Are you considering a career in social work in Australia? Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (CRICOS course code 000831E) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), meaning it meets Australia's rigorous standards for international education. UNSW is a leading public university (CRICOS 00098G) located in Kensington, Sydney. With a comprehensive curriculum blending theory and practice, this degree prepares graduates for professional social work roles in diverse settings. HeadStart Academy provides this information free of charge, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — no commissions, no referral fees. Australia offers over 26,000 courses across 1,500+ CRICOS-registered providers, and this course is one of the most sought-after in human welfare studies.
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (CRICOS course code 000831E) is a Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF Level 8) delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years (208 weeks). The course falls under the field of education '09 - Society and Culture', specifically '0905 - Human Welfare Studies and Services' with specialisation '090501 - Social Work'. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is approved for enrolment by international students and ensures compliance with the ESOS Act. UNSW is a government-owned university with a strong reputation for research and teaching. The language of instruction is English, and the course is a single qualification (no dual awards). This program includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks (24.5 hours per week, approximately 490 total hours), providing valuable field experience. Indicative tuition fees are A$201,500, with non-tuition fees of A$4,000, totalling approximately A$205,500. Note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application fees are additional. Always verify current fees with the provider.
The field of Social Work is dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities by addressing social issues such as poverty, mental health, disability, and inequality. A Bachelor Honours Degree at AQF Level 8 equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in human behaviour, social policy, research methods, and professional practice. Graduates typically learn to assess client needs, develop intervention plans, advocate for social justice, and work collaboratively across sectors. While the specific syllabus is determined by UNSW, students can expect a combination of core social work units, electives, and supervised fieldwork placements. This course emphasises ethical practice, cultural competence, and critical thinking — essential qualities for a career in social work in Australia and internationally.
According to the CRICOS register, Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks). This includes full-time study with a mix of coursework and professional placements. The language of instruction is English, so proficiency is essential. The course is a single qualification — not offered as a dual or combined degree. There is no foundation studies component embedded; however, students who do not meet direct entry requirements may consider pathway programs offered by UNSW Global or other providers. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa conditions.
Indicative fees for Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at UNSW are as follows (sourced from the CRICOS register, subject to change): - Tuition fee: A$201,500 total for the 4-year program. - Non-tuition fees: A$4,000 (includes materials, amenities, and possibly student services). - Estimated total: A$205,500. Important additional costs for international students include: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover; living expenses (accommodation, food, transport) in Sydney — budget roughly A$25,000–A$30,000 per year; and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for the main applicant). These are not included in the CRICOS fee estimate. Always confirm current fees directly with UNSW before applying. For up-to-date fee details, visit the provider's website: www.unsw.edu.au.
Entry to Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) requires successful completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent, with strong academic results. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency: typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall with no band below 5.5–6.0 (specific band scores may vary — check with UNSW). Alternative tests such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English may also be accepted. Some students may need to complete a foundation studies program or diploma before entry. UNSW offers pathway options through UNSW Global. Meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive. Applicants should also meet any prerequisite subjects (e.g., English and humanities). For detailed requirements, refer to UNSW's course page or contact their admissions team.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 20 weeks of placement totalling approximately 490 hours (24.5 hours per week). This is a key feature of social work education in Australia, providing real-world experience under supervision. Placements may occur in hospitals, community health centres, schools, welfare agencies, or government departments. Students apply theoretical knowledge to practice, develop professional skills, and build networks. The work-integrated learning ensures graduates are job-ready and meet the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation requirements. Placements are arranged by UNSW but students may need to meet pre-placement requirements such as police checks and immunisations.
The course is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, NSW. Kensington is a suburb located approximately 6 kilometres southeast of Sydney's central business district. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 5 million people, and hosts numerous CRICOS-registered providers (over 300 in the Greater Sydney area). Living costs in Sydney are relatively high: indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kensington is around A$350–A$500; groceries A$80–A$120; and public transport A$30–A$50 (with student concessions). The campus is well-served by buses and light rail, and is a short distance from the city's cultural hubs, beaches, and parks. UNSW's Kensington campus offers modern facilities, libraries, and student support services. Studying in Sydney provides exposure to a multicultural environment and diverse social work settings.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and limited work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during scheduled study periods, and unlimited hours during holidays. Visa conditions require: maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS course, satisfactory course progress, valid OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), and genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status. The ESOS Act provides legal protections, including tuition fee protection and information transparency. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice — consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa specifics.
Applying for Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at UNSW involves three steps: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers — use HeadStart Academy's course finder to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm that UNSW (CRICOS 00098G) is the right choice for your goals. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution — visit UNSW's website (www.unsw.edu.au) to review full entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application online with supporting documents (transcripts, English test results, personal statement). 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once UNSW issues your CoE, you can lodge a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds for tuition and living costs.
Sydney is a vibrant, multicultural city with a strong demand for social workers. The city offers numerous placement opportunities in public health, child protection, and community services. However, living costs are among the highest in Australia. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences. Sydney's public transport and student support services are excellent. If you prefer a smaller city with lower costs, you might explore social work courses in other states. Nonetheless, UNSW's reputation and industry connections make it an attractive choice for international students seeking quality education and career prospects.
Ready to start your social work journey? Research CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy and take the first step towards studying at UNSW.
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Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.