If you're an international student planning to study social work in Australia, the Bachelor of Social Work (CRICOS course code 102204F) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Southern Cross University (SCU) over 4 years. This course is registered on the CRICOS register (provider code 01241G), meaning it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. As a HeadStart Academy resource, we provide this information directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, so you can trust the data. Whether you're drawn to supporting vulnerable populations or advocating for social justice, this degree prepares you for professional social work practice. In this guide, we break down the course structure, fees, entry requirements, work placement, student visa essentials, and the Gold Coast delivery location — all in one place. Remember, all listed providers are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government, and you are protected by the ESOS Act.
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Bachelor of Social Work (CRICOS course code 102204F) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Southern Cross University (SCU) over 4 years. This course sits within the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (090501) under the broader Society and Culture discipline. It is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to work as professional social workers in diverse settings such as community health, child protection, mental health, and aged care. The degree is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which is essential for professional recognition. As a CRICOS-registered course, it complies with the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights as an international student are protected. Southern Cross University (SCU) is a government-owned university with a strong reputation for social work education. This course is offered only at the Gold Coast Airport Development Park - Bilinga campus in Queensland. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is one of them.
The Bachelor of Social Work covers the theory and practice of social work, including human development, social policy, counselling, community development, and research methods. Students learn to assess client needs, intervene in crises, and advocate for social change. The curriculum typically includes subjects such as social work ethics, working with diverse populations, trauma-informed practice, and group work. Field education placements are a core component, allowing students to apply learning in real-world settings. While the exact syllabus may vary, graduates are prepared to meet the AASW practice standards. This degree is at AQF Level 7 (Bachelor Degree), which requires a solid foundation in academic knowledge and professional skills. As an international student, you'll also develop English language proficiency and cross-cultural competence, valuable in Australia's multicultural society.
According to the CRICOS register, the Bachelor of Social Work runs for 4 years (208 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — not a dual degree or combined course. There is no foundation studies component; you are expected to meet the entry requirements directly. Study mode is typically full-time on campus. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are required to maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. The course is delivered face-to-face at the Gold Coast campus, providing an immersive university experience.
Tuition fees for the Bachelor of Social Work are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Southern Cross University (SCU) sets these fees, and they are subject to change. Always confirm directly with the provider before applying.
Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600) are NOT included in this estimate. For accurate budgeting, consider additional costs such as: - OSHC: Approximately A$600–$800 per year for single cover - Living costs: The Department of Home Affairs recommends A$29,710 per year for a single student (2026 rate) - Gold Coast living expenses: Rent (shared) A$200–$350 per week, groceries A$80–$150 per week, public transport A$30–$50 per week
For the most current fee schedule, visit the Southern Cross University website at www.scu.edu.au.
Entry requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work are set by Southern Cross University (SCU) and are indicative only. As a general guide for Bachelor Degree level (AQF Level 7), you will need: - Completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification - English language proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall (no band below 5.5–6.0) or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL, PTE) - Some prior study in relevant areas may be required
For this specific course, SCU may also consider: - Mature age entry for applicants without formal qualifications - Recognition of prior learning (RPL) for credit transfer
There is no foundation or pathway program listed on the CRICOS register for this course, but SCU may offer pathway options. We recommend checking the provider's website for detailed entry criteria and alternative pathways. English language requirements may vary by provider and country of origin — always verify with the institution.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component: 25 weeks of placement at 40 hours per week, totalling approximately 1,000 hours. This is a significant feature of social work degrees in Australia, providing real-world experience under supervision. Placements typically occur in community organisations, hospitals, government agencies, or non-profit settings. You'll be expected to apply classroom learning to support clients, conduct assessments, and develop intervention plans. Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a requirement for AASW accreditation and is crucial for your professional development. International students must ensure they have appropriate visa conditions (Subclass 500) that allow unpaid placements — generally, placements related to your course are permitted. Some placements may require additional checks (e.g., Working with Children Check, police clearance).
The Bachelor of Social Work is delivered at: - Gold Coast Airport Development Park - Bilinga, BILINGA, QLD
This campus is located near the Gold Coast Airport, approximately 20 km south of Surfers Paradise. Bilinga is a coastal suburb with easy access to beaches and public transport. The Gold Coast is Australia's sixth-largest city, with a population of over 700,000 including a large international student community. The city is home to several universities and offers a vibrant lifestyle with a subtropical climate. Living costs in the Gold Coast are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne but higher than regional areas. The campus is well-connected by bus and light rail, and the nearest shopping and entertainment precincts are in Coolangatta and Tweed Heads. For context, Queensland has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: - Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Southern Cross University (SCU) for CRICOS course 102204F - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria: you must demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily for study - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): mandatory for the duration of your visa - Financial capacity: you must show you can cover tuition, living costs, and travel - English language proficiency: must meet the provider's requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.5)
Work rights: Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Work must not compromise your study. For detailed visa advice, we recommend consulting a registered MARA migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Queensland is Australia's sunshine state, offering a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle. The Gold Coast, where this course is delivered, is a major tourism and education hub. With over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, Queensland has a strong international student community. Living costs are moderate: expect to pay around A$200–$350 per week for shared accommodation, A$80–$150 for groceries, and A$30–$50 for public transport. The state has excellent public transport, including the G:link light rail connecting Bilinga to key areas. Consider your preference for lifestyle, career opportunities, and climate. Social work job prospects are good in Queensland, particularly in regional and remote areas. Weigh these factors against other states like NSW or Victoria to find the best fit for your studies and future career.
Ready to apply for the Bachelor of Social Work at Southern Cross University (SCU)? Follow these three steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Bachelor Degree), field (Social Work), and location (Queensland). Confirm that Southern Cross University (SCU) is CRICOS-registered (01241G) and that the course code 102204F is current. All our data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** Visit www.scu.edu.au to access the application portal for international students. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), passport copy, and any other required documents. Check application deadlines — typically two intakes per year (February and July). Pay the application fee if applicable.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** Once accepted, SCU will issue a CoE for CRICOS course 102204F. Use this to lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application online via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE requirements. After visa grant, you can plan your travel to the Gold Coast.
Need help? HeadStart Academy provides free resources, but we do not process applications. For visa assistance, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Ready to start your social work journey in Australia? Explore more CRICOS-registered courses or contact Southern Cross University directly for application details.
Bachelor of Social Work 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.