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Social Work & Community Services Courses in Australia
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
International students can study the Diploma of Community Services (now CHC52025, with 100 placement hours), a 4-year Bachelor of Social Work, or a 2-year Master of Social Work (Qualifying) for graduates of other fields. Social work degrees accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) include at least 1,000 hours of field placement and make graduates eligible for AASW membership. Social Worker (272511) is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and is assessed by AASW. Community and welfare occupations are assessed by Community Work Australia.
Social Work & Community Services Courses at a Glance
| Qualifications | CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services; Bachelor of Social Work; Master of Social Work (Qualifying) |
|---|---|
| Typical length | Diploma 1 to 2 years; Bachelor of Social Work 4 years; Master of Social Work (Qualifying) 2 years |
| Placement | Diploma at least 100 hours; AASW-accredited social work degrees at least 1,000 hours |
| Skills assessment | AASW for Social Worker; Community Work Australia for welfare and community occupations |
| Example occupations | Social Worker 272511 (MLTSSL), Welfare Worker 272613, Community Worker 411711 |
Course Options by Study Level
| Qualification | Level | Typical length | What it leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Community Services (CHC52025) | AQF 5 (VET) | 1 to 2 years | Community, case and support worker roles |
| Bachelor of Social Work | AQF 7 or 8 | 4 years | Social worker roles; AASW membership eligibility if accredited |
| Master of Social Work (Qualifying) | AQF 9 | 2 years | Social worker roles for graduates of other degrees |
Why AASW Accreditation Matters
To work as a social worker and to pass the AASW skills assessment, you need a social work qualification accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers. Accredited degrees include at least 1,000 hours of supervised field placement. The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) lets graduates of other degrees, such as psychology or sociology, qualify in 2 years.
Diploma of Community Services
The Diploma of Community Services is now CHC52025, replacing CHC52021. The new version requires at least 100 hours of work placement, down from 200. It suits community, case management and support roles, and can give credit into a social work or community services degree.
Visa Pathways
Social Worker is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. Welfare Worker and Community Worker are on the Short-term list, and some community roles are on the Core Skills Occupation List for employer sponsorship. A social work degree therefore gives the clearest pathway.
Careers and Skilled Occupation Lists
These occupations are linked to social work and community services courses. List status is from our Occupation Finder data, checked 15 October 2026.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skilled lists (15 Oct 2026) | Skills assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Worker | 272511 | MLTSSL, CSOL | AASW |
| Welfare Worker | 272613 | STSOL | Community Work Australia |
| Community Worker | 411711 | STSOL, CSOL | Community Work Australia |
| Family Support Worker | 411713 | STSOL, CSOL | Community Work Australia |
| Youth Worker | 411716 | STSOL, CSOL | Community Work Australia |
Lists: MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List), ROL (Regional Occupation List), CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List for the 482 and 186 visas). Check any occupation in our Occupation Finder.
How to Start
- Choose your course and levelTell us your previous study, English results, budget and career goal. We shortlist courses and providers that fit.
- Check AASW accreditationFor social work, choose a degree on the AASW list of accredited courses so you can be assessed and join the AASW.
- Check the provider on CRICOSInternational students must study a course registered on CRICOS. The CRICOS duration also matters for the 485 visa, which needs at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia over at least 16 months.
- Apply and accept your offerApply with your documents, accept the offer, pay the deposit and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover. The provider then issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Apply for your Student visaLodge your Student visa (subclass 500) with evidence of funds, English and the Genuine Student requirement. Since 2 October 2026 most applicants must apply from outside Australia. See our Student visa guide.
How Aussie ASEAN Can Help
We compare AASW-accredited social work degrees and community services diplomas, check whether your previous degree suits the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), and help with your application and Student visa. Our Registered Migration Agent can plan your 485 and skilled visa options.
Free tools for students
Related courses and visas
Not sure which social work and community services course or provider suits your goals? Get free course advice, plus Student visa help from a Registered Migration Agent.
Get course adviceSources: CHC52025 on training.gov.au · AASW accredited courses · AASW education standards (2024) · AASW: international students · Community Work Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Is social work on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Social Worker (272511) is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and the Core Skills Occupation List as at 15 October 2026.
What is a Master of Social Work (Qualifying)?
It is a 2-year master's degree for graduates of other fields. If it is accredited by the AASW, graduates can work as social workers and apply for an AASW skills assessment.
How many placement hours does social work require?
AASW-accredited social work degrees include at least 1,000 hours of field placement. The Diploma of Community Services (CHC52025) requires at least 100 hours.
Who assesses community and welfare workers?
Community Work Australia, formerly the Australian Community Workers Association, assesses Welfare Worker, Community Worker and related occupations. AASW assesses Social Worker.
Can a Diploma of Community Services lead to PR?
Community occupations such as Community Worker are on the Short-term list, which limits the options, mostly to state nomination or employer sponsorship. A social work degree gives a clearer pathway.
How long is a Bachelor of Social Work?
Usually 4 years. Graduates of another degree can instead take the 2-year Master of Social Work (Qualifying).
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