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Qualification recognition

What it takes to have your qualification recognised and work in another country.

Social Work in 9 countries Tap a country to see how to qualify there

5 United Kingdom Recognised, paperwork only High demand

Social Work England assesses overseas degrees; BSWs from many SA universities are on its list of overseas qualifications already found comparable.

Recognition
4/5 Mutual recognition or an assessment plus registration. No major exams.
Time to practise
4-9 months
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
None as standard; assessment is a documentary comparability review, but where the qualification falls short Social Work England may ask for a test of competence or a period of adaptation.
Language test
English: a social work qualification awarded within the last 5 years in South Africa (on Social Work England's list of English first-language countries) and entirely taught and examined in English counts as evidence; otherwise an IELTS Academic certificate of at least 7.0 overall from the last 5 years
Rough cost
Scrutiny fee GBP 670 for applications from December 2025 to November 2026 (GBP 682 from December 2026), plus a registration fee of up to GBP 120 (GBP 122 from December 2026) depending on when in the registration year you join, then annual renewal

Worth knowing: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate registers (SSSC, Social Care Wales, NISCC) with their own processes.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Apply to Social Work England as an overseas applicant, showing your BSW is comparable to an approved English social work qualification. A course on its list of overseas qualifications counts only if the course name, university and course end date all match; otherwise a course information form is needed.
  2. Supply transcripts, module and placement detail, SACSSP registration and a certificate of good standing.
  3. Evidence English language ability and pass the character, health and suitability checks.
  4. If gaps are found, complete additional social work training or supervised experience in the UK or elsewhere before admission to the register.
  5. Secure a job offer with a sponsoring local authority or trust for a Skilled Worker visa, then register annually.
Evidence and sources (4)

Demand evidence: Health and Care Worker visa codes include social workers (2461), giving lower salary thresholds and reduced fees. They are not on the Immigration Salary List (updated 11 November 2025). (source)

Visas for United KingdomSkilled Worker visa · Health and Care Worker visa · Graduate visa (Graduate route) and 3 more6 routes
4 Ireland Exams or bridging High demand

CORU recognition is required first, and shortfalls trigger an adaptation period or aptitude test.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
9-18 months, driven by CORU processing times
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
Aptitude test only if the recognition assessment identifies deficits.
Language test
IELTS Academic 7.0 (no element below 6.5) or Cambridge C1 grade C, unless you qualified in English in the last 2 years
Rough cost
Recognition application fee EUR 510 (CORU's guidance notes for international applicants; its FAQ still says EUR 410), plus EUR 100 registration and EUR 100 annual renewal

Worth knowing: CORU recognition can be slow. Compensation measures are common for non-EU qualifications, so budget extra time. Since 8 May 2026 CORU requires an English test unless you hold a CORU-approved, Commonly Aligned (UK qualifications only for social work) or EU English co-official-language qualification, qualified through English within the previous 2 years (with a university letter), or practised for 2 of the last 5 years in a country where English is the sole official language; South Africa is not such a country.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Apply through the CORU portal for recognition of your international qualification against the Irish standards of proficiency for social workers.
  2. Upload transcripts, placement records, employment history and proof of SACSSP registration; applications are only accepted online.
  3. Pay the Stage 1 recognition fee for non-EU applicants.
  4. If deficits are identified, complete a period of adaptation or pass an aptitude test.
  5. Register with CORU, pay the registration fee, then take up an HSE or Tusla post.
Evidence and sources (4)

Demand evidence: Critical Skills Occupations List: Social Worker (2442). (source)

Visas for IrelandCritical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) · General Employment Permit (GEP) · Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) and 1 more4 routes
3 Netherlands Major requalification Some demand

Social work is largely register-based rather than licensed, but working Dutch is the real barrier.

Recognition
2/5 Substantial re-study, long supervised practice, scarce posts or a hard language barrier.
Time to practise
2-3 years including learning Dutch
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
No exam. Both registers need a Nuffic international diploma evaluation (IDW); SKJ first needs a Nuffic decision on whether the foreign diploma is equivalent to a relevant Dutch hbo diploma, and that decision is used to apply for registration; a diploma judged equal to an hsao diploma is registered on condition of completing an accredited practice programme in the first registration year; if it is not found equal to a relevant hbo diploma, registration may still be possible after further training (SKJ scholingsadvies).
Language test
Dutch is required in practice for almost all frontline roles, even where registration rules are flexible
Rough cost
SKJ registration EUR 107.50 a year (VAT-free); diploma evaluation and Registerplein fees not checked here

Worth knowing: Rules differ between Registerplein and SKJ. SKJ first needs a Nuffic decision on whether a foreign diploma is equivalent to a relevant Dutch hbo diploma.

Confidence: low. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Have your BSW evaluated by an international diploma evaluation service (Nuffic or IDW) before applying to any register.
  2. For general social work, apply to a Registerplein register; for youth care and family work, register with SKJ (Kwaliteitsregister Jeugd), which youth care providers can require.
  3. Reach functional Dutch: casework, court reports and statutory youth care are conducted in Dutch.
  4. Registered youth and family professionals are bound by the Dutch professional code for social work professionals.
  5. Find an employer willing to sponsor a highly skilled migrant permit, since social work is not an automatic shortage route.
Evidence and sources (4)

Demand evidence: No Dutch shortage list; social work is heavily Dutch-language dependent. No current UWV occupation-shortage data reachable. (limited evidence for this country) (source)

Visas for NetherlandsHighly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) · Orientation year for highly educated persons (zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden) · European Blue Card (Netherlands) and 1 more4 routes
4 Germany Major requalification High demand

Staatliche Anerkennung is granted by each Bundesland and German at roughly C1 is required.

