Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (CRICOS course code 105271D) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 2 years. This program is designed for graduates seeking to become qualified social workers, meeting the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation standards. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00004G), it is available to international students who wish to study in Australia. The course focuses on human welfare studies and services, preparing students for professional social work practice in diverse settings. Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university with multiple campuses across Australia. This course is delivered at three locations: Brisbane Campus (Banyo, QLD), Canberra Campus (Watson, ACT), and Strathfield Campus (NSW). Each campus offers access to vibrant student communities and urban amenities. The indicative tuition fee is A$64,144, with no additional non-tuition fees, though students should budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa costs. With a mandatory work component of approximately 1,000 hours, this qualification provides hands-on experience through placements. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, ensuring students have ample choice. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that uses official CRICOS data (April 2026) to help you compare courses and providers.
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Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (CRICOS 105271D) is a postgraduate degree at AQF Level 9, offered by Australian Catholic University Limited (CRICOS 00004G). The course belongs to the field of Society and Culture (0905 - Human Welfare Studies and Services, specifically Social Work). The program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), meaning graduates are eligible for membership and can practice as social workers in Australia. The course is delivered full-time over 104 weeks (2 years) and includes a significant work-integrated learning component. All teaching is in English. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. Students will develop skills in case management, community development, counselling, and advocacy. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical field education placements.
This Master of Social Work (Qualifying) covers the core areas of social work practice, including human behaviour, social policy, research methods, and ethics. The field of education (090501 Social Work) emphasises understanding social justice, diversity, and the impact of social structures on individuals and communities. Students engage in critical analysis of contemporary social issues and learn intervention strategies across micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The program typically includes subjects such as social work theory, mental health, child protection, community work, and cross-cultural practice. Graduates are prepared to work in health, aged care, child safety, disability services, and non-profit organisations. While specific curriculum details are set by the provider, the AASW accreditation standards ensure a consistent core framework. Students should consult Australian Catholic University's website for exact subject listings.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is structured as a 2-year full-time program, equivalent to 104 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The course is delivered on-campus at ACU's three locations. Students are expected to attend classes, tutorials, and field placements during the standard academic year. The course is not available part-time on a student visa, as Subclass 500 requires full-time study. ACU may offer flexible delivery modes such as online or blended learning for domestic students, but international students typically must study on-campus to satisfy visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is A$64,144 for the full program, as recorded in the CRICOS register. There are no additional non-tuition fees listed (A$0), but this does not include other costs. Students must also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, currently estimated at around A$600–$1,500 per year depending on coverage. Living expenses vary by city: in Brisbane, weekly rent for a shared apartment is approximately A$200–$350; in Canberra, A$300–$450; and in Sydney (Strathfield), A$300–$500. Groceries and transport add another A$150–$250 per week. The visa application charge for Subclass 500 is currently A$1,600 (subject to change). Always confirm fees directly with Australian Catholic University, as fees are set by the institution and may change. This information is sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Entry into this Master of Social Work (Qualifying) typically requires a completed bachelor's degree in any field, with some prerequisite study in social sciences or human services. However, specific requirements are set by Australian Catholic University. English language proficiency is essential; the indicative IELTS requirement is 6.5–7.0 overall (with no band below 7.0 in speaking and listening). Other tests like TOEFL or PTE Academic may be accepted. Applicants without a relevant background may need to complete additional foundation subjects. ACU may offer pathway programs, but this is not a foundation studies course. For detailed entry criteria, consult the provider's website. Meeting entry requirements does not guarantee admission; it is a competitive process. International students should also demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status for visa purposes.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of approximately 28 weeks, at 35.7 hours per week, totalling around 1,000 hours. This takes the form of professional field placements in social work settings, such as hospitals, community agencies, schools, or government departments. Placements are supervised by qualified social workers and allow students to apply theory in real-world contexts. This is a critical requirement for AASW accreditation. Students are typically responsible for obtaining placement sites with support from the university. The work component is unpaid but counts as academic credit. It is integrated into the course schedule, so students must plan their availability. This practical experience is invaluable for building professional networks and enhancing employability.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is delivered at three Australian Catholic University campuses:
Each campus provides modern facilities, libraries, and student support services. Students should consider their preferred location based on lifestyle, cost, and personal circumstances.
International students studying this course on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory academic progress. The ESOS Act protects your rights, including tuition fee refund in case of provider default. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It is important to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily for study. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa. The Department of Home Affairs sets all visa conditions. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent for personalised guidance. For visa application details, visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) at Australian Catholic University:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Masters Degree), field (Social Work), and location (QLD, ACT, NSW). Compare ACU with other providers offering similar courses.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Australian Catholic University's website (www.acu.edu.au) to check entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application through ACU's online portal with supporting documents (transcripts, CV, personal statement).
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once ACU issues your CoE, you can apply for the student visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, proof of financial capacity, and meet GTE requirements.
Remember, this is a competitive course; apply early to secure a place.
Before applying, consider the following factors specific to this course and field:
Use HeadStart Academy's free resources to compare multiple providers and make an informed decision.
Ready to apply? Follow our 3-step guide above and start your journey toward a career in social work.
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Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Catholic University Limited. 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.