To become a social worker in South Africa you complete a prescribed social work qualification, usually a four-year Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), at an institution approved by the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), and then register with the council before you practise. Entry requirements for the degree are set by each university.
Social work is a regulated profession. Practising, or using the title, without SACSSP registration is prohibited under the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978, so the programme you choose matters more than in most fields.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s-level pass, or one of the other access routes a university lists
- The university’s own minimum APS and language level (English level 4 or 5 at the universities below)
- A Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy level where the university sets one
- Selection, because places are limited and meeting the minimum does not guarantee entry
- A programme at an institution approved by the SACSSP, followed by SACSSP registration
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The national minimum for a Bachelor’s degree is an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the institution and an achievement rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in four 20-credit NSC subjects. Institutions may set higher or additional requirements, and for social work they do.
The SACSSP professional board approves the training institutions that may offer the prescribed social work qualifications, so check that a programme is approved before you apply. The Bachelor of Social Work at Wits, UWC and the University of Mpumalanga is a four-year degree. For other universities, ask the council or the university whether the social work programme is approved.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Requirements differ widely between universities, so compare them before you choose where to apply. The figures below are what each university publishes for the Bachelor of Social Work; confirm them for your intake year.
- Wits (2027 intake cycle): APS of 36 or more and English Home or First Additional Language at level 5. Applicants on 34-35 are wait-listed, and only 60 first-year places are available.
- University of Johannesburg (2027 intake): minimum APS 31 and English level 5 (60% or more) for the Bachelor of Social Work (B7025Q, four years) at Auckland Park Kingsway. APS is calculated from your six best subjects excluding Life Orientation. See the UJ undergraduate admissions page.
- UWC: at least 30 points on UWC’s system, English Home Language level 4 (or First Additional Language level 5), and Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical Literacy level 4. Preference goes to top achievers.
- University of Mpumalanga: Bachelor’s admission with an APS of 32 or above, English level 4, and Mathematics level 2 or Mathematical Literacy level 3.
Mathematical Literacy is accepted at some universities but not all, and the level differs, so do not assume it. Wits lists no Mathematics requirement on its course page. The University of Mpumalanga also lists other access routes: NCV NQF level 4, an endorsed Senior Certificate, the FETC in Social Auxiliary Work (NQF 4) or the Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (NQF 5).
Documents and Application Requirements
Each university sets its own application documents and fee, and these are published on its application pages. Check the university’s own application page for the documents it asks for, and for any selection steps, before you apply.
Closing dates differ by university and are set per intake year. Applications to UJ for 2027 close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00. For other universities, confirm the closing date for your intake directly.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee entry. UWC, for example, uses a selections committee with a holistic approach, and Wits takes only 60 first-year students.
Registration starts during your studies. Every social work student must register with the SACSSP from the second year, and institutions must register second-year students before 31 March each year. No student may do practicums or internships without that registration. After you graduate you register with the council as a social worker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a social worker?
The Bachelor of Social Work at Wits, UWC, UJ and the University of Mpumalanga is a four-year degree. You then register with the SACSSP before you practise.
What are the requirements for a social worker in South Africa?
You need a prescribed social work qualification from a SACSSP-approved institution and registration with the council under the Social Service Professions Act. Student registration is required from the second year of study.
What are the Bachelor of Social Work requirements?
They depend on the university. Published minimums include an APS of 36 at Wits, 31 at UJ and 32 at the University of Mpumalanga, and 30 points at UWC, together with English at level 4 or 5. See the comparison above.
Can I become a social worker with a psychology degree?
Registration depends on holding a prescribed social work qualification from an approved institution. A psychology degree is a different qualification, so ask the SACSSP before you rely on any other degree.
Do I need Mathematics?
It depends on the university. UWC asks for Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical Literacy level 4, and the University of Mpumalanga asks for Mathematics level 2 or Mathematical Literacy level 3. Wits lists no Mathematics requirement on its course page.
Do I have to register to practise?
Yes. Practising as a social worker without SACSSP registration is prohibited under section 15 of the Social Service Professions Act.
Confirm registration and approved programmes with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), and confirm APS, subject levels and closing dates with each university for your intake year. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.