How to Become a Social Worker in South Africa
If you enjoy helping people, families and communities, becoming a social worker is an ideal career for you. Social workers can help those in need and make a positive impact in society.
Social workers provide support for people who need it. They help people navigate through tough situations. To work as a social worker in South Africa, you must complete a recognised qualification and register with the right professional council.
Below we will outline the requirements for becoming a social worker, how to apply, and the opportunities available for social workers in South Africa.
1. What is a Social Worker?
Social workers are there to help individuals, families, groups and communities who face social, emotional or practical issues.
Your duties could involve:
Supporting children and families,
Helping vulnerable people with social services,
Providing counselling and support within your scope of practice,
Providing help with child protection and family welfare,
Working with communities,
Referencing clients to the right support organisations,
Creating reports and keeping confidential client records.
Social workers can work in government departments, hospitals, schools, NGOs, community organisations and other approved places.
2. What Qualifications do I Need?
The main qualification to become a social worker in South Africa is a recognised Bachelor of Social Work.
This is usually a four-year full time course. You should check with your chosen university to confirm the length of study.
The course will include both theory and practical.
Entry requirements will vary depending on the university you choose. You may be required to meet certain requirements such as:
Having a National Senior Certificate or other recognised school leaving qualification,
Meeting the minimum entry points or APS,
Meeting English requirements,
Meeting certain subject requirements,
Other requirements will vary depending on the university.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee you a place. Some courses will have limited places.
You should always check the latest entry requirements on the official university website.
3. Where can I Study Social Work in South Africa?
The SACSSP website lists recognised institutions that offer the required social work qualifications.
You can look into the following universities:
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Website: https://www.unisa.ac.za/
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Website: https://www.uj.ac.za/
University of Pretoria (UP)
Website: https://www.up.ac.za/
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Website: https://www.ukzn.ac.za/
University of Limpopo
Website: https://www.ul.ac.za/
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Website: https://www.uwc.ac.za/
To see the full list of recognised institutions please visit the SACSSP website below.
https://www.sacssp.co.za/education-training-development
Ensure that the qualification you wish to complete is recognised.
4. How to Apply for a Social Work Course
To apply for a Social Work degree you can follow the steps below.
Choose a recognised university.
Research the universities that offer a Bachelor of Social Work.
Research Entry Requirements.
Check what school results, entry points and other criteria are needed.
Prepare your documents.
You may need your ID, school results, academic records and other documents.
Complete an online application.
Go to the official university website and complete the application.
Submit your application.
Upload your documents and pay an application fee.
Check your application.
Keep checking your email and application portal.
Register.
If you are offered a place, follow the universities instructions to accept your place and register for your qualification.
5. Do Social Work Students Need to Register with SACSSP?
Yes. Social work students must register for the correct student requirements.
From your second year you must register with the SACSSP. This is important for practical training.
After completing a recognised qualification you must register as a professional. This allows you to work as a social worker.
To register as a professional please visit the official website below.
https://www.sacssp.co.za/registration
Check the latest instructions from the council on what documents you need, any fees and how to register.
6. Do I have Funding for Social Work?
If you need financial support you can look into bursaries.
You can look into:
University bursaries,
Government funding (depending on their rules),
Provincial government bursaries,
Departmental / Employer sponsored bursaries,
Scholarships from recognised organisations.
Some bursaries may require you to work for the sponsoring department after you graduate.
Make sure to carefully read the funding agreement.
You can search for official information on social development programs on the Department of Social Development website.
https://www.dsd.gov.za/
You can also contact your chosen university financial aid department.
The availability of funding, application deadlines and requirements will vary between courses.
7. What Opportunities are Available?
Once you have completed a recognised qualification and registered as a professional, you may be able to apply for roles such as:
Social worker in a government department,
Social worker in a hospital or health facility,
Child and family welfare social worker,
Community development/social services professional (if requirements are met),
Social worker in an NGO,
Social worker in a school or other approved institution.
Your duties and requirements will depend on the employer.
Completing a qualification does not guarantee you a job. You will need to meet the requirements and compete for the available roles.
8. Where can I Find Social Work Jobs in South Africa?
Once you are qualified and registered you can search for roles.
Some great places to search are:
South Africa Government Website: https://www.gov.za/
Department of Social Development: https://www.dsd.gov.za/
Provincial Government Recruitment Websites,
Hospital / Public Health Recruitment Pages,
NGOs and Welfare Organisations.
Carefully read through each job advert. Check the closing date, requirements, qualifications and what documents to provide.
Only apply through the official channel.
9. Top Tips for Future Social Workers
If you wish to study to become a social worker, here are some top tips:
Choose a recognised qualification,
Research entry requirements,
Develop good communication and problem solving skills,
Learn how to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds,
Understand the importance of confidentiality and professionalism,
Look into funding options,
Follow the SACSSP registration requirements,
Keep copies of your academic and registration documents.
Social work can be an emotional career so having patience, empathy, professionalism and a willingness to learn is important.
Conclusion
To become a social worker in South Africa you will need the right education, practical training and to be registered as a professional. The main route would be to complete a Bachelor of Social Work.
Research recognised universities, entry requirements and prepare your documents. If you need funding look into the bursaries available through official channels.
Keep visiting Job Opportunities SA for more education guides, funding and career advice.
Note: Entry requirements, availability of bursaries and application deadlines may change. Ensure to check with the relevant university, funding source or South African Council for Social Service Professions for the latest information.
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