Quick answer

The essentials at a glance

You can study a Master of Social Work in Australia from Nepal if you have a bachelor's degree with at least one year of social or behavioural science study. The qualifying course lasts 2 years and includes about 1,000 hours of placement. Universities such as Adelaide and Queensland ask for IELTS 7. This page explains AASW accreditation, entry, costs and how to choose a course.

Key takeaways

Main points from this page

  • The qualifying Master of Social Work lasts 2 years full-time at the universities we checked.
  • You need a bachelor's degree with at least one year of study in social or behavioural sciences.
  • Adelaide and the University of Queensland both ask for IELTS 7 overall.
  • Placement is about 1,000 hours, and it takes place in the course, often several days a week.
  • Check whether the course is AASW accredited before you apply, because accreditation affects your career in Australia.

Can You Study a Master of Social Work in Australia from Nepal?

Yes, you can study a Master of Social Work in Australia if you have a bachelor’s degree with some social science study.

Social work helps people and families who face hard times, such as illness, poverty, abuse or loss. A social worker supports them and links them to services. This guide is part of our study in Australia from Nepal series, and the other subject guides sit in our courses in Australia section.

Amounts here are in Australian dollars. Use our AUD to Rs forex converter to see them in rupees.

  • Length: 2 years full-time for international students.
  • Entry: a bachelor’s degree with a year of social or behavioural science.
  • English: IELTS 7 overall at the two universities we checked.
  • Placement: about 1,000 hours, tied to the course.

Which Universities Teach a Master of Social Work in Australia?

Adelaide University and the University of Queensland are good places to start.

Both publish their entry rules online.

Adelaide University

Adelaide teaches the course over 2 years full-time, with a February start. It lists a placement of up to 1,000 hours. See our Adelaide University profile and the course page.

The University of Queensland

Queensland teaches the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) over 2 years full-time, with a Semester 1 start. It says the course is accredited by AASW. See our University of Queensland profile and the course page.

What Is AASW Accreditation and Why Does It Matter?

The Australian Association of Social Workers, or AASW, accredits social work courses, and graduates of accredited courses can join as members.

AASW says an accredited course meets its minimum education standards, and graduates are eligible for full membership. A course that is only provisionally accredited still gives graduates the same standing. You can read this in the AASW FAQs.

Queensland says its course is accredited by AASW. Adelaide’s page says it is working with AASW on reaccreditation of the program for 2027. So check the AASW status of any course you plan to join, and ask the university in writing.

Do not pick a research-only master’s by mistake. Choose the qualifying course, because that is the one built for a social work career.

What Are the Entry Requirements for a Master of Social Work in Australia?

You need a bachelor’s degree, one year of social or behavioural science study, a good GPA and IELTS 7.

Adelaide asks for a GPA equal to 5.0 on its 7-point scale. It also asks for IELTS 7 overall, with at least 7 in each band. If you already hold an Australian social work degree, you are not eligible for this course.

Queensland asks for a GPA of 4.0 on its 7-point scale, and entry is competitive. Accepted fields include sociology, psychology, anthropology, criminology and community development. It also asks for IELTS 7 with no band below 7.

This English level is higher than for most master’s courses. Start your test preparation early. Read our minimum IELTS and PTE for Australia page. Use our NEB GPA calculator to convert an older NEB grade.

What Do You Study in a Master of Social Work?

You study social work practice, ethics, policy, mental health, and work with children and families.

Adelaide lists subjects such as practice skills, ethical decision making, mental health and social work practice, and human rights and community development. It also lists leadership and research subjects.

Placement is a big part of the course. Adelaide lists up to 1,000 hours of supervised placement, usually 3 to 5 days a week. Queensland lists about 1,000 hours too, and says placements need full-time attendance. They may also be outside the main city, and students pay their own travel and living costs.

So plan your money for placement time. You may not be able to work as much during these weeks.

How Much Does a Master of Social Work Cost in Australia?

Adelaide lists about AUD 43,400 a year, and Queensland lists about AUD 48,080 a year.

These are indicative fees from official pages. They change each year. A two-year course costs about twice the yearly fee. The rupee amounts are rounded.

UniversityLengthFeeAbout in rupees
Adelaide University2 yearsAUD 43,400 a yearabout Rs 39 lakh
University of Queensland2 yearsAUD 48,080 a yearabout Rs 43 lakh

Living costs, health cover and the visa fee are extra. Our cost to study in Australia page explains them. Our scholarships in Australia page lists support.

Which Jobs Can You Do With a Master of Social Work?

You can work in child protection, mental health, disability services, health care and community work.

Adelaide lists aged care, child and family services, disability services, healthcare, mental health, government, justice and non-profit groups. Queensland lists child protection, correctional services, drug and alcohol services, migrant and refugee services, youth work and private practice.

Many roles ask for AASW membership or for a police and child safety check. Always read each job advert.

Can You Work and Stay in Australia After a Master of Social Work?

You can work part-time while you study and may apply for a Temporary Graduate visa after your degree.

While your course is running you can work up to 48 hours a fortnight, but placement takes much of your time. Our working hours page explains the rule. The Temporary Graduate visa for degree graduates usually runs 2 to 3 years. See our 485 visa page.

Permanent residence is not automatic. A skills assessment is a separate step, so read our PR courses in Australia page and ask AASW about assessment before you rely on it.

How Do You Choose Between Social Work Courses?

Compare accreditation, English score, placement rules, fees and the city you will live in.

Start with AASW status. Then compare IELTS, because both courses above ask for 7. Look at the placement hours and where you might be sent. Last, compare fees and living costs.

If you have only a short social science background, ask whether you meet the one-year rule. If your degree is in nursing or education, ask the university to check your transcript. Our Australia intakes page shows when courses start, and the early childhood education guide covers a nearby caring field.

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Queensland says its Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is accredited by AASW. Adelaide says it is working with AASW on reaccreditation for 2027. Always check the status on the AASW website and with the university.

Compare AASW status, entry rules, IELTS, placement hours, fees and city. A qualifying course is the one built for practice.

The qualifying course lasts 2 years full-time at Adelaide and Queensland. Adelaide says part-time study is not available to international students.

Adelaide asks for IELTS 7 overall with at least 7 in each band. Queensland asks for IELTS 7 with no band below 7. These scores are higher than many other master’s courses.

Yes, if it includes enough social or behavioural science. Adelaide and Queensland both ask for one year of full-time equivalent study in these areas. Ask the university to check your Nepali transcript.

Adelaide lists up to 1,000 hours, and Queensland lists about 1,000 hours. Placement may require full-time attendance and may be outside the main city.

Yes, up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session. Placement weeks leave you less time for paid work.

How Can Goreto Help You Apply for Social Work in Australia?

Goreto counselors help you check entry, compare courses and plan your visa.

You can meet us at our Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Chitwan, Itahari and Pokhara branches. Our visa fee page covers current costs, and the Home Affairs student visa page shows the official steps.

Sources

Reference links

  1. Master of Social Work (international students) Adelaide University.
  2. Master of Social Work (Qualifying) The University of Queensland.
  3. Higher education providers FAQs Australian Association of Social Workers.
  4. Student visa (subclass 500) Department of Home Affairs.
  5. Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Department of Home Affairs.

Disclaimer

Important guidance note

Fees, entry rules and accreditation status change, so confirm each detail on the official course page and the AASW website before you apply.

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