Social Work & Community Services Courses in Australia
Last Updated: 27 Aug 2026
"Social work" and "community services" sound similar but lead to different occupations with different assessing bodies. Which course you need depends on which occupation you're aiming for:
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Social Worker - assessed by AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers). Requires an AASW-accredited Bachelor or Master of Social Work (Qualifying).
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Community Worker, Youth Worker, Disabilities Services Officer or Welfare Support Worker - assessed by ACWA, now trading as Community Work Australia. A Diploma or Bachelor of Community Services is generally the faster and lower-cost entry point.
Key takeaways:
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Social Worker requires an AASW-accredited degree - a general "social work" qualification from an unaccredited provider does not qualify.
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Community Worker and related occupations are assessed by ACWA / Community Work Australia, not AASW - a Diploma-level qualification can be enough.
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Master of Social Work (Qualifying) comes in two versions: with background (for applicants with a related prior degree) and without background (a longer package that includes a Graduate Certificate first).
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ACWA rebranded to Community Work Australia in August 2025 - you may see both names used across official sources.
If you're aiming for Social Worker (AASW)
Bachelor of Social Work
Courses:
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) - With Background
For applicants who already hold a related prior degree (such as psychology or human services).
Courses:
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) - Without Background
A longer package for applicants with a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field, including a Graduate Certificate component before the qualifying Master's.
Courses:
If you're aiming for Community Worker, Youth Worker or Welfare Support Worker (ACWA / Community Work Australia)
Diploma of Community Services (ACWA Accredited)
The faster, lower-cost entry point into community services roles.
Courses:
Please note that for VETASSESS skills assessment, the applicant must have a 1year work experience on his nominated occupation. Also, please note that not all courses are accredited by the Skills assessment bodies. It is important to get professional advice before you start studying.
At RACC, our Education Team can help you choose the right course and we do not charge any service fee for student visa application if you apply for a course through us.
Book a Free phone Consultation: https://www.racc.net.au/bookings-checkout/apply-course-student-visa-free-help/book
Find out various ways to attain a plausible positive Skills assessment for ''Community Arts Worker" and "Welfare Centre Manager".
Not the right course for your background? Browse courses for PR in Australia by occupation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Social Worker and Community Worker occupations?
Social Worker is assessed by AASW and requires an AASW-accredited Bachelor or Master of Social Work. Community Worker, Youth Worker, Disabilities Services Officer and Welfare Support Worker are assessed separately by ACWA (now Community Work Australia), and a Diploma-level qualification can be sufficient.
Is ACWA still called ACWA?
ACWA (Australian Community Workers Association) officially rebranded to Community Work Australia in August 2025. Both names may still appear across different sources and older documents.
What is the difference between Master of Social Work with background and without background?
The "with background" version is for applicants who already hold a related prior degree, such as psychology or human services. The "without background" version is a longer package that includes a Graduate Certificate component first, for applicants with an unrelated bachelor's degree.
Can I become a Community Worker with just a Diploma?
Yes. A Diploma of Community Services that is ACWA-accredited can be sufficient for a Community Worker, Youth Worker or related skills assessment, without needing a bachelor's degree.
Change Current Course
If you are currently studying in a different field and, COVID-19 and any personal preference have impacted your decision and you choose to switch or change your field of study/course to Nursing, you may be eligible to do that.
At RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services,
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We do not charge any service fees for student visa applications.
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No service fee for change of School
Book a Free Consultation: www.racc.net.au/migration-agent-education-agent
Why RACC?
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RACC Education & Migration Services
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15 years of experience
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We can help you with applying for all Visa and Courses
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Book a Consultation with RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
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