Top 15 Social Worker Courses in South Africa | Cost and Requirements

Social work is all about helping people in tough situations, offering support, and making sure everyone has the chance for a better life. It’s about being there for people in need, whether it’s through counselling, community support, or advocating for those who can’t always speak up for themselves. It’s a deeply rewarding career where you get to make a real impact.

Now, social work is not just about giving out handouts or telling people what to do. It’s much deeper. It involves understanding the problems people face, listening to their stories, and working with them to find solutions.

If you’re interested in pursuing this kind of work, then Social Worker Courses in South Africa could be the perfect step towards making a difference in your community.

Social Work
What Does a Social Worker Do?
- Can a Foreigner Be a Social Worker in South Africa?
Social Worker Courses
Social Worker Courses UNISA
- Social Worker Courses Requirements at UNISA
How Long Does it Take to Study for a Social Worker in South Africa?
Social Worker Courses and Requirements in South Africa
FAQs
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

Social work is all about helping people who are going through tough times. It’s about being there when someone feels lost, offering a hand when they’re struggling, and helping them find ways to improve their lives.

Social workers support people in many ways – whether it’s providing emotional care, helping with family problems, offering guidance on mental health, or even advocating for their rights. It’s a deeply human job, where empathy, patience, and understanding are key.

Simply put, social work is about making the world a little better by giving people the tools they need to stand strong in the face of life’s challenges.

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A social worker’s job is all about helping people navigate life’s challenges. They work with individuals, families, and communities to improve well-being, promote safety, and support people in crisis.

Social workers listen carefully to those in need, understand their struggles, and offer practical solutions. They might help a child in an abusive home, guide someone through mental health issues, or support a family dealing with addiction. They also connect people to resources like housing, therapy, or legal help.

Beyond just offering support, social workers also advocate for change on a larger scale, pushing for policies that protect vulnerable groups and improve societal well-being.

They play a huge role in making sure people have the tools, resources, and emotional support they need to rebuild and thrive.

Yes, a foreigner can become a social worker in South Africa, but they must meet specific requirements.

These include having a recognized qualification, applying for registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), and meeting visa and work permit regulations. It’s essential to follow the proper legal procedures.

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See the top social worker courses in South Africa:

Diploma in Social Work
Certificate in Community Development
Child Protection and Social Work
Certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Certificate in Gerontology
Clinical Social Work Intervention with Families
Certificate in Social Work Research
Certificate in Disaster Management
Certificate in Gender-Based Violence
Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling
Certificate in Play Therapy
Certificate in Music Therapy
Certificate in Narrative Therapy
Certificate in Psychodynamic Therapy
Certificate in Crisis Intervention

A Diploma in Social Work is one of the best courses to kickstart your career in helping others. It’s all about learning how to support people going through tough times – whether it’s dealing with family issues, mental health struggles, or finding resources for someone in need.

You’ll learn skills like communication, problem-solving, and crisis management, plus understanding social systems and laws. It’s a course that prepares you to make a real difference in communities.

The fees for a Diploma in Social Work at the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa under its Health Sciences Faculty are as follows:

International students: Full cost
Residence students: R21,870
Non-residence students: R11,810
Distance students: R11,810

2. Certificate in Community Development

A Certificate in Community Development is a great course if you want to make a real impact in the lives of communities. It’s all about learning how to identify the needs of a community and work with people to find solutions.

You’ll gain skills in project management, community mobilization, and social planning, all while learning to advocate for those who need it most. It’s a practical, hands-on course that will give you the tools to bring about change.

At the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), this certificate costs around R18,540. If you’re passionate about helping communities grow and thrive, this is the course for you!

Child Protection and Social Work is one of the most impactful courses you can take if you’re passionate about safeguarding children. This course equips you to work with vulnerable children, ensuring their safety, well-being, and rights are protected.

You’ll learn how to identify signs of abuse or neglect, provide emotional support, and work with families to create stable environments. It also teaches you about child development, advocacy, and navigating legal systems. If you’re looking for a way to make a meaningful difference, this is it.

This course is offered at the University of Cape Town (UCT) as the Child Rights & Child Law Short Course for Health & Allied Professionals at R4,500 per person.

4. Certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The Certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an excellent course for anyone who wants to learn how to help people overcome negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is all about teaching practical skills to address issues like anxiety, depression, and stress.

In this course, you’ll learn how to guide people in challenging unhelpful thoughts, developing healthier coping strategies, and improving their overall mental well-being. It’s perfect for those who want to work in mental health or social care.

Acacia Training offers this course and tuition costs around R8,759. If you’re passionate about empowering others to live better lives, this course is a must!

5. Certificate in Gerontology

A Certificate in Gerontology is all about understanding the process of aging and how to support older adults in living fulfilling lives.

