What must I study to become a social worker in South Africa?

You study a four-year degree called the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). It is the only way to sign up and work as a social worker.

How long does it take to become a social worker?

The degree takes four years. The Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work takes one year. That certificate is a first step, not the full job.

How much does a social worker earn in South Africa?

In the government, you start at about R24,000 a month. Non-profit groups pay less. Private work can pay more. Social auxiliary workers earn about R10,000 to R15,000 a month. These are a guide only.

What is the difference between a social worker and a social auxiliary worker?

A social worker has a four-year degree and works on their own. A social auxiliary worker has a one-year certificate and works under a social worker. Both must sign up. The certificate can lead to the degree.

Can I become a social worker without matric?

No. You need matric with a degree pass for the degree. Even the Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work needs matric. If you do not have matric, get your matric first.

Do I have to sign up with the SACSSP?

Yes. You must sign up to work as a social worker or social auxiliary worker. You also go on the Child Protection Register and give a police clearance.

What can I do if I don't get into the degree?

Start with the one-year Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work. It needs about 15 APS. You work as a social auxiliary worker, then apply for the degree. You can also upgrade your matric first.

How to become a social worker in South Africa

A social worker helps people solve big problems in their lives. To do this job in South Africa, you must study for four years. The qualification is called a Bachelor of Social Work, or BSW. After you finish, you sign up with a group called the SACSSP. Then you can work. This may sound hard. But there is more than one way in. There is also a shorter way if your marks are low.

You must sign up with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) to do this work.

What does a social worker do?

Social workers help people who cannot fix a problem on their own. In one day, you might visit a family at home. You might talk to someone who is very upset. You might write reports for court. You might help people get grants or find services. The work is hard on your feelings, but it helps people a lot.

Where you can work

The government (Social Development)
Non-profit groups like Child Welfare and Childline
Hospitals and clinics
Schools
Prisons
Private practice

Kinds of this work

Children and familiesHospitals and clinicsMental healthHelping communitiesSchoolsDrug and alcohol helpOld peopleCourts and prisonsHelping workers at their jobs

Is this job right for you?

This job is good for you if

You care about people and stay calm when things are hard
You can leave work problems at work
You listen well and speak and write clearly
You are strong when you see sad things
You are neat with your notes and reports
You treat all people the same, with no judging

The hard parts

You will see sad and hard things, like abuse and loss
You may have many people to help and not enough time
There is a lot of paperwork and court work
The pay is not always high for such hard work
The work can tire you out, so you must look after yourself
Some home visits can feel unsafe

How you can grow

Your job can get bigger over time. This is a common path.

1
Social auxiliary worker
The first step (a helper who works with a social worker). You help full social workers while you study for the degree.
2
Social worker
After your degree, you sign up and work on your own in the area you like.
3
Senior social worker
With time, you take harder cases and lead other workers.
4
Manager or specialist
You can become a boss, or focus on one area like courts or hospitals.
5
Study more
You can study more (Honours, then Master's). This opens top jobs in research and teaching.

Steps to become a social worker

1
Pass matric with a degree pass and good English
You need a bachelor's (degree) pass for the degree. Maths Literacy is fine. If your marks are low, plan to fix them.
2
Pick your way in
Good marks? Apply for the degree. Low marks? Start as a social auxiliary worker (about 15 APS). Then move up to the degree.
3
Apply, and ask for money help
Apply to universities before they close. Apply for NSFAS and the government bursary early.
4
Sign up and do your practical work
Sign up as a student. Do your practical work with real people. Get your police clearance.
5
Finish and sign up as a social worker
When you finish, sign up as a social worker. Now you can work.

Questions people ask

Written and checked by the NavyBlue Editorial Team. Last updated 2026-07-14. Pay numbers are a guide only. Where we got this: SACSSP (sign-up rules), UNISA social work, Department of Social Development