Social Work Courses in Australia

Social work courses equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework necessary to address social issues, advocate for social justice, and provide support and resources to those in need. Social work courses in Australia are experiencing a surge in demand as experienced staff become more sought after in the industry. 

With in-depth instruction in social facets, ethics, and practices, these programs are designed to equip students with the capabilities to help people, families, and even towns make meaningful life improvements. The length of courses can range from three to four years for bachelor’s degrees, one to two for master’s, and three to four for a doctorate. In addition to this, those aiming to pursue a degree often have the additional benefit of being able to choose filing intake applications in both semesters, affording potential students an array of options. 

For international students, the costs involved can come to an estimated expenses of AUD 20,000 to 40,000, depending on which school is chosen and the level of study.

Highlights of Social Work Courses in Australia

Duration

Level of Study

Course Type

Mode of Study

Average Tuition Fee (International Students)

3-4 years

Bachelor's

Full-time

On-campus

AUD 20,000 - AUD 40,000 per year

1-2 years

Master's

Part-time

Online

AUD 15,000 - AUD 37,500 per year

3-4 years

Doctorate

Optional

Offline

-

Why Study Social Work Courses in Australia?

Those who want to work in social services may profit from doing social work courses in Australia. Australia is well-known for its high-quality education system and internationally recognized degrees, making it a good alternative for people looking to advance in their professions.

  1. Qualifications that are recognized: Australian universities are known across the world for providing high-quality education. A social work degree from an Australian college can improve your professional opportunities globally. Australian universities' reputation attracts businesses and provides doors to work prospects in other nations.
  2. Diverse learning opportunities: Australia's multicultural society offers social work students a one-of-a-kind learning setting. The country's varied population provides several possibilities to interact with and learn from people from various cultural backgrounds. Students acquire exposure to a variety of viewpoints, customs, and social challenges, which improves their cultural competency and capacity to interact effectively with diverse groups. This cultural awareness is critical for providing inclusive and fair social work services.
  3. Professional accreditation: Professional groups such as the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) approve social work courses in Australia. This accreditation assures that graduates fulfill industry requirements and may register as professionals. It assures employers and customers that social work graduates have undergone a thorough and rigorous education that aligns with best practices and ethical standards. Professional certification also permits graduates to pursue a variety of professional prospects in fields such as healthcare, community development, and social activism.
  4. Research and innovation:  Australia has a strong research culture and spends much on social work research. Students studying social work in Australia have the opportunity to participate in research projects, contribute to the field's knowledge base, and keep current on the newest innovations and evidence-based practices. This research-focused atmosphere fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, equipping graduates to successfully handle complex societal challenges.
  5. Networking and job opportunities: Universities in Australia frequently have strong contacts with industry professionals, social service organizations, and government agencies. They organize networking events, guest lectures, and career fairs so students may meet experts in the industry. These contacts can lead to internships, job placements, and mentorship opportunities, giving students with significant practical experience and increasing their employability after graduation.

Best Universities for Social Work Courses in Australia

University

QS World University Ranking 2023 

Programs 

Admission Deadlines 

Average Tuition Fee

University of Melbourne

33

Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Doctorate in Social Work

Varies; check university website for details

AUD 30,000 - AUD 35,000 per year (approximate)

University of Sydney

41

Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Doctorate in Social Work

Varies; check university website for details

AUD 25,000 - AUD 35,000 per year (approximate)

Monash University

57

: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Doctorate in Social Work

Varies; check university website for details

AUD 25,000 - AUD 30,000 per year (approximate)

University of Queensland

=50

Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Doctorate in Social Work

Varies; check university website for details

AUD 20,000 - AUD 30,000 per year (approximate)

University of New South Wales

45

Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Doctorate in Social Work

Varies; check university website for details

AUD 25,000 - AUD 35,000 per year (approximate)

University of Adelaide

109

Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Doctorate in Social Work

: Varies; check university website for details

AUD 22,000 - AUD 32,000 per year (approximate)

University of Western Australia

90

Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Doctorate in Social Work

Varies; check university website for details

AUD 25,000 - AUD 35,000 per year (approximate)

Level of Study

Bachelor's Level: Social work courses at the bachelor's degree level are created to provide students with a strong background of social work theories, ideas, and abilities. Learners will discover social norms and regulations, community growth, advising, and social equity. Prerequisites for admission often involve a secondary school diploma or its equivalent, personal accounts, transcripts, and occasionally reviews. Taking a bachelor's degree in social work can range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 35,000 each year, varying on the university and program.