Gerontology isn’t just about healthcare; it’s about the emotional, social, and practical aspects of aging. In this course, you’ll learn about the challenges older people face, like loneliness or chronic illnesses, and how to create solutions that improve their quality of life.

It’s perfect for anyone passionate about helping seniors stay active, respected, and cared for.

This certificate focuses on developing skills like effective communication, empathy, and planning age-appropriate care programs.

The South Africa Theological Seminary offers this course with fees starting at approximately R12,000. If you love working with older adults and want to make a difference in their lives, this is an incredible course to consider!

Clinical Social Work Intervention with Families is a course that dives into the art of helping families overcome challenges together.

It’s all about understanding family dynamics and using proven methods to resolve conflicts, strengthen relationships, and build healthier environments. This course equips you with skills to handle complex issues like trauma, parenting struggles, or communication breakdowns in families.

You’ll learn techniques like family counselling, behavioural assessments, and designing intervention plans tailored to each family’s needs. If you’re someone who feels passionate about making a real difference in the lives of families, this is a course to explore.

Nelson Mandela University offers this as a short course at R5,000.

A Certificate in Social Work Research is all about understanding how to investigate social issues and use data to improve lives. This course teaches you the skills to ask the right questions, analyze data, and find solutions that help individuals and communities. It’s perfect if you’re curious about why things happen the way they do and want to make informed decisions in social work.

You’ll learn how to conduct research, collect and interpret data, and apply your findings to create meaningful change. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to contribute to policy development or improve social services.

At the University of Pretoria, students can study social work research as part of their postgraduate programs. The fees for such courses typically start around R80,000 per year. It’s a step toward creating solutions that truly matter!

8. Certificate in Disaster Management

A Certificate in Disaster Management is a course that prepares you to handle emergencies and disasters in a way that minimizes damage and saves lives.

It’s all about learning how to plan, respond, and recover from situations like natural disasters, health crises, or human-made emergencies. This course is perfect for people who want to make a real difference when things go wrong.

You’ll gain skills in risk assessment, disaster planning, and community recovery. It’s practical, life-changing work that combines strategy with compassion, and it’s ideal for anyone in social work, emergency services, or community leadership.

Prevention Web in South Africa offers this course at R7000.00 per module, per contact session. It is one of the best social worker courses online. The University of Free State also offers the course.

9. Certificate in Gender-Based Violence

When we say Certificate in Gender-Based Violence, we’re talking about a course that equips you with the tools to address one of the most pressing social issues today. It’s about understanding the roots of violence, supporting survivors, and creating strategies to prevent abuse. This course dives deep into the social, cultural, and psychological aspects of gender-based violence.

You’ll learn skills like advocacy, counselling, and how to design intervention programs. It’s perfect for anyone passionate about creating safer communities and supporting those affected by violence.

At Stellenbosch University, this course is offered as part of their social work and development programs, with fees starting around R12,000. If you’re ready to be a voice for change, this course is a powerful step forward.

10. Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling

When we talk about a Certificate in Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling, we’re looking at a course that’s all about helping people overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.

This program teaches you how to identify the causes of substance abuse, provide emotional support, and guide individuals toward recovery. You’ll also learn practical skills like designing intervention plans, conducting therapy sessions, and understanding the psychological and social impacts of addiction.

The Addiction Counsellor Certifications South Africa offers this course at R10,500.

11. Certificate in Play Therapy

The Certificate in Play Therapy is perfect for anyone passionate about helping children work through emotional or behavioral struggles. It’s all about using play—something children naturally do—to help them express their feelings and heal.

This course focuses on building skills to create a safe and supportive environment where children can explore their emotions through activities like art, storytelling, and movement.

You’ll learn both child-led and therapist-guided techniques based on humanistic psychology and the work of experts like Carl Rogers and John Bowlby.

In South Africa, Play Therapy Training South Africa offers this program in partnership with international organizations.

The Postgraduate Certificate costs about R49,500, which includes clinical hours. It’s a life-changing course that equips you to support children facing trauma, anxiety, or other challenges.

12. Certificate in Music Therapy

The Certificate in Music Therapy is such a fascinating course because it brings together the magic of music and the science of healing. It’s all about using music—whether it’s playing instruments, singing, or even listening—to help people feel better emotionally, physically, and mentally.

In this course, you’ll dive into music theory, psychology, and practical therapy skills. You’ll learn how to create personalized sessions that can help with things like stress, trauma, or even neurological conditions. A big highlight is the clinical internships, where you get to practice everything you’ve learned with real people under expert guidance.

If this sounds like your kind of thing, the University of Pretoria offers this program, with tuition starting at 80,000 ZAR for local students.

13. Certificate in Narrative Therapy

The Certificate in Narrative Therapy is a transformative course that looks at how the stories people tell about their lives shape who they are and how they see the world.

