Do you tend to be a defender of others? Would you like a job where your daily work contributes to making society fairer? If you do, then social work may be for you. When it comes to the pursuit of this kind of knowledge, Adelaide is rapidly becoming one of Australia’s most popular places to study and combine high quality education and a cheaper than cheap lifestyle.
At Asia Pacific Group, we believe that a decision as crucial as planning your career is a serious job and thus this decision has to be made very wisely! In this guide, we take you through the social work scene in Adelaide including top universities and financial assistance.
Why Study Social Work in Adelaide?
Adelaide, known as the 20-minute city for its accessibility to everything. For a college kid that means less time traveling, and more time writing papers or hanging out in the local cafes and beaches.
However, beyond the lifestyle, Adelaide is being driven by a growing health and community sector. The South Australian government is providing millions of dollars for programs to support mental health, disabilities and child protection. What that means is once you complete your social work courses in Adelaide, the odds are good there will be a job for you.
In addition, as a regional city, Adelaide has specific advantages for international students: it can mean up to two years’ extension on post-study work rights and extra points towards permanent residency pathways.
Top Universities for Social Work in Adelaide
Adelaide has among the nation’s leading social work programs housed in world class institutions. Here are the heavy hitters:
University of South Australia (UniSA): UniSA is the top university in South Australia for employment in social work and is number one SA public university. They have a “Social Work and Human Services Studio” using the most current technology where you can practice real life situations in a risk free environment.
Flinders University: Flinders provides one of the most flexible programs, with choices for on-campus or online studies. They are very “social justice” focused and have great relationships with local community organizations so it makes your placements worthwhile.
Adelaide University– Following years of talk about blending the great institutions, the new Adelaide University offers a strong curriculum developing from research to hands-on practice, ultimately leaving you well-positioned for leadership in this field.
Exploring Your Study Options
No matter whether you are graduating from school or ready to make a career change, there is a path for you.
Bachelor of Social Work
This is a 3-year course upon which the rest of your career will be built. You will study psychology, sociology, social policy and human rights. A critical aspect of the course is its 1,000 supervised placement hours. This is where you leave the classroom and enter hospitals, schools or NGOs.
Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry)
If you already have a degree in a related area (such as psychology or social sciences), refrain from jumping back to square one. A 2-year Master’s degree “qualifies” you to be a professional social worker. It is an accelerated path for making a career pivot into a hard-skills field where there is high demand, and heart.
Financial Support and Scholarships
We realize the cost of education is a deterrent. The good news is that Adelaide’s universities are supportive of international talent.
One-third of our partner schools offer scholarships up to 30% for eligible students. This is often based on academic merit or your level of commitment to settling in a regional area. Our dedicated team at Asia Pacific Group are experts in recognizing these opportunities for you, releasing you to concentrate and focus on your dreams rather than the bills.
What Can You Do After Graduating?
The beauty of a social work degree is its versatility. You are not limited to one type of job. Graduates in Adelaide find rewarding roles as:
- Mental Health Social Workers: Supporting people through recovery and crisis.
- Child Protection Officers: Ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.
- Aged Care Coordinators: Helping the elderly navigate healthcare and support systems.
- School Counsellors: Guiding young people through social and emotional challenges.
- Policy Advisors: Working with the government to write better laws for the community.
With the demand for social workers in Australia expected to grow by over 20% by the end of 2026, your skills will be highly sought after.
How Asia Pacific Group Makes It Easy
The university application forms, English requirements (usually an IELTS 7.0) and visa paperwork can be overwhelming. That is why we are here.
Asia Pacific Group acts as your local partner. We help you:
- Choose the university that fits your personality and budget.
- Apply for scholarships of up to 30%.
- Manage your visa application with expert precision.
- Provide ongoing support once you arrive in Adelaide.
If you want to become a social worker, that is an excellent career choice.
