What is Jobs as a Social worker? How Can It Help International Students to Get a PR?

Jun 26, 2023
Are you aware of the potential of social work as a PR pathway for international students in Australia? If not then well, you are not the only one! One of the top reasons for international students studying in Australia is Permanent Residency, and this is the right reason as well! Australia offers a welcoming environment & high standard of living along with high-quality education & excellent career prospects. However, when it comes to choosing a pathway toward PR, pursuing a career in social work mostly goes under the radar. In reality, social work is one of the leading pathways to PR and a key thing to know before considering to study in Australia. Among the innumerable career prospects that it comes with, most of them are included on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) which is the best way to obtain a work-based visa.  So, in this blog, we will delve into the world of social work as a PR pathway. Along with that, we will break down everything related to it - from the best social work courses in Australia to its career prospects. So all there is left for you to do is to navigate your way towards PR success. Let’s get started then!

Top Universities in Australia for Social Work Courses

Australia is renowned for its leading universities providing exceptional social work education. This is an important factor to consider when choosing to study university in Australia. These prestigious institutions not only provide excellent education, practical experience, and a supportive learning environment but also set you on the path to a successful career. Now, we will provide a list of a few of the top universities in Australia offering social work courses and an insight into those courses -

Charles Darwin University:

Charles Darwin University offers a wide range of degrees and courses to set you on the right track for a career as a social worker -
  • Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development
  • Bachelor of Social Work 
  • Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs Practice
  • Diploma of Counseling
  • Diploma of Social Care
  • Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Social and Mental Health Care
The degrees and courses have been designed in a way to specifically give international students, both practical and theoretical knowledge of this foreign field in a foreign land.

Curtin University:

Curtin University’s social work courses are designed with consideration of a number of factors like - technical quality, international student engagement, skill development, employment opportunities on visa, and more. We have provided a list of some of their most popular courses:
  • Bachelor of Social Work 
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences
  • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
  • Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
  • Master of Public Health
  • Doctorate of Social Work and Social Policy
  • Master of Philosophy (Health Studies)
  • Graduate Certificate Human Rights
  • Graduate Certificate Employment Relations

Southern Cross University:

From undergraduate to postgraduate programs, Southern Cross University offers a diverse range of courses in the field of social work for international students. Below is the list of the social work degree and courses currently being offered by the university:
  • Bachelor of Social Work
  • Bachelor of Community Welfare 
  • Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Community Welfare
The university particularly equips international students with all the necessary knowledge and practical skills to make a positive impact in the overall social workspace.

Career Prospects in Social Work

Career Prospects in Social Work After completing an accredited social work education from any university, college, or other similar institutions in Australia, you can then only join the Australian Association of Social Workers or AASW.  After joining the AASW, you can then choose any of the professions that suits you best as an international student from the field of social work. You can undertake advocacy, community engagement, counseling, or even social action to help people on an impactful level.  Now let’s look at some of those career opportunities that you can apply for as a social worker!

Mental Health Counselor:

As a mental health counselor in the organization, you will create group & individual-centric programs. Additionally, you will provide plans that will help overcome social and emotional challenges.

Educational Social Worker:

The key role of an educational social worker is to partner with students, families, and teachers to improve a student’s well-being. Besides, designing programs to support and upskill the school community also falls under this role.

Student Support Officer:

A student support officer personally engages with students to assist and support them through their academic journeys, something very crucial for international students.

Youth Justice Worker:

Youth justice workers empower students and young people to live in a positive direction in life. You will be working as an extended family member of the students in your care, providing them with the necessary guidance. Vacancies for social workers are generally available at government, non-government, and community agencies including - hospitals, early intervention & child protection programs, community health centers, schools, family support services, mental health services, justice, housing, and aged care services. As a social worker, you can also contribute to research work, policy development, group work, community work, women’s services, and migration and refugee services.

Social Work: Pathway to PR

Career Prospects in Social Work As we have mentioned earlier, a wide range of professions falls under the category of social work - so it saves you from the threat of being unemployed with a degree! But how exactly does being in those professions help you with your PR, is what we will explain now -
  • Every year, thousands of international students apply for a working visa in Australia. To facilitate this large number, each year the Australian Skilled Migration Program releases a list of occupations, known as the Skilled Occupations List (SOL), that includes the areas of job shortages where skilled immigrant workers are the most sought after. Thus, being in one of the professions from the SOL is the best way to obtain a work-based visa. As one of the fastest-growing and highly in-demand field of work, social work consists of professions that are already on the SOL.
  • Further, social work professions are included in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MTSSL), which allows social workers to apply for any visas in the Skilled Migration Program. Skilled Independent 189, Skilled Nominated 190 and the 489 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visas are some of the visas included in that program.
  • Additionally, if you have an offer letter of employment, you can apply for employer-sponsored visas. As social work professions are consistently listed in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), it is hardly impossible to stay unemployed in that field.
And securing a work visa for a skill that is in high demand and experiencing shortages in the country, fastracks you for a PR consideration - surpassing even the most popular professions highly sought after in Australia!

To Recap!

In conclusion, we will summarize the entire discussion for you in three key points -
  • Professions in social work put you in a fastrack for getting your PR, than most other professions. 
  • The field of social work consists of a diverse range of professions, providing an individual with ample choices to find their passion.
  • Australian universities are well-capable in providing good quality education in the field of social work.
Now, if all this information even remotely makes you want to consider an education in Australia in the field of social work, come and pay us a visit at PFEC Global! Our expert consultants are here to answer all your queries related to the entire process - from studying to eventually settling over there! 

Please reach out to us at 01730785457 or 096 09 800 300 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get PR in social work in Australia?

Yes, as it is included in both of the permanent residency skills lists - MLTSSL & RSMSL.

Is work experience in social work important for PR in Australia?

Yes, gaining relevant work experience in social work undoubtedly adds value to the PR application, however not a requirement.

What can I do with a social work degree in Australia?

Post-study work opportunities for a social work degree include - child protection & youth services, mental health, research & policy, etc.

What is the highest-paying social work in Australia?

Some of the highest-paying companies for social workers in Australia include - Serco Group, Henderson Healthcare, Healthcare Australia, etc.

What qualifications do I need to be a social worker in Australia?

To become a social worker and join the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers), you need to have an accredited Bachelor of Social Work or a Master of Social Work degree.

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