The Best Social Work Courses in Australia That Could Lead to PR

Imagine this.

You have a career that changes other people’s lives and allows you to live permanently abroad. 

If you’re passionate about helping vulnerable communities, being a social worker is one of the most fulfilling professions you’ll ever take.

But this career can change not just other people’s lives—yours too. 

If you choose to study social work in Australia, it can lead to your permanent residency (PR). 

How?

This guide will cover everything you need to know: including the social work programs and PR pathways you can take. 

But why would you want to study social work in Australia anyway?  

Whether you’re enrolling to start college, or looking to advance your career with a graduate degree, here are the programs to fit your needs: 

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) (3-4 years)

In this undergraduate program, you’ll learn the important aspects of social work, including human behaviour, social policies, ethics, and the law. You will also learn real-life skills through field placements which will allow you to work directly with communities in need.

• Master of Social Work (Qualifying)  (2 years)

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, but it’s not related to social work, you can get a Master of Social Work (Qualifying). This will allow you to be a qualified social worker in 2 years. 

• Master of Social Work (Advanced Practice) (1.5 - 2 years)

If you already have a Bachelor’s in Social Work and you want to advance your practise, you can take a Master's in Social Work (Advanced Practice).  

This program will allow you to become a researcher, or move into leadership and policy-making roles in the field.

Great! You’re still here. 

Guess what? You have another requirement to meet. 

But don’t worry, we make this one easy for you. 

If English isn’t your first language, you need to take an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test to demonstrate your English proficiency. 

This is an essential requirement for international students applying to study in Australia. 

Most Australian universities require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 for social work courses, with no individual band score below 6.0. 

Here’s a breakdown of the typical IELTS score requirements:

• Overall Score: 6.5

• Reading: 6.0

• Writing: 6.0

• Speaking: 6.0

• Listening: 6.0

Some universities may have slightly different requirements. It’s always best to check the specific IELTS scores needed for the program you’re applying to.

If you’re worried about meeting the required score, don’t stress. We got you covered. 

IELTS preparation courses can help you build confidence, improve your skills, and maximise your chances of success on test day.

Book your IELTS test now

Australia needs more future social workers like you, and not just today, but for the years to come. 

Social work is on the country’s 2025 Occupation Shortage List—meaning, there are not enough social workers to meet the needs of communities. 

This demand will grow to 23.2% by 2026.

Here’s what this means for you: job security and continued opportunities. 

Isn’t that great? You’ll pursue a rewarding career without worrying about being jobless!

Most Australian social work programs are also accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

This is important because it gives you more job opportunities around the world. For example, if you decide to work in a different country, having an AASW-accredited degree will let employers know your qualifications are top-notch and meet international standards.

With these in mind, you’re probably now more motivated to study social work in Australia.

If so, below are some programs available for you. 

Let’s hop on to the exciting part: choosing the right university for you!

Your university will be the foundation of your new life as an international student. This will not only be your second home in a new country, it will also give you the skills you need to become a qualified social worker. So it’s an important decision to make. 

But no pressure, if you don’t have choices in mind yet, here are the top 5 universities where you can study social work: 

1. University of Melbourne

Programs Offered: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Qualifying), Graduate Certificate in Advanced Social Work

What they’re known for: Known for its research-led teaching and fieldwork placements, this university will provide you with the best practical experience by connecting you with real communities in need. 

2. University of Sydney

Programs Offered: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

What they’re known for: The University of Sydney is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Here, you'll be taught by a renowned faculty and have the opportunity to specialise in areas like mental health, child welfare, and policy analysis.

3. Monash University

Programs Offered: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work

What they’re known for: Monash University is known for its innovative teaching methods and a strong focus on community partnerships. You'll be equipped with the practical skills needed to thrive in a wide range of social work settings.

4. University of Queensland

Programs Offered: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

What they’re known for: The University of Queensland is one of Australia's leading research institutions. With their social work programs, you’ll have the opportunity to tackle major social issues, such as mental health and child protection, with a focus on practical solutions.

5. Griffith University

Programs Offered: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Qualifying), Graduate Certificate in Social Justice and Community Practice

What they’re known for: Griffith University is known for promoting social justice and sustainable practices. Their social work programs are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact, inspired by their mission to create a better, more just future for all.

Now that you know the best universities to choose from, the next big question is: how do you get in? 

Admissions can be competitive, and you won’t have to keep guessing anymore. 

Below are the requirements you need to apply to Australian universities.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

• High School Completion

You need to complete your high school education or have an equivalent qualification (such as an A-Level or International Baccalaureate).

• ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank)

Some universities may require a certain ATAR score for entry into the Bachelor of Social Work. However, this varies between universities, and some may offer pathways for students with lower scores.

• Prerequisite Subjects

Some universities may require you to have completed specific high school subjects like English. Be sure to check individual university requirements.

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

• Bachelor's Degree

You’ll need a completed bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution. While it doesn’t need to be in social work, relevant fields (like psychology, education, or nursing) may be advantageous.

• Grade Point Average (GPA)

Some universities may require a minimum GPA from your previous degree to be eligible for the program. Make sure to check the specific requirements for each university.

Master of Social Work (Advanced Practice)

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

To pursue this program, you must have a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

• Work Experience

Some universities may also require you to have professional social work experience, especially if you’re aiming to specialise in areas like policy or leadership.

If you checked all the lists above, then you’re on to a good start. 

But academic qualifications aren’t the only requirement. The next step? You have to prove your English proficiency. 

Due to the demand for social workers, there are several pathways to permanent residency. 

Initially, you’ll be on a student visa, subclass 500. 

From there,  you can look for relevant work in Australia while on a temporary graduate visa

Before being hired, you need to be a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) to be considered a qualified social worker. 

Once qualified and registered with AASW, you can look for permanent roles. 

As a social worker, you’ll be eligible for the following visas, depending on your location and role: 

Permanent Visas:

• Visa 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme

• Visa 189 – Skilled Independent Points-Tested

• Visa 190 – Skilled Nominated

• Visa 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme 

Provisional Visas:

• Visa 489 – Skilled Regional 

• Visa 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage – Medium Term Stream 

• Visa 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Employer Sponsored Stream

• Visa 491 – Skilled Work Regional State or Territory Nominated

Need help choosing the right visa? 

With over 50 years of experience and trusted by thousands of students, our multilingual agents specialise in visa applications and ensure that you meet all requirements. 

Whether you need help with visa extensions, document preparation, or understanding the latest policy updates, IDP's registered agents are here to guide you. Chat with one of our visa experts today. 

Your international journey as a social worker begins now.

The good news? You have nothing to worry about.

Picture IELTS as your key to a door of global opportunities. Our English language tests are recognised by 12,500+ organisations in over 150 countries–securing you a spot at your dream Australian university. 

And we make every step of your journey effortless. At IDP, we make sure that you pass your IELTS tests with our test preparation masterclass and free practice tests. When you’re ready to take the test, we can also help you find a test centre near you.

Your English test can make or break your career and PR plans in Australia. Let us help you get it right.

Start preparing and book your IELTS test with IDP today.