Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) (CRICOS course code 119188F) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Charles Sturt University (CSU) over 2 years. This course qualifies graduates for professional social work practice in Australia and is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). As a CRICOS-registered program (provider CRICOS 00005F), international students can be confident in the quality and compliance with Australian education standards. Charles Sturt University is a government-funded university with a strong reputation in regional and metropolitan education, offering this Master of Social Work at two Australian campuses: North Sydney, NSW and Melbourne, VIC. The course includes a substantial work-integrated learning component of 34 weeks (approximately 1020 hours), ensuring graduates are practice-ready. With an indicative tuition fee of A$70,200 and non-tuition fees of A$736, the estimated total cost is A$70,936. As a HeadStart Academy resource, we provide this information from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make an informed decision about studying social work in Australia.
The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) (CRICOS course code 119188F) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) at AQF Level 9, offered by Charles Sturt University (CSU), a government-funded CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 00005F). This course is designed for graduates who already hold a bachelor's degree in a related field and wish to gain professional social work qualifications. The program covers core social work theory, ethics, research methods, and practice skills, culminating in a substantial supervised placement. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The course is listed under the field of education '0905 - Human Welfare Studies and Services' (Society and Culture), ensuring alignment with national standards for social work education.
This program falls within the field of 'Human Welfare Studies and Services' (090501 Social Work), part of the broader Society and Culture discipline. At the Masters level, students typically engage with advanced theoretical frameworks, evidence-based practice, social policy analysis, and cross-cultural competence. The curriculum emphasizes critical reflection, ethical decision-making, and intervention strategies across diverse populations. Students explore topics such as community development, mental health, child protection, and advocacy. The course integrates academic learning with practical application through a mandatory work-integrated learning component, preparing graduates for professional registration and employment in health, community services, and government sectors.
The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is a full-time course with a CRICOS-registered duration of 2 years (104 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual degree) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes and complete placements across the duration. The program is delivered face-to-face at Charles Sturt University campuses, with some online components possible depending on the provider's delivery mode. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is A$70,200 for the full 2-year program. Non-tuition fees (including administration, resources, and student services) are estimated at A$736, bringing the total estimated cost to A$70,936. Please note: These figures are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change. Fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For current fees and any additional charges, always check the Charles Sturt University website at www.csu.edu.au. HeadStart Academy provides this data as a guide, and we recommend budgeting for weekly living expenses such as rent (A$200–500), groceries (A$80–150), and transport (A$30–60), depending on your location.
Entry to the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) requires a completed bachelor's degree, typically in a related field such as social sciences, psychology, or human services. English language proficiency is essential; the indicative requirement is IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall (no band below 6.5) or equivalent. Some prior study in social sciences may be required. Charles Sturt University assesses applications individually and may offer pathway options (e.g., bridging courses) for those who do not meet direct entry criteria. Always confirm specific entry requirements with the provider, as they can change. For visa purposes, you must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate sufficient funds.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 34 weeks, with 30 hours per week, totaling approximately 1020 hours. This typically involves supervised professional placements in social work settings such as hospitals, community health centers, schools, or non-government organizations. Placements provide hands-on experience under the guidance of qualified social workers and are essential for meeting AASW accreditation requirements. Students are supported by the university's placement office to secure suitable opportunities. This component is integrated into the course structure and is a key part of the professional qualifying process.
The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is delivered at two campuses: 77 Berry St, North Sydney, NSW 2060, and Level 3, 222 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000. North Sydney is a major commercial hub with excellent public transport links (train, bus, ferry) and proximity to Sydney's city center. Melbourne's Bourke Street campus is in the heart of the CBD, close to trams and trains. Both cities have large international student communities and diverse social work placement opportunities. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and choosing a location depends on your lifestyle and career goals. Consider living costs: Sydney's average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$550, while Melbourne is slightly lower at A$480. Both cities offer vibrant cultural scenes and strong support networks for international students.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. As a CRICOS-registered program, it meets visa requirements. Key conditions include: maintaining enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. The ESOS Act protects international students, including tuition fee protection and access to complaints processes. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) at Charles Sturt University (CSU):
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Verify that the provider and course are on the CRICOS register (April 2026).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the Charles Sturt University website (www.csu.edu.au) to check specific entry requirements, English language tests, and application deadlines. Submit your application with all required documents (transcripts, English test results, personal statement).
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
Start your journey to becoming a qualified social worker in Australia. Use HeadStart Academy to explore CRICOS-registered courses and apply directly to Charles Sturt University.
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Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Charles Sturt University (CSU). 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.