Australia has a national shortage of qualified social workers, especially in child protection, mental health, and regional communities. Here's how internationally trained social workers can make the move.
Is Social Work in Demand in Australia?
Consistently, yes. The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) reports a national deficit of social workers particularly in:
Child protection and out-of-home care
Mental health services
Regional and remote communities
Aged care and disability services
Salaries range from AUD $70,000–$100,000 for qualified social workers in government and non-government sectors.
Which Visa Can Social Workers Apply For?
Social Worker — ANZSCO 272511 — appears on the MLTSSL, meaning you can apply for:
189 — skilled independent (no employer or state needed)
190 — state nominated (5 bonus points)
491 — regional (15 bonus points)
482 — employer sponsored (4-year visa with 186 PR pathway)
Skills Assessment: AASW
The assessing body for social workers is AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers).
AASW assesses whether your degree meets their equivalency standards. Key requirements:
A bachelor's degree or higher in social work from a recognised institution
Supervised field education placements as part of your degree (a minimum number of hours is required)
Your transcript must show specific social work subject areas
If your degree doesn't fully meet the standard, AASW may require additional study or supervised practice before a positive assessment is granted.
English Requirements
For the visa: Competent English (IELTS 6.0 overall) is the minimum, though Proficient English (IELTS 7.0) earns you 10 additional points.
For AASW membership (which many employers require): higher English standards may apply in practice.
Points Score for Social Workers
70 points is sufficient for many states, particularly Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania for community services roles.
Regional Opportunities
Social workers willing to work in regional or remote areas — including Indigenous communities — often find:
491 nominations at lower points thresholds
Relocation assistance from employers
Federal government funded positions with stronger benefits
The 491 adds 15 points, making a 65-point candidate effectively a 80-point candidate for regional purposes.
Speak to NWI
If you have a social work degree and relevant experience, you may be closer to migrating to Australia than you think. NWI can run a points assessment and AASW strategy review to map out your fastest route.