Last Updated on August 30, 2024
Social work is a popular degree in colleges worldwide, including the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa, Canada, and many more. By studying abroad, one can gain valuable skills such as communicating with people from other backgrounds and cultures.
Students who are interested in social work and community leadership can consider pursuing masters in social work courses abroad. A master’s degree in social work (MSW) is a postgraduate degree that includes topics such as research, community service, and future advancements. While MSW courses abroad are always rewarding, these programs address a variety of topics such as refugees and immigrants, mental health, community and social justice, criminal justice, school social work, global human rights, and more.
Top Reasons to Pursue MSW Courses
Let’s have a look at why choose MSW over other courses abroad.
- Social work and community development are continuously in demand. Social workers are needed in healthcare, government, business, politics, education, law, and other fields.
- Allows you to advocate for favorable future developments, effect change, and assist others.
- The field offers boundless opportunities for advancement as a child care specialist or counseling assistant or social worker at NGOs.
- This profession will also teach you leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
Top Countries to Pursue MSW Courses:
You can consider the following countries for doing masters in social work courses abroad:
USA
International students who get a Master of Social Work degree in the United States can pursue careers in areas such as education, community health, substance addiction, human services, psychology, sociology, and so on. There is a great demand and high pay for social workers here.
UK
After finishing their MSW studies, students have a variety of work prospects in the UK. They find work in the government, as well as the public, commercial, and non-profit sectors. A social worker’s average pay in the United Kingdom is 37,825 GBP (36 lakh INR).
Canada
The MSW program in Canada is ideal for those who want to provide direct assistance in the field of social work. In Canada, you’ll discover a great level of living. International students have the same rights and liberties as all Canadians, including respect for human rights, equality, diversity, and a stable, peaceful society.
Australia
In Australia, the average wage after completing a master’s degree in social work is roughly 72,000 AUD (39.83 lakhs INR) per year. Social worker employment is expected to increase by 23.2% in the future years.
New Zealand
The Green List of Immigration New Zealand includes a social worker. This implies that the government is actively promoting talented foreign social workers to work in New Zealand.
Top Universities for MSW Abroad
Let us have a look at the top universities abroad that offer Masters in Social Work courses:
| University Name | Fees (Approximate in USD) | Country |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $40788.89 | USA |
| Washington University | $40417.70 | USA |
| Columbia University | $21627.95 | USA |
| University of California | $61961.51 | USA |
| University of North Carolina | $45286.25 | USA |
| University of Texas | $48114.68 | USA |
| Case Western Reserve University | $21621.13 | USA |
| Boston College | $40674.51 | USA |
| University of Pennsylvania | $45369.01 | USA |
| New York University | $45202.22 | USA |
| University of Edinburgh | $50972.12 | UK |
| University of Manchester | $48435.62 | UK |
| University of Bristol | $48939.77 | UK |
| University of Birmingham | $47028.05 | UK |
| University of Nottingham | $48848.66 | UK |
| University of York | $46478.85 | UK |
| University of Bath | $24333.95 | UK |
| University of Sussex | $43215.95 | UK |
| Royal Holloway University of London | $42808.25 | UK |
| University of Dundee | $42394.19 | UK |
| University of Toronto | $25706.74 | Canada |
| McGill University | $8072.64 | Canada |
| University of British Columbia | $19413.97 | Canada |
| McMaster University | $8553.10 | Canada |
| University of Waterloo | $10374.82 | Canada |
| Western University | $17095.28 | Canada |
| Dalhousie University | $19826.19 | Canada |
| Massey University | $18428.39 | New Zealand |
Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland and Flinders University in Australia are also fine universities that offer MSW courses in between 15-21 lakhs INR per annum.
General Eligibility Criteria for MSW Courses
Candidates should check out a few standard eligibility guidelines for these MSW courses:
- Graduation from a recognized institution with 50% aggregate.
