Study Master of Social Work in Australia
Master of Social Work (or MSW) is a graduate degree that equips social workers to apply for state licensure. Clinical social work is the main focus of MSW programmes, which can be completed online or with advanced standing to best suit the needs of students. Getting a Masters in Social Work degree in Australia can give you the knowledge and skills you need to assist people in making the choices that will eventually improve their social and personal wellbeing.
| Master of Social Work in Australia Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Course Duration | 2 years |
| Programme Types | Full-time, part-time |
| Admission Requirements | Bachelors degree in social sciences or related fields | Minimum GPA of 4.0 on a 7.0 scale (60-65%) | 1-2 years of work experience in the human and community service industry | 1-2 LORs | Personal statement | Updated resume/CV |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL: 100 |
| Tuition Fees | AU $35,000 |
| Average Salary | AU $80,900 |
Are you considering a career in social work to enhance the wellbeing of people? Read on find out more details.
Why Study Master of Social Work in Australia?
Did you know that Australian social work graduates are regarded as skilled professionals in the country? The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), and the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), can all provide a path to permanent residency, thus boosting the possibilities of overseas students obtaining permanent residency in Australia.
- Social work is among the 10 fastest-growing areas of employment.
- The combination of coursework units and high-quality placements in the field presents you with the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills and develop a sense of identity as a practitioner.
- MSW is taught by highly qualified, award-winning staff in Australian universities who are passionate about teaching and learning.
- Social workers promote change at the individual, community, and policy levels and assist people to create positive outcomes.
Top Universities to Study Master of Social Work in Australia
Australian institutions place a high importance on social work education and adhere to a distinctive, internationally acclaimed curriculum. Here is the list of top universities to study Master of Social Work in Australia as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Social Sciences & Management.
| University Name | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Social Sciences & Management |
|---|---|
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) Sydney, Australia | #23 |
| The University of Melbourne Melbourne, Australia | #27 |
| Australian National University (ANU) Canberra, Australia | #36 |
| The University of Sydney Sydney, Australia | #38 |
| Monash University Melbourne, Australia | #51 |
| The University of Queensland Brisbane City, Australia | #57 |
| University of Technology Sydney Sydney, Australia | #150 |
| The University of Adelaide Adelaide, Australia | #159 |
| The University of Western Australia Perth, Australia | #169 |
| Deakin University Melbourne, Australia | #193 |
Master of Social Work in Australia: Specialisations and Subjects
The masters in social work programmes offered in Australia are Master of Social Work, Master of Advanced Social Work, and Master of Social Change and Development; and some of the specialisations and subjects that are a part of the Master of Social Work in Australia are as follows:
- Violence, abuse, and trauma
- Groups and communities
- Professional identity and decision-making
- Lifespan, culture, and disability
- Policy and social considerations in disaster management
- Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Professional practice in health and ageing
- Child, youth, and family
- Professional practice in mental health
- Issues in developing economies
- Comparative education
Eligibility for Master of Social Work in Australia
International students must meet the following set of eligibility criteria to apply for Master of Social Work in Australia:
- Bachelors degree in social sciences or related fields from a recognised university with a minimum GPA of 4.0 on a 7.0 scale (60–65% aggregate)
- A minimum of 7.0 bands on IELTS Academic or a score of 100 on TOEFL iBT to prove English proficiency
- 1-2 years of work experience in the human and community service industries
- 1-2 Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Cost of Studying Master of Social Work in Australia
Depending on the university, the degree, and whether the student is an international or local student, the cost of pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Australia can vary. Listed below are the tuition costs for a masters in social work programme at some of the best Australian universities.
| University Name | Programme Name | Tuition Fees (in AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Master of Social Work | AU $85,523 |
| University of Sydney | Mater of Social Work (qualifying) | AU $95,000 |
| University of Queensland | Master of Social Work Studies | AU $60,160 |
| University of Western Australia | Master of Social Work | Master of Advanced Social Work | AU $66,600 | AU $36,400 |
| University of Wollongong | Master of Social Work (qualifying) | AU $66,432 |
| University of Newcastle | Master of Social Change and Development | AU $33,375 |
| Curtin University | Master of Social Work (qualifying) | AU $75,528 |
| Griffith University | Master of Social Work | AU $61,000 |
| La Trobe University | Master of Social Work | AU $67,200 |
| James Cook University | Master of Social Work (professional qualifying) | AU $61,920 |
It is crucial to remember that the cost of a Master of Social Work programme in Australia does not only include tuition. You should also account for other fees like textbooks, lodging, transportation, and daily living expenses. International students may also be required to pay for health insurance and visa application fees.
Also Read: Cost of Studying in Australia
Cost of Living for Social Work Students in Australia
Depending on the region, way of life, and personal spending preferences, the cost of living in Australia for an international student can change. Living expenses in Australia are regarded as high when compared to other nations, yet it can also offer a good standard of living and a variety of options.
Scholarships to Study Master of Social Work in Australia
For international students who want to pursue a Master of Social Work in Australia, there are a variety of scholarships available. Mentioned below are a few such opportunities:
Australia Awards: This is a scholarship programme supported by the Australian government that offers students from developing nations full tuition fees, travel expenses, and a living allowance. Scholarships are given out based on academic excellence and the ability to advance the home nation of the student.
Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships: International students can apply for financial aid through the Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships programme, which is supported by the Australian government, to study for a postgraduate degree in Australia. The award pays for living expenses, travel expenses, and tuition.
Fulbright Scholarships: Scholarships offered through the Fulbright Programme enable American students to pursue postgraduate study or research in Australia. The award pays for living expenses, travel expenses, and tuition.
University-specific scholarships: International students wishing to pursue a Master of Social Work in Australia can apply for scholarships from a variety of colleges. These scholarships might pay for both living costs and tuition. Examples include the International Merit Scholarship at Monash University and Graduate Research Scholarships at the University of Melbourne.
Check more scholarships to study in Australia for international students.
Careers After Master of Social Work in Australia
Here's a list of popular career paths that international graduates can undertake after completing their Master of Social Work in Australia:
- Alcohol and drug counselling
- Child protection and youth services
- Disability and advocacy
- Family violence
- Homelessness and supported housing
- Mental health
- Refugee and asylum seeker services
- Research and policy
- Criminal Justice
- Youth Justice
Master of Social Work is indeed a great opportunity for international students to make an exciting pathway towards permanent residency in Australia, with its multiple opportunities. Make your dream of studying Master of Social Work in Australia come true by registering at AECC today.