For International Students

In Australia, the social work profession is as diverse as the community of people for which it cares. We welcome the range of backgrounds and experiences that our international students bring to our social work programs, the University and the wider community.

As an international social work student you will contribute to a rich and varied student population. Your experiences of different cultures and languages are an asset to the profession and to the communities who will benefit from your skills whether you return home after your studies or choose to stay in Australia for a period of time.

Whether you are already a qualified social worker at home or you are seeking your first social work qualification we are here to help you choose the right program for you. It is helpful to first identify your current qualifications so you can choose the right social work program. Please read the section on What kind of student am I? and refer to the information below.

I have no social work qualifications

If you have no social work qualifications but you do have an undergraduate degree in another discipline you can apply for the Master of Social Work. Please read the section on Becoming a social worker.

I am a qualified social worker in a country other than Australia

If you are a qualified social worker in country other than Australia you first need to find out if your social work qualification is recognised in Australia and if you are eligible to work as a social worker in Australia. You should have your qualifications assessed for equivalency by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) to see if you are eligible to work as a social worker in Australia and at what level. The AASW will require evidence of your social work qualifications.

If you can work as a social worker in Australia you may be interested in looking at our Advanced Practice program.

If you are not able to work as a social worker you may need to undertake further studies. Please contact us to discuss your options.

If you are being sponsored by an employer or have a scholarship to undertake social work studies overseas you should carefully check the requirements of your sponsorship or scholarship to ensure that the degree you are enrolling in will meet the requirements. Please contact us if you have any questions about how our programs will meet your needs.

I am interested in research

We are a research-active school and part of a research-intensive faculty and university. We offer the Master of Philosophy and the PhD. Admission to graduate research programs is dependant on you having some research experience. Please read the Graduate research section.