Social Work Course Requirements in South Africa – What You Need to Know

Studying Social Work in South Africa: Requirements & Subjects

Becoming a social worker can be a deeply rewarding career — but also a challenging one. It demands emotional resilience, mental strength, and physical commitment. Social workers play a vital role in helping people overcome difficulties such as poverty, addiction, unemployment, disability, abuse, and mental health challenges, as well as addressing issues affecting entire communities.

Where You Can Study Social Work

In South Africa, several universities offer Social Work programmes, including:

University of Cape Town (UCT)

University of South Africa (Unisa)

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

University of the Western Cape (UWC)

Stellenbosch University

And others nationwide

A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work is typically a 4-year programme, taking students from an NQF Level 4 qualification to NQF Level 8.

Entry Requirements for a Bachelor of Social Work
To study Social Work, you generally need one of the following:

National Senior Certificate (NSC) with:

At least 60% for English

At least 60% in four other subjects in your final matric exams

Senior Certificate with exemption (or eligibility for exemption from the Matriculation Board) with:

At least a C symbol on Higher Grade or a B symbol on Standard Grade in the language of teaching and learning

At least 60% for four other subjects

NSC with degree endorsement / Senior Certificate with exemption and:

A Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (NQF Level 4)

One year of professional practice as a registered Social Auxiliary Worker

Additional requirements include:

Police clearance for criminal convictions

Recognition as a “fit and proper person” by the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)

Two testimonials from credible sources (e.g., school principal, religious leader)

Registration with SACSSP from the second year of study onwards

High School Subject Requirements (Example: UNISA)
While exact subject requirements vary by institution, for UNISA’s Social Work degree you need:

National Senior Certificate (certified by Umalusi) with entry into a Bachelor’s degree

A minimum of 30 APS points

English Home Language at Level 4, or English First Additional Language at Level 5

Another language at Level 4 (Home or First Additional)

Mathematics at Level 3 or Mathematics Literacy at Level 4

Essential Personal Skills for Social Workers
Beyond academic requirements, successful social workers also need:

Empathy

Active listening skills

Patience

Critical thinking abilities

Self-awareness

A strong desire to help people overcome challenges