Health Care and Social Work are popular career pathways in Australia for international students and working professionals seeking stable employment, strong labour demand, and meaningful community impact. However, choosing the right education provider plays a critical role in ensuring training quality, placement opportunities, and long-term career prospects after graduation.
1. Key criteria for choosing a Health Care or Social Work provider in Australia
1.1. National accreditation
When selecting a Health Care or Social Work course in Australia, accreditation by recognised professional bodies is the most important factor. Each field has different accreditation requirements:
Social Work
To practise and work as a qualified Social Worker in Australia, your course must be accredited by AASW – the Australian Association of Social Workers.
- AASW is the national professional body responsible for assessing and accrediting Social Work programs.
- Accredited Bachelor’s and Master’s programs must meet strict standards in curriculum content, placement hours, and professional competencies.
- Graduates of AASW-accredited programs:
Are eligible to register and work as Social Workers in Australia
Are highly regarded by employers in government agencies, hospitals, schools, and NGOs
Have stronger outcomes for skills assessment and certain visa pathways
Important: If a Social Work course is not AASW-accredited, graduates may not be recognised as qualified Social Workers in Australia.
Health Care and Community Services
For Health Care courses (such as Aged Care, Disability Support, Allied Health pathways, or Nursing pathways), students should ensure the program meets national training standards and mandatory placement requirements.
For Community Services pathways, programs accredited by ACWA – the Australian Community Workers Association are highly recommended.
- ACWA accredits qualifications in Community Services-related fields.
- ACWA-accredited programs such as Diploma of Community Services, Bachelor of Community Services, and Youth Work ensure:
Nationally recognised training quality
Appropriate practical components and placements
Stronger credibility when applying for jobs in the community sector
While ACWA accreditation is not mandatory like AASW, it is highly valued:
- Employers prefer graduates from ACWA-accredited programs
- Improves employability for roles such as Community Worker, Case Worker, and Support Coordinator
- Supports certain state-based visa pathways
If your long-term goal is Community Services, prioritising ACWA-accredited institutions is strongly advised.
1.2. Placement quality and support
Placement is a core component of Health Care, Community Services, and Social Work courses. It is where students develop practical skills, gain real-world experience, and build employability.
When choosing a provider, consider:
Placement support vs. self-arranged placement:
Provider-supported placements reduce stress, ensure placements align with your field, and meet required hours.
Self-arranged placements offer flexibility, allow you to align with career goals, manage part-time work, and build professional networks.
- The reputation of placement partners (NGOs, hospitals, NDIS providers, aged care facilities)
- Whether placements are conveniently located near your residence
1.3. Tuition fees and additional costs
Tuition fees vary by state, qualification level, and institution type (public TAFE, private college, or university). Below is a general reference range:
Estimated tuition fees
- Certificate III / IV (Health Care – Aged Care – Disability): AUD 8,000 – 14,000 per year
- Diploma of Community Services: AUD 11,000 – 17,000 per year
- Bachelor of Social Work: AUD 30,000 – 40,000 per year
- Master of Social Work: AUD 32,000 – 45,000 per year
Additional costs to consider include:
- Learning materials and student service fees
- Placement uniforms and footwear
- Health checks and vaccinations
- Mandatory checks (Police Check, Working With Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening)
- Travel costs to placement locations
Many students focus only on tuition fees and underestimate placement-related expenses, which can lead to budget overruns.
1.4. Campus location
Campus location is a critical factor, especially for placement-heavy fields such as Health Care, Community Services, and Social Work.
- Cost of living: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have higher living costs compared to smaller cities (Brisbane, Adelaide) or regional areas.
- Part-time job opportunities: Metropolitan areas offer more jobs but with higher competition and stronger English requirements. Regional areas may offer fewer roles but better accessibility and flexibility.
- Local workforce demand: Each state and region has different labour shortages and employment needs.
Choosing a campus close to your accommodation or community service hubs can significantly improve placement access and employment outcomes.
2. Recommended institutions for Health Care and Social Work in Australia
Below are well-regarded institutions chosen by many students for their training quality, strong placement support, and reasonable tuition fees.
2.1. TAFE NSW – New South Wales
Recommended programs
- Diploma of Community Services (ACWA-accredited)
- Certificate III/IV in Health & Community Services
- Bachelor of Community Services (selected campuses)
Why choose TAFE NSW
- Extensive placement networks across Sydney and NSW
- Public education quality with affordable fees
- Strong employment outcomes in community and social services
2.2. RMIT University – Victoria (Melbourne)
Recommended programs
- Bachelor of Social Work (AASW-accredited)
- Diploma of Community Services
Why choose RMIT
- One of Victoria’s strongest universities for Social Work
- High-quality placements with councils, NGOs, and community centres
- Multiple campuses convenient for international students
2.3. TAFE Queensland – Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast)
Recommended programs
- Diploma of Community Services (ACWA-accredited)
- Certificate III/IV in Health Care
- Pathways to Bachelor degrees with partner universities
Why choose TAFE Queensland
- Lower tuition fees compared to NSW and VIC
- Clear placement support
- Friendly and supportive learning environment
2.4. Flinders University – South Australia (Adelaide)
Recommended programs
- Bachelor of Social Work (AASW-accredited)
- Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Why choose Flinders
- Strong reputation in Social Work and Public Health
- Wide placement opportunities across Adelaide
- Lower cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne
2.5. Victoria University (VU) – Victoria
Recommended programs
- Diploma of Community Services
- Bachelor of Community Development
- Pathways to Social Work
Why choose Victoria University
- Block Model learning, ideal for career changers
- Convenient Melbourne campuses
- Strong partnerships with community organisations in Western Melbourne
Conclusion
Choosing the right institution when transitioning into Health Care or Social Work in Australia directly impacts training quality, placement outcomes, and employability after graduation. Prioritise providers with AASW or ACWA accreditation, strong placement support, reasonable tuition fees, and campuses located in high-demand areas.
Investing time in selecting the right provider from the beginning will help you build a clear study and career pathway, optimise costs, and maximise your long-term success in Australia.
>> Contact NextGem today to receive personalised advice and build a study pathway aligned with your career goals.
