Social Worker PR Pathway

How to become a Social Worker in Australia?

Understand salary expectations, qualification requirements, approved study programs, AASW migration assessment, and permanent residency visa options.

Pathway To Aus Google Reviews
Excellent Google Rating
Based on 850+ Authentic Google Reviews

Want to Study in Australia?

Check Your Eligibility

Where do we send the results?

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

High Demand Occupation

Why Study Social Work in Australia?

Social Work is listed on the MLTSSL with strong employment opportunities in every state and territory. This makes it an excellent pathway for international students seeking permanent residency.

MLTSSL Listed

On Medium & Long-term Strategic Skills List

$93k - $110k

Average salary range across Australia

All States

Job opportunities in every state & territory

High Demand

Growing need in health, community & government

The Demand of Social Workers in Australia

State / Territory Workforce % Why This Matters (Demand) Avg Salary Key Cities & Regions
State / Territory Victoria (VIC)
Workforce % 31.6%
Why This Matters (Demand) Highest number of social workers within the country; wide sector in community & health
Avg Salary $97,000
Key Cities & Regions Melbourne metro, Carlton, Parkville, Ballarat, Geelong
State / Territory Queensland (QLD)
Workforce % 22.9%
Why This Matters (Demand) High demand in Brisbane and regional areas; including government and NGO job roles
Avg Salary $98,000
Key Cities & Regions Brisbane, Southport/Gold Coast, Cairns & Far North, Toowoomba, Caboolture, Burleigh Heads
State / Territory New South Wales (NSW)
Workforce % 21.9%
Why This Matters (Demand) Large demand (sectors) health, child/family support, community services, urban & regional roles
Avg Salary $93,000
Key Cities & Regions Sydney metro, Gosford/Central Coast, Manly, and regional NSW
State / Territory South Australia (SA)
Workforce % 9.6%
Why This Matters (Demand) Public service and community care sectors have high demand; allowances available depending on the region
Avg Salary $99,000
Key Cities & Regions Adelaide metro, North Adelaide, Noarlunga Centre & Woodville
State / Territory Western Australia (WA)
Workforce % 8.5%
Why This Matters (Demand) Job demand in mental health, child protection, and hospitals
Avg Salary $104,000
Key Cities & Regions Perth metro (North Perth, Stirling, Midland), Bunbury & South West
State / Territory Tasmania (TAS)
Workforce % 2.5%
Why This Matters (Demand) Lower volume of workforce but has good opportunities in the community support & health sectors
Avg Salary $95,000
Key Cities & Regions Hobart, Queenstown & Devonport / NW Tasmania
State / Territory ACT
Workforce % 1.5%
Why This Matters (Demand) Public administration, policy, and health sectors have job openings
Avg Salary $108,000
Key Cities & Regions Canberra
State / Territory Northern Territory (NT)
Workforce % 1.4%
Why This Matters (Demand) Remote, government, and community jobs are in demand
Avg Salary $110,000
Key Cities & Regions Darwin & Regional NT (Alice Springs / Central Australia)

Social Work Programs

Social Work courses are available at a Bachelor or Masters level. Both programs develop critically reflective practitioners equipped with innovative knowledge and skills to work with people individually and collectively for change.

Study Social Work
Choose your pathway and check the academic and language requirements.

Bachelor of Social Work

Entry for those who have completed a minimum of secondary school in their home country.

4 Years Full-time

Four years of full time study including required professional placements.

Academic Requirement

Completed Australian Year 12 or overseas equivalent

Language Requirement

IELTS 7.0 minimum in all bands (or equivalent) – test must be valid within 2 years at time of visa application

Master of Social Work

Specifically designed for graduates holding degrees with some social and behavioural science components.

2 Years Full-time

Two years of full time study with compulsory professional placements.

Academic Requirement

3-year Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) with at least 1 year of social sciences

Language Requirement

IELTS 7.0 minimum in all bands (or equivalent) – test must be valid within 2 years at time of visa application

English Test Exemptions

You may be exempt from English testing if:
R
Citizens of UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Republic of Ireland
R
5+ years of study in English in Australia, UK, USA, Canada, NZ, South Africa, or Ireland
R
Enrolled in ELICOS, a course delivered in a language other than English, or a postgraduate research course
MLTSSL Listed Occupation

After Graduation

Social Worker is listed on the MLTSSL. Your qualification opens doors to diverse career opportunities across Australia.

Career Pathways

Social work
Aged care
Health services
Youth work
Counselling

Key Workplaces

R
Health Care & Hospitals
R
Child Protection & Family Services
R
Disability and NDIS Support
R
Mental Health Services
R
Community Services & NGOs
R
Policy & Government
R
Education & School Settings
R
Aged Care & Residential Services
R
Specialist Areas

Work Locations

Capital Cities

Public hospitals, Health networks, NGOs, Schools

Regional Centres

Regional hospitals, Community health, NDIS coordination

Remote / Rural

Government programs, Indigenous support, Telehealth

Working Requirements

Professional recognition
Graduates will be eligible for membership to the AASW and to practice as professional social workers. Membership to the AASW enables you to apply to become a mental health accredited practitioner, which attracts a Medicare rebate for private practitioners.

Ready to Start?

Ready to start your career in social work? Explore accredited programs today.
Migration Pathways

General Skilled Migration

As a qualified social worker, you have multiple pathways to permanent residency in Australia.

Skilled Independent Visa

Not sponsored by employer, it’s a visa for skilled workers that’s points-based

Recommended if you:

  • Have high points scoring
  • Strong AASW assessment
  • Are not state-focused

Skilled Nominated Visa

  • Are seeking state nomination
  • Aim for +5 points
  • Are not seeking employer sponsorship
  • Are looking for a viable PR pathway

Skilled Work Regional

  • Have a lower points scoring
  • Are looking for high demand jobs in regional Australia
  • Aim for +15 points
  • Seek to fill job shortages in regional areas

Employer-sponsored visa (186)

Possible, but not common. It is harder to secure than a trades occupation. This is a company sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia.

Recommended if you:

  • Have worked with the employer for years
  • Have experience with Regional NGO / community service
  • Have an employer who is willing to sponsor you long term

Book a Consultation

Not sure which visa pathway fits your situation. Get clear answers before you waste time or money. In a one on one consultation, we review your background, points, occupation, and realistic visa options.
Learn More

Related Resources

Explore more guides and alternative pathways to your Australian career

Not Sure Which Course Fits Your PR Goals?

Search our database to find accredited programs that match your qualifications and migration goals.

GET IN TOUCH

In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.

Contact details

Give us a call

Australia: +61 7 5526 5900
Argentina: +54 11 7368 8134
Fiji: +679 922 3842
Philippines: +63 968 363 5296
United Kingdom: +44 20 3948 3865

Send an email

info@pathwaytoaus.com

Gold Coast Office

2242 Gold Coast Highway,
Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4218

UK Office

5 Merchant Square
London, W2 1AY, United Kingdom
(By Appointment Only)