Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (CRICOS course code 081883M) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by University of South Australia (UniSA) over 4 years 1 month (~211 weeks). This CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00121B) equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to practice as professional social workers in Australia and internationally. Located at UniSA's Magill Campus in Adelaide, South Australia, the program combines academic theory with extensive work-integrated learning. As an international student, you'll benefit from Australia's robust ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and student support. HeadStart Academy sources all course data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), covering over 26,000 courses across 1,500+ registered providers. Use this guide to explore fees, entry requirements, and the student visa process for this rewarding qualification.
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (CRICOS course code 081883M) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by University of South Australia (UniSA) over 4 years 1 month (~211 weeks). This program is classified under the field of education 090501 - Social Work (Society and Culture) and prepares graduates for professional practice in diverse settings such as community services, healthcare, government, and non-profit organisations. UniSA is a government-funded university with a strong reputation for teaching and research, and its social work program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). As a CRICOS-registered provider (00121B), UniSA meets Australian Government standards for international education, ensuring your qualification is recognised globally.
The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) curriculum covers core areas of social work theory and practice, including human development, social policy, community development, counselling, and research methods. Students develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and cross-cultural competence, with a strong emphasis on working with diverse populations. The honours component involves a research project, allowing you to explore a specialised area of social work. While specific subjects vary, graduates typically acquire the skills to assess client needs, advocate for social justice, and implement evidence-based interventions. The program aligns with AQF Level 8, reflecting advanced knowledge and application in professional social work.
The course duration is 4 years 1 month (~211 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual award). Full-time study is standard, with a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and fieldwork placements. The 211-week period includes structured teaching, self-directed study, and the required work component. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
Tuition fees for Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at University of South Australia (UniSA) are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. The total tuition fee is A$131,200 for the full program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, but students should budget for additional costs such as textbooks, equipment, and field placement expenses. The estimated total cost (tuition only) is A$131,200. Note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included. Living costs in Adelaide are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne: weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$200–A$300, groceries A$100–A$150, and public transport A$30–A$50. Always confirm current fees on the provider's website (unisa.edu.au) before applying.
International applicants must meet academic and English language requirements. The indicative English requirement is IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent test). You should hold a prior qualification equivalent to an Australian Year 12 or higher, with prerequisite subjects in English or humanities often recommended. Some students may be eligible for foundation or pathway programs offered by UniSA or affiliated colleges. Specific entry requirements vary by country and assessment method — refer to UniSA's international admissions page for detailed criteria. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; a competitive selection process applies.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 30 weeks of supervised professional placement (~1000 total hours, with hours per week determined by the placement schedule). Placements provide real-world experience in settings such as hospitals, community health centres, child protection agencies, or aged care facilities. Students apply theoretical knowledge under the guidance of qualified social workers, gaining essential skills for professional registration. Placements are arranged by the university, though locations may involve travel. This hands-on training ensures graduates are job-ready and meet AASW accreditation standards.
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) is delivered at University of South Australia, Magill Campus in MAGILL, South Australia. Adelaide, the capital of SA, is a vibrant, affordable city with over 230,000 students, including many internationals. The Magill campus is well-served by public bus routes and is a short drive from the city centre. Adelaide offers a lower cost of living compared to other Australian capitals: indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$300–A$400. The city has a growing social work sector, with opportunities in government, health, and community organisations. With over 8 CRICOS-registered universities in South Australia, Adelaide is a popular choice for international students seeking a balanced study experience.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (at least A$21,041 per year), and OSHC for the duration of your stay. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain enrolment in a full-time CRICOS course and meet attendance and academic progress requirements. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent — consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at University of South Australia (UniSA):
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's directory to filter by course level (Bachelor Honours), field (Social Work), and location (South Australia). Verify that your chosen course is CRICOS-registered — all data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit UniSA's international admissions page (unisa.edu.au/international) to check entry requirements, submit academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE), and any prerequisite documents. Deadlines vary by intake — typically February and July starts.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, UniSA will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online via ImmiAccount. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Processing times range from 4–8 weeks. Begin your application early to allow for visa processing.
Adelaide offers a high quality of life with a relaxed pace, lower living costs, and a strong sense of community. The city is home to over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and has a vibrant international student scene. Social work students benefit from Adelaide's diverse community services sector and connections to rural and regional placements. Consider factors like climate (Mediterranean), proximity to beaches, and public transport accessibility. If you prefer a bustling metropolis, Sydney or Melbourne might be more suited, but Adelaide provides an excellent environment for focused study and professional growth. HeadStart Academy's guide includes real student feedback and cost-of-living breakdowns to help you decide.
Ready to apply? Start your journey to study Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at University of South Australia. Use the steps above or contact UniSA directly for personalised guidance.
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Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) is a CRICOS-registered programme at University of South Australia (UniSA). 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.