What We Do
International Qualifications Assessment
Welcome to Social Work in Australia! The Australian Association of Social Workers is the official authority for assessment of overseas qualifications in social work, for the purpose of migration and employment in Australia. We also undertake assessment of overseas qualified Social Workers who are Australian citizens or residents and wish to gain AASW membership eligibility for employment purposes. There is no legal registration for Social Workers in Australia, however the AASW is the standard setting body and many positions require eligibility for AASW membership.
Purpose of International Qualifications Assessment
The purpose of the International Qualifications Assessment is to determine if your qualification/s meet the eligibility requirements for migration and/or employment in Australia.
This is different from membership to the AASW. For further information on membership click here.
IQA is relevant to
- Non-Residents with an overseas social work qualification
- Non-Residents with an Australian AASW Accredited degree in social work
- Residents with an overseas social work qualification
Please note that you must hold a specific qualification in Social Work to be eligible for an assessment.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship have a new points test. To find out more click here.
The key changes relevant to social workers intending to migrate to Australia under one of the six visa categories to which the points test applies are:
• the awarding of points for the highest qualification attained; and
• the awarding of points of assessed skilled employment in the nominated profession.
English Language Requirement
For information about English Language Requirement click here.
Working Holiday
If you’re coming to Australia for a working holiday and you:
- DO intend applying for permanent residency in the future please refer to the Non-Resident Information Pack
- DON’T have any intention of applying for permanent residency in the future please refer to the Resident Information Pack
Welfare Workers
Refer to Australian Community Workers Association
Fees
Please visit our Assessment Fee page for information regarding our New Assessment Fee Schedule effective from the 15th August 2011.
Re-submission of an IQA application
Applications will be held for 12 months pending submission of further documentation if requested. Where no correspondence has been made after 12 months from the date of last contact with the IQA team, a new application will need to be submitted with the full assessment fee.
Appeal Process
Applicants can appeal assessment decisions. Appeal Fees:
- Stage 1 Appeals $150
- Stage 2 Appeals $500
Click here for information on the review procedures.
For more information or to start your assessment
1. Read Country Assessment Guidelines
2. Download the appropriate information kit and application form.
“Non Resident” refers to anyone who is not a permanent resident of Australia who wishes to use the outcome of the assessment for migration purposes.
“Resident” refers to any applicant who requires the assessment just for membership eligibility of the AASW, not to change residency status.
Non Residents consult:
Non Residents complete and submit:
Document 3 Application for Assessment of social work qualifications for non-residents ensuring you include all the required supporting documentation.
Residents download the:
3. Contact our IQA Team if you require assistance