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Subjects Needed to Become a Social Worker

Subjects Needed to Become a Social Worker

If you’re aiming to become a social worker in South Africa, each university has specific subject and admission requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Below, we’ve detailed the requirements for key institutions like UJ, UFS, UCT, and Wits to help you understand what subjects and scores are needed to pursue this career.

Quick reminder:

To qualify as a social worker in South Africa, you need:

  1. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.
  2. Completion of an internship with an approved welfare organisation.
  3. Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
  4. A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) showing no criminal record.

This allows you to practice legally as a social worker in South Africa.

What Subjects Are Needed to Become a Social Worker?

To become a social worker in South Africa, the essential subjects and requirements include:

  • English (Home Language or First Additional Language) with a minimum of 60% in most cases.
  • APS (Admission Point Score) of at least 30, though higher scores increase your chances of selection.
  • Life Orientation is typically excluded from APS calculations.
  • Some universities may require a National Benchmark Test (NBT) in Academic Literacy, especially for redress purposes.

A good overall academic performance is crucial, especially in core subjects, to meet the minimum APS requirements.

University of Johannesburg (UJ) Social Work Requirements

  • Minimum APS: 31
  • English: Minimum of 5 (60%+)

To apply for the Bachelor of Social Work at UJ, you’ll need a solid performance in English and a minimum APS score of 31 to qualify.

More on UJ Social Work Requirements


University of the Free State (UFS) Social Work Requirements

  • Minimum APS: 30
  • English: Minimum of 5 (60%)

Although the minimum APS is 30, applicants with higher APS scores (35+) are more likely to be selected for the programme. Selection is also based on a motivation letter explaining your understanding of social work and why you want to pursue this field.

More on UFS Social Work Requirements


University of Cape Town (UCT) Social Work Requirements

  • FPS (Faculty Point Score): 380+
  • English Home Language: 50%
  • English First Additional Language: 60%
  • NBT (National Benchmark Test): Academic Literacy score at Intermediate level

Applicants with higher FPS scores and proficient NBT results are more likely to be accepted. UCT also considers redress policies to ensure fair access for disadvantaged applicants.

More on UCT Social Work Requirements


University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Social Work Requirements

  • Minimum APS: 34+
  • English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5 (60%)

Wits offers limited spaces (60 in the first year), and selection is based on academic merit and the university’s transformation policies. Applicants with APS scores of 32-33 may be wait-listed depending on space availability.

More on Wits Social Work Requirements


Summary of Common Requirements:

  • English: A strong performance in English Home Language or First Additional Language is compulsory across all institutions.
  • APS Scores: Each university requires a minimum APS score, ranging from 30 at UFS to 34 at Wits.
  • Life Orientation: Generally excluded from APS calculations.

Be sure to focus on English and your overall academic performance, as most universities use a points-based system to evaluate applicants. If you’re applying to UFS, remember that a motivation letter is also required, and for UCT, your National Benchmark Test (NBT) score is taken into account.


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