Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) (CRICOS course code 082686G) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Southern Cross University (SCU) over 2 years. This AQF Level 9 program is designed for graduates who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field and wish to qualify as professional social workers. Accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), the course combines advanced theoretical study with extensive practical placement, preparing students for practice in diverse settings such as health, community services, and government. Southern Cross University is a public university with a strong reputation for social work education and is registered on CRICOS (provider code 01241G). The course is offered at SCU’s Gold Coast campus at Bilinga, Queensland, a region with a growing demand for qualified social workers. International students benefit from Australia’s robust student visa framework and ESOS Act protections, ensuring a safe and high-quality educational experience. As part of HeadStart Academy’s free resource library, all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
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The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is a 2-year full-time program that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values required for professional social work practice. The curriculum covers key areas such as social policy, human behaviour, ethics, community development, and cross-cultural practice. Students engage in critical analysis of social issues and learn to apply evidence-based interventions. The course includes a substantial work-integrated learning component, with 50 weeks of placement (20 hours per week, totalling approximately 1,000 hours) in real-world settings. This hands-on experience ensures graduates are ready for employment upon completion. The program is classified under field of education 090501 Social Work, and it leads to eligibility for membership with the AASW. Southern Cross University is a government-funded institution with a strong commitment to social justice and community engagement. The course holds CRICOS registration (082686G), confirming its compliance with Australian education standards for international students.
The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) focuses on advanced professional practice in human welfare studies and services. Students explore theoretical frameworks for understanding social problems, develop skills in assessment and intervention, and learn to work with diverse populations including Indigenous communities, refugees, and people experiencing poverty. Key learning areas include case management, counselling, group work, community organising, policy analysis, and research methods. The program emphasises critical reflection and ethical decision-making. While specific subjects are determined by the university, graduates can expect to gain expertise in areas such as mental health, child protection, aged care, and family support. The curriculum is designed to meet the professional standards required for registration as a social worker in Australia. Because the field is highly regulated, the course includes mandatory placement hours to ensure practical competence. International students should note that social work is in high demand across Australia, particularly in regional areas like Queensland.
The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) has a CRICOS-registered duration of 104 weeks (2 years) of full-time study. The course is delivered in English and is a single qualification (no dual award). Students attend classes on campus at the Gold Coast Airport Development Park in Bilinga, Queensland. There is no foundation studies component; entry requires a prior bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline. The program is typically taken on a full-time basis, as the placement schedule requires consistent availability. Part-time options may be available for domestic students but are less common for international students due to visa conditions. The standard annual study load includes coursework and supervised placements. SCU uses a trimester system, allowing for multiple intake points throughout the year. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is A$52,000 for the entire 2-year program. Non-tuition fees, including student services and amenities, are approximately A$4,000, bringing the estimated total to A$56,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Southern Cross University (SCU). Fees are subject to change and may vary based on the year of enrolment and the number of units taken. The total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students and costs roughly A$500–$1,500 per year depending on the policy. Living expenses are also additional; for Gold Coast, weekly costs for rent, groceries, and transport are estimated at A$400–$600. The Student visa application charge is approximately A$710 (as of 2025). Always confirm current fees directly with SCU before applying. HeadStart Academy recommends budgeting for annual fee increases of 3–5%.
Entry to the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) requires a recognised bachelor’s degree in a related field such as social science, psychology, or human services. Applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency: typically an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, though some institutions require 7.0 overall (check with SCU). Prior academic performance is assessed, and relevant work or volunteer experience may strengthen an application. Some prerequisite subjects in human behaviour or sociology may be required. There is no foundation studies or pathway program offered for this specific course; however, SCU offers pre-masters programs that may assist if your background is not directly related. International applicants must provide certified transcripts, a personal statement, and references. Entry is competitive, so early application is advised. Always consult the official SCU website for the most current entry requirements.
This course includes a significant work-integrated learning component: 50 weeks of supervised placement at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 1,000 hours. Placements are typically arranged by the university in partnership with community agencies, hospitals, government departments, and non-profit organisations. Students gain hands-on experience in a variety of social work settings, applying theory to practice under the guidance of a qualified supervisor. The placement is a mandatory requirement for professional accreditation and must be completed to graduate. International students must ensure their visa allows for work hours; placement is considered a formal part of the course, so it does not count toward the usual 48-hour per fortnight work limit during term. The placement may be scheduled in blocks across the two years, and some evening or weekend work may be required to meet client needs.
The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is delivered at the Gold Coast Airport Development Park campus in Bilinga, Queensland. Bilinga is a coastal suburb adjacent to Coolangatta and the Gold Coast Airport. The campus offers modern facilities, including simulation labs and dedicated social work rooms. Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most popular study destinations, with a large international student community from over 130 countries. The city is served by the G:link light rail, which connects Bilinga to Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the area averages A$350–$500, groceries around A$150, and a bus or rail pass A$50. The Gold Coast has a warm subtropical climate, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant social scene. There are over 10 CRICOS-registered providers in the city offering a wide range of courses. Studying social work here provides opportunities for placements in both urban and regional settings.
International students enrolling in the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Southern Cross University, proof of genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, and evidence of sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel. OSHC is mandatory and provides access to medical services in Australia. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic year and unlimited work during scheduled holidays. However, the work-integrated learning placement is considered part of the course, not employment, so it is separate from this limit. Visa processing times vary; apply early. Once granted, your visa will typically be valid for the course duration plus a short period after completion. ESOS Act protections ensure your rights as a student, including tuition refunds if the provider fails to deliver. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) at Southern Cross University:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Masters Degree Coursework), field (Social Work), and location (Queensland). Confirm that SCU (CRICOS 01241G) offers the course and check relevant entry requirements and deadlines.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit your application through the SCU international admissions portal. You’ll need academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 6.5–7.0), a statement of purpose, and two references. Pay attention to application deadlines—SCU typically has multiple intakes per year. If your qualifications are from another country, get them assessed by a recognised credential evaluator.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once SCU issues your CoE, you can lodge a Student visa (Subclass 500) application online with the Department of Home Affairs. You’ll need to provide the CoE, OSHC proof, financial documents, and a Genuine Temporary Entrant statement. Processing times can take several weeks, so apply well in advance of your intended start date.
Gold Coast offers a dynamic environment for studying social work. With a population of over 600,000 and a large international student cohort, the city provides a multicultural setting ideal for social work practice. The cost of living is moderate compared to Sydney or Melbourne: weekly rent for a shared apartment averages A$250–$350, while a studio is around A$400–$500. Public transport is reliable with buses and light rail, and many students cycle. The city has a strong community services sector with opportunities for placement in NGOs, health services, and government agencies. The warm climate and outdoor lifestyle are added bonuses. However, the Gold Coast is also experiencing housing pressure, so secure accommodation early. Consider whether you prefer a smaller city feel versus the hustle of a capital. HeadStart Academy provides free tools to compare cities and providers. All listed institutions are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality and student protections.
Ready to start your journey? Search CRICOS-registered social work courses on HeadStart Academy and apply today.
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Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Southern Cross University (SCU). 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.