Bachelor of Social Work (CRICOS 084790C) at Australian Catholic University

Course overview

Bachelor of Social Work (CRICOS course code 084790C) is a four-year undergraduate degree focusing on human welfare studies and services. Delivered by Australian Catholic University (ACU), a government-funded public university with a strong reputation in health and education fields, this program prepares graduates for professional social work practice. The curriculum covers social theory, welfare policy, counselling, community development, and research methods. Graduates are eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), enabling them to work in diverse settings such as hospitals, schools, government agencies, and non-profit organisations. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, and data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness. HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no referral fees, dedicated to helping international students find their perfect course.

What you'll study

This course falls under the field of 'Society and Culture' (09) with a focus on 'Human Welfare Studies and Services' (0905) and specifically 'Social Work' (090501). At the Bachelor Degree level, students typically develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and practical intervention skills. Study areas include human behaviour, social policy, community development, case management, and cross-cultural practice. The program emphasises social justice, human rights, and evidence-based practice. While exact subjects vary, graduates gain competencies in assessment, advocacy, and client support. ACU integrates Indigenous perspectives and professional ethics throughout the curriculum. This field is in high demand in Australia, with social work roles projected to grow strongly, offering international students valuable post-study work opportunities under the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485).

Duration and study mode

The Bachelor of Social Work has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual degree) and does not include foundation studies. Students are typically enrolled full-time on campus, with some components delivered via online learning. The course is not a VET program (no national code applies). ACU offers a supportive learning environment with small class sizes and access to modern facilities. International students must maintain full-time enrolment and meet attendance requirements to comply with their Student visa conditions.

Fees and costs

Tuition fees for this course are indicative at A$129,568 for the full program, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, bringing the estimated total to A$129,568. These fees are set by Australian Catholic University and subject to change — always confirm current fees directly with the provider. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For context, the Australian Government recommends a living cost of approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student (as of 2025), which varies by city. For example, Brisbane's average weekly rent is around A$200–350, Canberra A$200–400, and Sydney A$300–500, excluding utilities and groceries. ESOS Act protections ensure international students receive refunds or alternative placements if courses are discontinued. Use HeadStart Academy's fee data as a guide only.

Entry requirements

Indicative English language requirements for this Bachelor Degree include an IELTS overall score of 6.0–6.5 with no band below 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent such as TOEFL or PTE). Academic entry typically requires completion of Australian Year 12 or an overseas equivalent, with prerequisite subjects sometimes specified (e.g., English). For students who do not meet direct entry, ACU may offer pathway programs such as foundation studies or diplomas. Always refer to the provider's website for the most current requirements. Meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for their student visa.

Work-integrated learning (placement)

This course includes a mandatory work component of 30 weeks at 35 hours per week, totalling approximately 1,050 hours. This is typically completed as supervised professional practice placements in community organisations, hospitals, or government agencies. Placements allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, developing skills in client assessment, case management, and interdisciplinary teamwork. ACU arranges placements in various locations, including rural and regional areas, providing exposure to diverse social work contexts. Successful completion of placements is required for graduation and for professional registration with the AASW. International students should ensure their visa conditions allow for unpaid placements as part of their course.

Delivery locations

This course is delivered at three ACU campuses: Brisbane Campus in Banyo, Queensland; Canberra Campus in Watson, Australian Capital Territory; and Strathfield Campus in Strathfield, New South Wales. Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, has a large student population with over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a vibrant lifestyle with lower living costs compared to Sydney. Canberra, the national capital, is home to several major universities and has a calm, study-focused environment with excellent public transport. Strathfield is a suburb in Sydney's inner west, close to the city centre and well-connected by train and bus. Sydney has the highest cost of living among Australian capitals but offers extensive employment and networking opportunities. Each campus provides modern facilities and student support services. Choose a location that fits your budget and lifestyle preferences.

Student visa information

International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from ACU, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, proof of financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC), and health insurance (OSHC) for the duration of stay. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Upon graduation, students may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) to gain professional work experience. All visa applications must be lodged through the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent for assistance. ESOS protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses.

What to consider before choosing a Bachelor of Social Work

Social work is a rewarding but demanding profession that requires empathy, resilience, and strong communication skills. Before committing, consider factors such as: accreditation — this course is accredited by the AASW, essential for professional registration in Australia; demand — social workers are in high demand across health, child protection, and community services; work placements — the 1,050-hour placement commitment can be intense but provides invaluable experience. Also consider your chosen city's living costs, climate, and cultural diversity. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses, so you have options. HeadStart Academy's data, sourced from the official CRICOS register, helps you compare. Remember that visa conditions and ESOS rights protect your investment. Take time to research and speak to current students before applying.

How to apply

Follow these three steps to start your Bachelor of Social Work at Australian Catholic University:

1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Use HeadStart Academy's search tools to filter by course level (Bachelor Degree), field (Social Work), and preferred location (Brisbane, Canberra, or Sydney). Verify that ACU is CRICOS-registered (provider code 00004G).

2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Check entry requirements (English test scores, academic transcripts, prerequisites) and application deadlines on ACU's website. Submit your application online through ACU's international admissions portal. Provide all required documents, including certified translations if necessary.

3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** — Once accepted, ACU issues a CoE to confirm your enrolment. Then, lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including GTE statement, financial evidence, OSHC policy, and health checks. Visa processing times vary, so apply early.

Ready to start your journey? Your first step is to research CRICOS-registered providers and apply directly to Australian Catholic University. Explore our other courses or contact the provider for more details.

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