- Preference is given to those who hold BSWs (bachelor of social work) degrees.
- Bachelor’s degrees in the humanities and social sciences, business, science, or management are required for eligibility.
- Scores on the English proficiency test are required.
- Two references and a letter of intent are required.
- There must be a reference list and personal statement.
- Some institutions’ requirements state that applicants must have finished their 15 years of required schooling.
- 1-2 years of work experience (not mandatory)
- A strong desire and interest in the field
- Resume/CV
- Certificates of extracurricular activities
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- A Health insurance policy
- A copy of your passport
Working through every aspect of the application process, from selecting the best place and university to immigration formalities, may be quite complicated. Admissify, India’s finest foreign education adviser, will help you locate the appropriate institution with the greatest course for your interests, as well as post-study employment support!
Scholarships available for MSW Courses Abroad
- Hungary Government (Stipendium Hungaricum) Scholarships 2024
- Fully Funded MEXT Japan Scholarships 2023
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2024
- 2023 New Zealand Aid Program for International Students
- Netherlands Government Fully Funded Scholarships 2023
- Sanctuary International Visitors Support Scheme the University of Sheffield, UK 2023
Job Prospects and Further Scope
An MSW course program will provide you with the information and skills you need to work as a social worker, community worker, or activist. The course will combine fieldwork and classroom instruction to assist you in establishing a rewarding career as an NGO worker or social worker with any government or private agency. You can also further your education with an MBA, Ph.D., or M. Phil research degree, professional certifications, and so on. Care managers, substance addiction counselors, patient care coordinators, school social workers, community health workers, mental health care counselors, support workers, family support workers, and more professions are also available.
Expected Salary After MSW Abroad
Some available job positions after the Masters in Social Work course and their average salaries in US Dollars are mentioned below:
- Social Worker- $35-68,000
- Case Manager- $30-67,000
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)- $40-79,000
- Medical Social Worker- $42-65,000
- Program Manager, Non-Profit Organization- $35-71,000
Social Work provides an excellent return on investment for students and a promising future. One of the primary causes for its expansion is an aging population, higher life expectancy, and an increase in illnesses that humans suffer from.
FAQs
Which country is considered the best for studying MSW?
Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and New Zealand are great for studying MSW courses.
What is the salary of an MSW abroad?
A social worker’s income in India ranges between INR 2-6 LPA, however, a social worker’s salary in the United Kingdom and other international nations such as Canada and the United States ranges from INR 30-40 LPA.
Which MSW course is best?
Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Family and Children’s Social Work, Social, and Community Work, Social Work in Schools, Social Work in Criminal Justice etc are some commonly chosen specializations in MSW.
Which is better MSW or MBA?
When comparing MBA vs MSW, one can see that an MSW is best for people who want to make a difference in the lives of others, while an MBA is best for those who want to lead and thrive in business.
Is the MSW course hard to study?
If you are interested in comprehensive programs, the MSW may be an easy course for you.
What job will get after MSW?
After finishing the MSW course, student candidates can find positions in the development sectors overseen by the government’s Welfare department or non-governmental organizations. Candidates are frequently employed as social workers, project coordinators, program managers, and community health workers, among other positions.
Which course is best before MSW?
A BSW is frequently required for entry-level administrative positions. It can also build the groundwork for a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree if you’re interested in more advanced professions.
Can I complete my MSW degree in one year?
Students who quit school after their 12th or Graduation might now save two or three years of their lives. Candidates can obtain their Master of Social Work (MSW) course in one year in one sitting.
Can you earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) without a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)?
Yes. A BSW degree is not essential for students interested in pursuing an MSW and launching a career in social work.
Avinash Singh is a study abroad consultant with over 10 years of experience helping students achieve their academic goals. He is an expert in the US, Australian, German, and Canadian education systems and has helped hundreds of students secure admission to top universities around the world. In his spare time, Avinash enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his family. He is also an avid reader and loves to learn new things.
