Social work courses in Australia

Social Work

Are you after a career that allows you to improve human well-being? Do you want to be equipped with all the skills to help meet the needs of those who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty? If you’re passionate about making things better and find it fulfilling to relieve suffering, social work is the perfect course for you to take towards a successful career.

Job outlook

The number of people working as social workers has grown very strongly over the past 5 years and is expected to grow strongly over the next 5 years from 32,900 in 2018 to 35,500 by 2023. Job openings can come from new jobs being created, but most come from turnover (workers leaving). There are likely to be around 23,000 job openings over 5 years (that’s about 4,600 a year).

Higher demand can also translate into increased compensation for qualified applicants, especially in large cities and urban areas.

Various job options and chances to gain transferrable skills

Once qualified, social workers can pursue a range of employment locally and globally. This includes casework, counselling, advocacy and engagement with individuals, families, groups for government and non-government agencies, including hospitals, clinics, prisons, nursing homes, community health services and schools and advocacy bodies, detention centres and local councils. Social workers are also employed as private practitioners.

If you decide to change careers, transferrable skills like communicating, problem-solving, empathy, time management and teamwork that you gain after completing your social course will be valued by many employers. You can find a role that interests you and fits your skills and talents.

Good salary

Full-time workers on an adult wage can earn around $1,829 per week (compared to the all jobs average of $1,460). Like most professions, earnings tend to be lower when starting out and higher as experience grows.

Australian PR Pathway

Social work is one of the fastest growing professions and is highly in-demand both in Australia and globally. As the occupation features on the Medium and Long term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), it’s possible to apply for any of the visas in the Skilled Migration Program.

Visas in this category include the Skilled Independent 189, the Skilled Nominated 190 or the 489 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visas. In addition, there is also the opportunity of applying for a number of employer-sponsored visas if you have an offer of employment. Occupations that are listed consistently in the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) include Welfare Centre Manager, Welfare Worker, Social Worker and Community Worker.

Social work courses

To work as a social worker in Australia, you need to complete a Bachelor of Social Work. The course provides both theory and clinical social work experiences. Alternatively, for students with previous tertiary qualifications, you can complete a two-year Master of Social Work program.

Bachelor of Social work

This four-year course will equip you with the skills to work in a range of fields in social work and human services. Once completed, you’ll be recognised as a professional and be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Entry requirements:

Institutions have different entry requirements, so read the course information on their website carefully and contact us if you need any advice or assistance.

Generally, it’s required you have:

• Successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent and a formal English language test

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