This type of therapy is all about helping individuals rewrite those stories in ways that empower them and spark positive change.

It’s an excellent course for counsellors, teachers, and community leaders who want to guide others in understanding and overcoming their challenges. You’ll develop skills like active listening, helping people reframe their experiences, and using meaningful conversations to inspire growth.

In South Africa, Coram Deo offers this incredible program for just R1,900, with a registration fee of R400—a small price for making a big difference!

14. Certificate in Psychodynamic Therapy

The Certificate in Psychodynamic Therapy is a fantastic course if you’re interested in exploring how our unconscious mind shapes our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It focuses on understanding the deeper reasons behind people’s actions, often linked to past experiences, and how to help them work through those issues.

In this course, you’ll learn how to build strong therapeutic relationships, understand defence mechanisms, and use insight to help people explore and heal their emotional struggles. It’s perfect for social workers, counsellors, and therapists who want to dive deep into human behaviour.

The South African Psychoanalytical Initiative (SAPI Psychotherapy College) is offering this course in South Africa. The price is not public as you are required to book a request to get the course pricing details.

15. Certificate in Crisis Intervention

The Certificate in Crisis Intervention is perfect for anyone wanting to support people during their toughest moments. It’s all about learning how to provide immediate emotional help to individuals dealing with trauma, loss, or other overwhelming situations.

This course teaches you how to assess crises, offer initial care, and connect people with professional help when needed. You’ll dive into key topics like trauma handling, suicide prevention, and supporting people from diverse backgrounds.

In South Africa, SACAP Global offers a similar program called Effective Crisis & Trauma Management, covering trauma, suicide, HIV/AIDS caregiving, and more. It’s ideal for lay counselors, providing essential tools for compassionate care. The course is budget-friendly at R2,100.

Here are some of the social worker courses offered at UNISA:

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): A comprehensive undergraduate program focused on equipping students with the knowledge and skills to work in social welfare, community development, and healthcare settings.
Master of Social Work (MSW): A postgraduate course aimed at deepening expertise in social work practice, research, and specialized fields such as child welfare, mental health, and policy development.
Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work: This program offers advanced skills for professionals seeking to specialize in areas like social welfare, community service, and clinical social work.
Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work: A foundational course designed for those looking to assist social workers in various settings, focusing on practical skills and support roles in social work services.

Here are the requirements for social work courses at UNISA:

Bachelor of Social Work:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement
- Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (NQF Level 4) and one year of professional practice
- Police clearance check
- Two testimonials from credible sources
Master of Social Work:
- Bachelor’s honors degree, postgraduate diploma, or a 480-credit bachelor’s degree with 96 credits at NQF level 8 in Social Work
- Minimum of one year of full-time studies in social and behavioral sciences
Doctor of Social Work:
- Master’s degree in Social Work or a related field with an average of 60%
- Registration as a social worker with the SASSCP
- Transcript or academic record
- Research proposal document
- Child Safe Environments Course and relevant clearance may also be required.

Becoming a social worker in South Africa typically takes about 4 years. This includes earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, which combines coursework and practical training.

After completing the degree, you’ll need to register with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) to practice professionally.

Social Worker Courses and Requirements in South Africa:

National Senior Certificate (NSC)
- Endorsed NSC with 30 admission points (AP)
- Minimum 60% for English
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Meet the NSC requirements or have a Senior Certificate with exemption
- A Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (NQF Level 4) with one year of practice
- Top 70 candidates are selected for the program
Master of Social Work
- Requires a relevant bachelor’s honors degree, postgraduate diploma, or
- A 480-credit bachelor’s degree with at least 96 credits at NQF Level 8 in Social Work

FAQs

Which course is best for social work in South Africa?

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is essential for foundational practice, while the Master of Social Work (MSW) is ideal for specialization and advanced roles, enhancing career opportunities.

Is social worker in demand in South Africa?

Yes, social workers are in high demand in South Africa. The Department of Social Development reports a need for 55,000 social workers, while only 17,500 are currently available to provide essential welfare services.

Does UNISA still offer social worker courses?

Yes, UNISA still offers social work courses. They provide programs like the Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work, designed to equip students with the necessary skills for the profession.

Conclusion

Social work is a powerful way to make a difference in people’s lives, offering support and guidance when needed. If you’re ready to dive into a career that’s both meaningful and impactful, Social Worker Courses in South Africa can help you get the skills and knowledge you need. So, if you’re passionate about helping others, this might just be the perfect path for you to follow.

References

sacap.edu.za – The Academic Requirements to become a Social Worker
sanews.gov.za – More social workers required to meet growing demand
shortcoursesportal.com – Social Work Short Course in South Africa

Top 15 Social Worker Courses in South Africa | Cost and Requirements