Social work in Australia represents one of the most rewarding career pathways for international students passionate about making meaningful differences in people’s lives. With Australia requiring 50,000 social workers by 2026, pursuing social work courses in Australia offers exceptional career stability with average salaries of AUD 76,000-105,000 annually, guaranteed employment across government and community sectors, and direct pathways to Australian permanent residency through skilled migration programs.
As experienced education consultants and MARA-registered migration agents, Nepcoms guides Nepali students through pursuing social work degrees in Australia, from program selection to student visa applications and permanent residency planning.
Why Study Social Work in Australia?
Critical Workforce Shortage & High Demand
Social workers in Australia experience sustained demand driven by aging population requiring aged care services, mental health crisis creating need for counseling interventions, child protection services requiring qualified professionals, and increasing recognition of social determinants across healthcare systems.
Jobs and Skills Australia lists social workers among top 20 occupations in national demand, with 91% of graduates securing employment within four months, significantly higher than 79% average across all degrees.
AASW Accreditation & Global Recognition
All reputable bachelor and master of social work Australia programs hold Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation, ensuring graduates meet professional standards recognized internationally across New Zealand, UK, Canada, and other countries.
AASW membership provides professional credibility, access to ongoing development, networking opportunities, and enhanced employability with most employers requiring AASW eligibility.
Direct Pathway to Australian PR
Social Worker (ANZSCO 272511) features on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), offering direct permanent residency pathways. Completing an Australian social work degree provides 15-20 points for study qualification, eligibility for Temporary Graduate Visa with 2-4 years post-study work rights, and qualification for General Skilled Migration without employer sponsorship.
Regional opportunities in Tasmania, South Australia, and Queensland provide additional 5-15 migration points and faster PR processing.
Bachelor of Social Work in Australia
Program Overview & Curriculum
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a comprehensive 4-year program preparing graduates for professional practice across diverse settings, with 1,000+ hours of supervised field placements.
Core Study Areas:
- Social work theory and practice frameworks
- Human development across lifespan
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Child protection and family services
- Counseling and therapeutic interventions
- Community development and advocacy
- Social policy and legislation
- Cultural competence and Indigenous perspectives
Students complete placements in government agencies, hospitals, schools, community organizations, and mental health services.
Bachelor Admission Requirements
Academic Prerequisites:
- Completion of +2/Higher Secondary with minimum 2.8 GPA or 60% overall
- Strong performance in English or social sciences preferred
- Some universities conduct suitability interviews
English Proficiency:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5-7.0 (no band less than 6.0-6.5)
- PTE Academic: Overall 58-65+
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 79-94+
Top Universities for Bachelor of Social Work
Metropolitan Universities:
- University of Melbourne: Prestigious program; AUD 32,000-36,000 annually
- Monash University: Comprehensive curriculum; AUD 30,000-34,000 per year
- RMIT University: Practical orientation; AUD 28,000-32,000 annually
- Western Sydney University: Community-focused; AUD 26,000-30,000 per year
Regional Universities (PR Advantages):
- Charles Sturt University: 5-15 bonus migration points; AUD 24,000-28,000 annually
- Australian Catholic University: Multiple campuses; AUD 24,000-28,000 per year
- University of Tasmania: Excellent PR pathways; AUD 26,000-30,000 annually
Regional study saves AUD 24,000-40,000 over 4 years with lower living costs (AUD 1,200-1,600 monthly vs AUD 2,000-2,500 in Sydney/Melbourne).
Bachelor of Social Work Cost 2026
Tuition Fees:
- Metropolitan Universities: AUD 26,000 – AUD 36,000 per year
- Regional Universities: AUD 24,000 – AUD 30,000 per year
- Total 4-Year Program: AUD 96,000 – AUD 144,000
Additional Costs:
- Student Visa: AUD 710
- Overseas Student Health Cover: AUD 500-700 annually
- Living Expenses: AUD 29,710 minimum
Total First-Year Investment: AUD 50,000 – AUD 70,000 (approximately NPR 43 lakh – NPR 61 lakh)
Master of Social Work in Australia
Graduate-Entry Pathway
The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a 2-year graduate-entry program for individuals holding bachelor’s degrees in any discipline (psychology, sociology, arts, business) who wish to qualify as professional social workers.
