What are the entry requirements for social work?

You need matric with a degree (bachelor's) pass, a good English mark, and the APS the university asks for. You do not need pure Maths. Each university sets its own APS, so check the one you want.

What subjects do I need to become a social worker?

You need a good English mark and a degree pass in matric. Life Orientation, Life Sciences, and History also help. You do not need pure Maths.

Can I study social work without maths?

Yes. Most universities want a good English mark and a degree pass, not pure Maths. So Maths Literacy is usually fine. Always check the university you want.

What APS do I need for social work?

It changes from one university to the next. It starts at about 22 APS at UNISA. Some, like UCT, ask for much more. Always check the university.

How many years is social work at UNISA?

The Bachelor of Social Work is four years full-time. At UNISA you study by distance, so it can take longer if you study part-time while you work. The Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work is one year.

Do I have to sign up while I study?

Yes. You sign up as a student when you start. You sign up as a social worker when you finish. You also go on the Child Protection Register.

Can I study social work with a diploma pass?

The degree needs a degree pass. With a diploma pass, start with the Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (about 15 APS). Then move up to the degree.

I am a social auxiliary worker. How do I become a social worker?

You must do the four-year Bachelor of Social Work. There is no shortcut, and it is the only way to register as a social worker. Your work can help your application, and some universities, like UNISA, have a work-experience route for people already working in welfare.

Social work requirements: subjects, APS and how to qualify

What you need in matric

You must have

English (Home or First Additional Language)

Also good to have

Life Orientation
Life Sciences
History
Another language

Ways to become a social worker

The best way is first. If your marks are not enough for one way, try the next one down.

DegreeNQF 74 years480 creditsBest way

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

To get in: About 22 APS or more. English, A bachelor's (degree) pass in matric. The marks you need change from one university to the next. See the list below.

Most universities have this degree. It is the only way to become a full social worker. You can sign up and work as a social worker.

Higher certificateNQF 51 year120 creditsSAQA 93971

Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work

To get in: About 15 APS or more. English, A matric certificate. You need much lower marks than the degree, about 15 APS.

This trains you as a social auxiliary worker (a helper who works with a social worker). UNISA teaches it from home (by distance). Some non-profit groups teach it too. You help full social workers. You work as a social auxiliary worker under a full social worker.

Sign up as a social auxiliary worker before you start. You also fill in Form 30 for the Child Protection Register and give a police clearance.

This helps you get into the degree later. You start small and grow.

Marks too low for the degree? Start here. You need about 15 APS. You earn money and learn, then move up to the degree.

If you don’t get in yet

Are your marks too low for the degree? You still have real choices.

Start as a social auxiliary worker

Do the Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work. You need about 15 APS. It takes one year. You sign up, earn money, and learn. Then you can move up to the degree.

Ask about an Extended Programme

Some universities offer an Extended Programme (also called a foundation or extended degree). You do the first year over two years, with extra help. It is for students who are close but a bit short. Ask each university if they have one for social work.

Upgrade your matric

You can upgrade your matric: rewrite some subjects to get better marks. The government runs a free Second Chance programme for this. Then you can apply again.

Get ready to apply →

How to sign up to work

You sign up with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).

You must sign up. You cannot use the name 'social worker' or do the work without it.
Sign up as a student when you start the degree. Sign up again as a social worker when you finish.
Social auxiliary workers sign up in their own group.
You work with children, so you also go on the Child Protection Register. You do this with a form called Form 30.
You must give a police clearance. You also pay a small fee each year to stay signed up.