce an Eligibility Certificate from the University of Kerala at the time of admission.

KU MSW Scholarships 2026

Scholarships

• SC/ST and OEC students must produce the relevant community certificate from the Village Officer/Tahsildar at the time of admission to avail fee exemptions.
• SEBC candidates must produce a Non-Creamy Layer certificate from the Village Officer/Tahsildar to claim reservation and fee concession benefits.
• Post-Matric Scholarship applications are to be submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) within the prescribed deadline each academic year.
• University Merit Scholarships are awarded based on semester performance; students must maintain the required academic standing for renewal.