Master’s Program Structure
Core Components:
- Advanced social work practice
- Clinical assessment and intervention
- Family therapy and counseling
- Mental health social work
- Child and youth protection
- Community development
- Social policy and advocacy
- Supervised field placements (1,000+ hours)
Specializations: Mental health, child and family services, healthcare social work, or community development.
Master’s Admission Requirements
Academic Prerequisites:
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with minimum GPA 2.5/4.0
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice (through volunteering or personal statement)
- Many programs conduct suitability interviews
English Proficiency:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0 (no band less than 6.5-7.0)
- PTE Academic: Overall 65-73+
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 94-102+
Master of Social Work Cost
Tuition Fees 2026:
- Metropolitan Universities: AUD 28,000 – AUD 38,000 per year
- Regional Universities: AUD 24,000 – AUD 32,000 per year
- Total 2-Year Program: AUD 48,000 – AUD 76,000
Scholarships: Merit-based awards (15%-30% tuition reduction), destination Australia scholarships (AUD 15,000 annually for regional study).
Social Work Salary in Australia 2026
Competitive Remuneration
Entry-Level (0-2 years): AUD 65,000 – AUD 76,000 annually
Experienced (3-7 years): AUD 80,000 – AUD 95,000
Senior (10+ years): AUD 100,000 – AUD 125,000
Directors: AUD 120,000 – AUD 150,000+
Regional positions offer higher salaries plus accommodation allowances and relocation assistance.
Career Pathways & Employment
Diverse Employment Settings
Where Social Workers Practice:
- Government departments (child protection, justice, housing)
- Public hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Mental health services and crisis centers
- Schools and educational institutions
- Aged care and disability services
- Community organizations and NGOs
- Private practice (after experience)
Specialized Roles:
- Child Protection Social Worker
- Mental Health Social Worker
- Medical Social Worker
- School Social Worker
- Family Services Caseworker
- Community Development Worker
- Policy Advisor
Post-Study Work Rights
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):
- Bachelor graduates: 2-4 years work rights (metropolitan 2-3 years; regional 3-4 years)
- Master’s graduates: 2-3 years standard; 3-4 years regional
Permanent Residency Pathways
General Skilled Migration (189, 190, 491): Social Worker on MLTSSL qualifies for independent skilled migration:
- Australian bachelor: 15 points; master’s: 15-20 points
- Australian work experience: 5-15 points
- Superior English: 20 points
- Age under 32: 30 points
- Regional study: 5-15 points
State Nomination: Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Northern Territory actively nominate social workers, adding 5-15 points.
Most graduates from Australia transition to PR within 3-5 years through qualifications, experience, and AASW membership.
Why Choose Nepcoms for Social Work in Australia
As specialized education and migration consultants with expert visa services, Nepcoms provides free course assessment, university selection and AASW verification, scholarship support, genuine student statement preparation, complete visa documentation, test preparation guidance, and accommodation assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is social work a good career in Australia?
Excellent choice with 50,000 workers needed by 2026, 91% employment rate, salaries of AUD 76,000-105,000, and strong PR pathways.
What is AASW accreditation?
Australian Association of Social Workers accreditation ensures programs meet professional standards, qualifying graduates for AASW membership and practice.
Can I get PR after social work degree?
Yes, Social Worker is on MLTSSL with excellent PR prospects through General Skilled Migration and state nomination programs.
Which is better: bachelor’s or master’s?
Bachelor (4 years) provides comprehensive foundation. Master’s (2 years) offers career transition for graduates from other disciplines.
What salary can I expect?
Starting salaries AUD 65,000-76,000, average AUD 76,000-105,000, experienced practitioners AUD 100,000-125,000+.
Do I need work experience to study?
Most bachelor programs don’t require experience. Master’s programs value demonstrated commitment through volunteering or community work.
Start Your Social Work Journey with Nepcoms
Pursuing social work courses in Australia offers meaningful careers making real differences, exceptional job security, competitive salaries of AUD 76,000-105,000+, and direct PR pathways. Book your free consultation today!
