Compare bachelor degrees in Australia to become a social worker by distance education.
An online Bachelor of Social Work is a distance education program consisting mainly of virtual classes that can be completed anywhere. As well, students will typically attend four 5-day residential schools on campus over the four years.
Every accredited degree also includes 1,000 hours of practical placements, a requirement to be accredited with the AASW. This setup ensures students gain the essential knowledge, applied skills, and hands-on work experience needed to be a social worker in Australia.
Students learn specialised skills for the discipline, along with studying society and social arrangements, human behaviour and development, human services provision, and counselling approaches and techniques. Course content is fairly uniform across universities due to regulatory requirements.
9 Best Online Social Work Degrees
To study for a social work bachelor degree as an external student, choose of one the 8 accredited distance education programs in Australia. Each of these degrees will qualify you to become a social worker upon successful completion. If you have some kind of university degree already, consider an online Master of Social Work instead.
Deakin University
Required ATAR: Waterfront: 66, Online: 67.75
Based in Victoria
Graduate satisfaction: 91.4%
This program, available at Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool campuses, and online, emphasises human rights and social justice. It aims to produce graduates ready to tackle the pressing social issues of our time, making it ideal for those passionate about making a positive impact in society.
Distance learners must complete 20 days of face-to-face learning in Victoria. This requirement ensures all students, regardless of their study mode, meet the practical requirements set by the AASW for professional accreditation.
Charles Sturt University
Required ATAR: 65
Based in New South Wales
Graduate satisfaction: 90.3%
The degree integrates academic learning with 1,000 hours of practical placements, preparing you for a meaningful career, including roles within NSW Health. Financial support is accessible via the Tertiary Health Study Subsidy for eligible students.
For external students, the program may require attendance at intensive schools for certain subjects. These intensive schools provide deeper insights through lectures, tutorials, and practicals. Primary campus locations include Wagga Wagga, with possible intensive schools in Port Macquarie and Dubbo.
CQUniversity
Required ATAR: 62
Based in Queensland
Graduate satisfaction: 88.5%
Residential schools are required to provide practical training. These may occur in Central Queensland or other places in Australia. Exact locations are not always clear before enrolment, so students should be flexible with travel plans.
Students need a minimum ATAR of 62.0 for entry. The course prepares them for various social worker jobs. Students should check the CQUniversity website or contact the Unit Coordinator for details on residential school locations and schedules.
Edith Cowan University
Required ATAR: 70
Based in Western Australia
Graduate satisfaction: 87.7%
The program is offered at Joondalup, Mount Lawley, South West campuses, and online. Students train to work in diverse environments, especially in regional, rural, and remote areas. External students are required to attend practical sessions at ECU campuses in Western Australia.
Graduate move into roles such as Community Development Officer, Mental Health Worker, Child Protection Officer, Hospital Social Worker, Community Health Worker, Family Support Worker, or Counsellor. These jobs cover healthcare, community services, and government sectors.
Flinders University
Required Selection Rank: 70
Based in South Australia
Graduate satisfaction: 83.3%
No prerequisites or assumed knowledge are required, with entry starting at a selection rank of 70. Guaranteed entry is offered for students with a rank of 80 or higher, or those with a Diploma or above.
External students are required to attend Bedford Park campus in South Australia for 20 days of intensive face-to-face learning. This ensures practical skills in professional practice.
James Cook University
Required ATAR: 62
Based in Queensland
Graduate satisfaction: 83.1%
Ranked #1 in Queensland for graduate employment in this field, entry requires an ATAR of 62 or a VET qualification, Certificate III. The curriculum includes significant professional experience and courses tailored to diverse communities.
Distance education students complete 20 days of mandatory on-campus attendance to meet AASW accreditation standards. The course structure may require additional on-campus days for specific subjects, reflecting JCU's commitment to comprehensive education for professional practice.
Griffith University
Required ATAR: 67
Based in Queensland
Graduate satisfaction: 83.0%
The program is available at Logan and Gold Coast campuses and through online study. Entry requires a minimum ATAR of 67.00 or a Certificate III.
External students are required to complete 20 days of on-campus activities. This includes four five-day intensive sessions at the Gold Coast campus. These sessions are crucial for blending academic study with practical, face-to-face learning, ensuring compliance with AASW accreditation standards.
Charles Darwin University
Required ATAR: 60
Based in the Northern Territory
Graduate satisfaction: 82.3%
Along with practical placements, distance learners must attend 20 days of in-person classes at the Casuarina campus in five-day blocks. Students cover their own travel and accommodation.
The course covers themes including Indigenous health, psychology, professional skills, and field education. It focuses on communication, community work, mental health, ethics, and legal issues in the profession.
University of New England
Required ATAR: 72.55
Based in New South Wales
Graduate satisfaction: 80.8%
This AASW-conditional-accredited course integrates 1,000 hours of professional fieldwork placements. Students engage in intensive schools on campus, enhancing their learning with hands-on training. The curriculum covers key areas like child protection, mental health, and Indigenous studies, preparing graduates for diverse roles.
To lessen the travel costs for occasional residential schools, select a course in your state or territory. Universities may also be better equipped to find work placement opportunities within their home state.
The graduate satisfaction ratings for undergraduate social work degrees are sourced from the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) surveys, as presented on the ComparED platform. These surveys collect feedback from recent graduates across Australia, evaluating aspects such as teaching quality, course content, practical placements, and support services.
Related: Social Work Courses Online