Master's Level: Master’s programs in social work build on the ideas and skills developed during a student’s undergraduate studies. Depending on the particular areas of expertise, specializations can range from clinical practice to social work leadership and research methodologies.  For those applying, eligibility terms can be stringent. These commonly include possessing an appropriate Bachelor’s degree in social work and, in some instances, professional experience or a certain grade point average. Further criteria for consideration may involve the submission of academic transcripts, a personal statement, references, and, sometimes, attendance of an interview.  Regarding tuition, a range of AUD 25 000 to AUD 40,000 per annum may be expected, depending on the university and program chosen.

Doctorate Level: Doctoral programs in social work are highly research-focused and are intended to prepare students for high academic and leadership roles in the field. These courses require intense research and exploration, along with the completion of a PhD dissertation. Requirements for admission usually include a pertinent master’s degree in social work, research experience, as well as a research proposal, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The cost of a PhD program in social work varies approximately from AUD 25,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, depending on the university and particular program.

Scholarships & Financial Aid for Social Work Courses in Australia

Here are some of the best scholarships available for Social Work Courses in Australia, along with their eligibility criteria and scholarship amounts:

Scholarship Name

Eligibility Criteria

Scholarship Amount

Australian Government Scholarships

Open to international students pursuing Social Work courses in Australia

Varies, depending on the scholarship program

Endeavour Leadership Program

Open to international students undertaking postgraduate studies in Australia

Varies, depending on the scholarship program

University-specific Scholarships

Varies based on the university and specific scholarship program

Varies, depending on the scholarship program

Organization-specific Scholarships

Varies based on the organization and specific scholarship program

Varies, depending on the scholarship program

Career Opportunities after Social Work Courses in Australia

Upon completing Social Work courses in Australia, students can pursue various job roles in the field. Some of the potential job roles include:

1. Social Worker

2. Case Manager

3. Counselor

4. Community Development Officer

5. Youth Worker

6 Rehabilitation Officer

7. Policy Analyst

These positions are available in a variety of contexts, including government agencies, healthcare organizations, non-profit organizations, community centers, and educational institutions. The typical income for these job titles varies depending on experience, geography, and the individual organization. The following table shows the average salary for various career roles in the area of Social Work:

Job Role

Average Salary (per year)

Social Worker

AUD 69,516

Case Manager

AUD 66,802

Counselor

AUD 55,000 

Community Development Officer

AUD 87,000

Youth Worker

AUD 70,000

Rehabilitation Officer

AUD 66,614

Policy Analyst

AUD 74,620

...Read more
  • Level of study
  • Streams
  • Countries
  • Cities
  • Fees
  • Exams Accepted
  • Course Duration
74 results found

Master of Advanced Social Work (Research)

The University of Melbourne, Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 44.87L (Total)
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Graduate Diploma in Social Work

The University of Sydney, Australia

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 18.42L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

The University of New South Wales, Australia

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 108.59L (Total)
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

The University of Queensland Australia, Australia

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 24.62L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Master of Social Work

Monash University, Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 22.34L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Master of Social Work

The University of Western Australia (UWA), Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 21.20L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

University of Wollongong, Australia, Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 42.57L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

RMIT University, Australia

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 20.25L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

The University of Newcastle, Australia, Australia

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 21.73L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Bachelor of Social Work

Curtin University, Australia

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 20.63L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Master of Social Work - Qualifying

Queensland University of Technology, Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 16.69L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Master of Social Work (Research)

University of Tasmania (UTAS), Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 38.37L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

Griffith University, Australia

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 19.67L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Master of Social Work

La Trobe University, Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 19.95L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Bachelor of Social Work (Mount Gambier)

University of South Australia, Australia

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 18.70L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Bachelor of Social Work

James Cook University Brisbane, Australia

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 18.26L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry)

Flinders University, Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 38.43L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Bachelor of Social Work

Western Sydney University, Australia

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 17.64L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    MAR 2025

Bachelor of Social Work

Edith Cowan University, Australia

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 73.51L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2025

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Charles Darwin University (CDU), Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 34.53L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    MAR 2025

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All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. The Universities involved in this Program are accredited/recognized in the countries where they are established. Relevant terms and conditions apply.Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.