Why is Australia the preferred destination for international students keen to study Social Work?
Australia is one of the top destinations for international students seeking quality education. Home to world-class universities sited annually by world university rankings. So why study social work in Australia? The land down under is amongst the most progressive nations promoting social justice and human rights and the career opportunities are diverse making it attractive to students to pursue their Social work qualification here. Furthermore, social work courses are constantly updated and under supervision from respective professional agencies ensuring their relevance and competitiveness.
Diploma of Community Services
A Diploma of Community Services will help you gain the skills you need to have a rewarding career supporting and empowering people to bring positive change to their lives and communities. It leads to a pathway to become a Social Worker, which has a PR Pathway.
Course duration: 2 years
Requirements:
- Academic: Completion of Year 12 or equivalent
- English: Academic IELTS 5.5 (No band less than 5.0) or equivalent*
*Some universities may require a higher or lower score
Bachelor of Social Work
A Bachelor of Social Work will help you start a career as a social worker upon graduation. The AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) is the skill assessment authority for social workers looking to apply for an Australian migration visa. Thus, students must make sure that their course is accredited by AASW to have a positive skill assessment for migration purposes.
Course duration: 4 years
Requirements:
- Academic: Completion of Year 12 or equivalent
- English: Academic IELTS 6.0 (No band less than 5.5) or equivalent*
*Some universities may require a higher or lower score
Master of Social Work
A Master of Social Work will help you gain knowledge and skills to start a career as a social worker in Australia. The AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) is the skill assessment authority for social workers looking to apply for an Australian migration visa. Thus, students must make sure that their course is accredited by AASW to have a positive skill assessment for migration purposes.
Course duration: 2 years
Requirements:
- Academic: Completion of relevant Bachelor’s degree
- English: Academic IELTS 6.5 (No band less than 6.0) or equivalent*
*Some universities may require a higher or lower score
Requirements:
- Academic: Completion of Year 12 or equivalent
- English: Academic IELTS 5.5 (No band less than 5.0) or equivalent*
*Some universities may require a higher or lower score
Visa Requirement
Here are some of the requirements in securing student visa.
- a valid passport for the duration of your study in Australia
- offer letter from the selected university/institution
- evidence of access to sufficient funds*
- evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover
- all other relevant documents listed on the Department of Home Affairs visa checklists
PR Pathway
As of November 2018, Social Worker is in the following list for PR:
- Medium to Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- RSMS Occupations List (RSMSL)
To apply for a Permanent Residency visa, a Bachelor or Master of Social Work graduate will need a positive skills assessment from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), the governing body of social workers.
Frequently asked questions
about studying Social Work in Australia
Social work as a profession is broad and diverse. Social workers work closely with people to advise, support and advocate people with personal and/or social problems. They also help with community and social issues. Social workers are involved in the betterment and well-being of children, youth, families, socially disadvantaged individuals, and affected communities.
In the draft definition by Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), the social work profession facilitates social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledges, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.
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To get in touch with our expert team, simply leave your details below and we’ll call you for a FREE consultation.
Student Testimonials
I have been a client of AECC since 2010. From that time, they have been helping me with all visa and education-related matters. I am very happy with their professional advice and friendly behaviour. So, I would like to recommend all to visit them for your migration pathway."
"I have been very impressed with AECC services, the whole team is efficient and knowledgeable. Thank AECC for your great support and guidance through my Professional Year Program and 485 visa."
"I had a very great experience with AECC. They were very cooperative at each stage. With the good guidance of Roldan I was able to decide what's best for my future. AECC has the best consultants over Australia!"