Bachelor of Social Work at UNISA

A bachelor of social work (BSW) gives students the knowledge and skills to succeed in the social work field.

Degree-seekers learn how to serve individuals, groups, families, and communities, with a focus on underserved or oppressed populations.

Qualification code:90088
NQF level:8
Total credits:552
SAQA ID:101834
APS/AS:21
Maximum time to complete this qualification: 10 years

Qualification admission requirements

Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Degree endorsement with a minimum of 60% for English as language of teaching and learning and 60% for a further four content subjects in their matric final examination;
or
a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a C symbol on HG or a B symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning and 60% for any four content subjects;
or
a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement/ A Senior Certificate with exemption and a Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (NQF Level 4) with one year of professional practice as a registered Social Auxiliary Worker; or relevant Higher Certificate at NQF level 5.
Furthermore, applicants, should take note that this is a selection qualification, in which they will be assessed to ascertain suitability to the profession. In addition to the above requirements, applicants will be subjected to the following: A police clearance for criminal convictions checks aligned with the definition of a ‘fit and proper person’ by the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). Applicants must submit this clearance certificate at the time of application, also two testimonials from credible sources, such as a school leader, a religious leader, or a community leader. Students must be registered with the SACSSP during their second level of studies. The Department of Social Work at UNISA will facilitate registration with the Council.

Student fees and funding your studies

Application fee

Pay the application fee once you’ve received your student number:

R120 for online applications

Use the student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (ie STUDENT NUMBER 5370810030)

Send the proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za

Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information.

Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.


Student fees

Click here to find out more about Unisa’s student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

Apply for admission

Applications for admission to Unisa’s undergraduate qualifications (higher certificates, advanced certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas & degrees) will be open from 11 August to 15 October 2022.

Please take note of the following:

All applications for admission must be submitted online. No self-help stations will be available for applications.

Admission to a qualification is not automatic. It will depend on whether you comply with the admission requirements and if space is available.

Additional support for this qualification via TVET colleges

Unisa has an agreement with various Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to offer classes in a selected number of qualifications. These classes have proved to generally improve the throughput rate of students who enroll for them.

Take note of the following:

Make sure that your TVET college of choice offers support in your qualification. 

Apply for admission during Unisa’s application period via your TVET college or via Unisa.

Registration

Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa’s offer. Visit www.Unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW / BSocW) Jobs by Salary

Job TitleRange
Job Title: Social WorkerRange: R74k – R281k
Senior Social WorkerRange: R150k – R510k
Technical AdvisorRange: R205k – R898k (Estimated)
Social Work SupervisorRange: R113k – R461k (Estimated)