Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts (CRICOS course code 074888J) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 5 years 8 months (~294 weeks). This dual qualification combines professional social work training with the breadth of an arts degree, preparing graduates for careers in community services, policy, and advocacy. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00098G), international students can study at UNSW's Kensington campus in Sydney. All information is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) and the provider's website. HeadStart Academy is your trusted resource for finding and comparing CRICOS-registered courses across Australia.
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Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts (CRICOS course code 074888J) is a Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF Level 8) offered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) (CRICOS 00098G). This course combines professional social work training with a Bachelor of Arts, allowing students to develop expertise in human welfare and services alongside liberal arts disciplines. The program is designed to meet the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation standards for social work practice. Graduates are eligible for membership of the AASW and can work in diverse settings such as hospitals, community health, child protection, and mental health. The course is delivered over 5 years and 8 months (294 weeks) full-time, with English as the language of instruction. It includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks (140 hours total) to provide real-world experience. UNSW is a Group of Eight university located in Kensington, Sydney, offering world-class facilities and a vibrant international student community.
This dual degree falls under the field of education 090501 – Social Work, within the broader Society and Culture category. Students will learn theory and practice in social work, including human behaviour, social policy, research methods, and intervention strategies. The arts component allows specialisation in areas such as sociology, psychology, Indigenous studies, or languages. At the Bachelor Honours level, graduates develop advanced critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and research skills. The curriculum typically includes subjects like social work theory, community development, counselling, and fieldwork. Please note that course details are indicative; UNSW's website provides the most current syllabus and subject offerings.
The course duration is 5 years and 8 months (~294 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time, on-campus program delivered in English. It is a dual qualification, meaning you graduate with two separate degrees: a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts. Dual degrees allow you to combine two areas of interest and broaden your career options. The standard study load is 4-6 subjects per semester, depending on the academic calendar. UNSW offers flexibility with some online components, but the majority of classes are face-to-face at the Kensington campus. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire program is A$285,000, with non-tuition fees estimated at A$5,500, bringing the estimated total to A$290,500. Please note: these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change. Fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. International students should budget for additional costs: OSHC (approx. A$500–A$700 per year), living costs (approx. A$21,000–A$25,000 per year in Sydney), and the student visa application fee (currently A$710). For the most current fee schedule, always visit UNSW's official website. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the ESOS Act protects your tuition fees through the Tuition Protection Service (TPS).
International applicants typically need to meet UNSW's academic and English language requirements. For this course, an IELTS overall score of 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0) is commonly required. Equivalent English language tests (e.g., TOEFL, PTE) may also be accepted. Prior study: completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, with competitive ATAR scores. UNSW may consider foundation studies or pathway programs if you do not meet direct entry requirements. Always check the provider's website for specific prerequisites, as requirements can change. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting UNSW's international admissions team for personalised guidance.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 20 weeks of placement, with 7 hours per week (approximately 140 total hours). This fieldwork gives students practical experience in social work settings such as hospitals, community organisations, or government agencies. Placements are supervised by qualified social workers and integrate classroom learning with professional practice. This component is essential for AASW accreditation and helps develop competencies in assessment, intervention, and ethical practice. UNSW's Career Centre and course coordinators assist students in securing suitable placements.
The course is delivered at The University of New South Wales – Kensington, NSW. Kensington is a suburb of Sydney, about 5 km south of the CBD, with excellent public transport via buses and light rail. Sydney is home to over 200,000 international students and more than 20 CRICOS-registered providers. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average (indicative weekly rent: A$250–A$450, groceries: A$80–A$150, transport: A$30–A$50). UNSW's campus offers modern lecture theatres, libraries, and student support services. The university is a major research institution and a member of the Group of Eight.
To study this course on campus in Australia, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient funds. With this visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet the requirements. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered students, ensuring education quality and refund safeguards. Always consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA) for visa advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts at The University of New South Wales (UNSW):
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that UNSW is CRICOS-registered (00098G) and the course is listed (074888J).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit UNSW's international admissions page to check specific entry requirements (academic qualifications, English test scores, application deadlines). Submit your application online with supporting documents.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once UNSW issues your CoE, you can apply for the visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare evidence of GTE, OSHC, and financial capacity.
Sydney is Australia's largest city, known for its vibrant culture, beaches, and strong job market. For social work students, Sydney offers diverse placement opportunities in hospitals, NGOs, and government agencies. The city's multicultural population provides a rich learning environment. However, living costs are higher than in other Australian cities. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences. UNSW's Kensington campus is well-connected, and the university provides extensive support for international students. If you prefer a smaller city or lower costs, you might explore other providers in Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth. HeadStart Academy can help you compare courses across all states.
Explore more CRICOS-registered social work courses on HeadStart Academy and take the next step toward your Australian study adventure.
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Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts 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.