To become a social worker in South Africa you need a four-year Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited institution and registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions. Entry requires a bachelor pass and the APS the institution sets.
Social work is a regulated profession, and the qualification is prescribed. Unlike fields where several degrees lead to the same job, only the Bachelor of Social Work leads to registration as a social worker, so the degree you choose matters more than usual.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Entry to the Bachelor of Social Work is assessed on the following.
- A bachelor pass, since it is a degree
- The institution APS for the programme
- A language at the level the institution requires, since the work is communication intensive
- Selection, which at some institutions includes an interview or written motivation
- That the programme is accredited and leads to registration with the council
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The Bachelor of Social Work is a four-year professional degree. It combines academic study with supervised practical work placements, which is why places are limited by the number of placements an institution can supervise.
On completion you must register with the South African Council for Social Service Professions before you may practise. Working as a social worker without registration is not permitted.
Related qualifications such as a degree in social science, psychology or community development do not lead to registration as a social worker. They lead to different roles. If social work is the goal, the Bachelor of Social Work is the route.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
There is no single prescribed matric subject. Institutions look for a strong language result because the work involves detailed interviewing, report writing and court documentation.
Mathematical Literacy is generally accepted, which makes social work more accessible than science-based programmes. Confirm this with each institution rather than assuming it.
Life Orientation and subjects such as History or Life Sciences are useful preparation but are not usually required. Points are calculated by the institution own method.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Places are constrained by supervised placement capacity, so programmes are more competitive than the published APS suggests. Some institutions interview or require a motivation letter setting out why you want to enter the profession.
Bursaries have historically been available for social work study because of demand for practitioners in the public sector. Ask institutions and the relevant government department about current funding, since these schemes open and close.
Confirm accreditation before enrolling anywhere. A qualification from an unaccredited provider will not lead to registration, and without registration you cannot practise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a social worker?
The Bachelor of Social Work is a four-year degree, followed by registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
Can I become a social worker with a psychology degree?
No. Registration as a social worker requires the Bachelor of Social Work specifically.
Do I need Mathematics?
Mathematical Literacy is generally accepted for social work. Confirm with each institution.
Do I have to register to practise?
Yes. Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions is required before you may practise.
Confirm registration requirements with the South African Council for Social Service Professions, and confirm programme accreditation before enrolling. Confirm the exact APS, subject levels and closing dates with each institution for your intake year, since these differ between institutions and change between years. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.