Recognition
2/5 Substantial re-study, long supervised practice, scarce posts or a hard language barrier.
Time to practise
2-4 years including language learning (estimate); Berlin usually decides within 3 months once all documents are in
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
No standard national exam; an adaptation course may be required instead.
Language test
German at C1 or above for state recognition in Berlin; each Bundesland sets its own rules
Rough cost
Berlin charges EUR 196 for the equivalence review; other Bundeslaender set their own fees

Worth knowing: Recognition decisions and the exact German level vary by Bundesland; check the specific state authority.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Apply to the competent authority in the Bundesland where you want to work for recognition of your foreign social work degree.
  2. The review covers content and duration of study plus relevant professional experience.
  3. Reach German at about C1; that level is expected for staatliche Anerkennung.
  4. If the degree is formally equivalent but recognition is not yet granted, complete an adaptation programme (Anpassungslehrgang) at a German university.
  5. Once state-recognised, you may use the protected title Sozialarbeiter/in and take statutory posts.
Evidence and sources (3)

Demand evidence: Make it in Germany's other professions in demand list includes Social education worker and social worker; German fluency is essential. The Federal Employment Agency's 2025 shortage analysis rates graduate-level social work a shortage occupation (2.2). (source)

Visas for GermanyEU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) · Skilled worker visa (Fachkräfte, Residence Act §18a/§18b) · Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, Residence Act §20a) and 1 more4 routes
4 United States Exams or bridging High demand

CSWE must review your degree, then you sit an ASWB exam and license in one state.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
9-24 months for a bachelors-level licence (estimate); CSWE aims to send its determination about four weeks after it has all documents
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
ASWB examination at bachelors, masters or clinical level, depending on the licence sought.
Language test
English (no test for SA graduates)
Rough cost
CSWE: USD 35 screening fee plus USD 380 recognition application fee for a South African degree (2026-27 fees), plus the ASWB exam registration fee (USD 230 for the Bachelors or Masters exam, USD 260 for the Clinical exam) and state licence fees, which vary by state

Worth knowing: Licence titles and scope differ in every state, and US work visas for social workers are difficult to obtain.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Apply to CSWE's International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service to have the BSW compared to a CSWE-accredited degree.
  2. Send the CSWE evaluation directly to the state board where you intend to work.
  3. Many clinical roles require a master's, so consider an MSW if you want LCSW-level practice.
  4. Pass the relevant ASWB examination (bachelors, masters or clinical level) for that state.
  5. Complete any state-required supervised hours and secure visa sponsorship, which is the hardest step.
Evidence and sources (4)

Demand evidence: BLS OOH: healthcare social workers and mental health/substance abuse social workers projected to grow much faster than average. (source)

Visas for United StatesH-1B specialty occupation visa · F-1 student visa with OPT and STEM OPT · O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability and 3 more6 routes
5 Canada Recognised, paperwork only High demand

CASW assesses your BSW for equivalence and most provincial colleges accept that assessment.

Recognition
4/5 Mutual recognition or an assessment plus registration. No major exams.
Time to practise
6-12 months
What it takes: exams, language test, regulator
Exams
No national licensing exam in most provinces; some regulators require a jurisprudence or ethics module.
Language test
English; French required in Quebec

Worth knowing: Quebec requires French and has its own order. Do not assume a CASW assessment covers BC or Quebec.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Apply to CASW for an assessment of equivalency to a Canadian BSW or MSW.
  2. Submit the CASW assessment to the provincial or territorial regulator where you will work; it is accepted everywhere except British Columbia and Quebec.
  3. In British Columbia, apply directly to the BC College of Social Workers, which runs its own credential evaluation.
  4. Meet the regulator's remaining requirements (good standing, language, sometimes an ethics or jurisprudence module) and register.
  5. Note that immigration credential assessments (WES, IQAS, ICAS) are separate from the CASW registration assessment.
Evidence and sources (2)

Demand evidence: Express Entry Healthcare and social services category: Social workers (41300) and therapists in counselling (41301). (source)

Visas for CanadaExpress Entry (FSWP / CEC / FSTP) · Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) · Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and 2 more5 routes
3 Australia Recognised, paperwork only Some demand

AASW assesses SA social work degrees against its criteria, including at least 1000 hours of field education.

Recognition
4/5 Mutual recognition or an assessment plus registration. No major exams.
Time to practise
3-9 months for assessment, then visa processing
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
None; the process is a documentary skills assessment.
Language test
English; exemptions commonly available for SA applicants schooled and educated in English
Rough cost
AUD 2,123.64 for the AASW assessment of international social work qualifications (address outside Australia; AUD 2,336 incl. GST inside Australia), 2025-26 fees

Worth knowing: Degrees in social science, psychology or community development are NOT accepted. Only a true social work degree works.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Apply to AASW for a migration skills assessment or eligibility assessment of your social work qualification.
  2. Show at least a bachelor's degree specifically in social work, professionally recognised in South Africa.
  3. Evidence at least 1000 hours of field education across at least two placements in contrasting practice areas, one in direct practice; applicants with 500-999 hours can submit evidence to cover the shortfall.
  4. Meet English requirements; SA applicants who did secondary school and at least three years of tertiary study in English are commonly exempt from IELTS.
  5. Use the positive assessment for a skilled visa or employer sponsorship and join AASW for professional recognition.
Evidence and sources (5)

Demand evidence: JSA Occupation Shortage List 2025: Social Worker (261331) rated No Shortage nationally, despite being in shortage in earlier years. (source)

Visas for AustraliaSkills in Demand visa (subclass 482) · Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Points-tested stream · Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) and 3 more6 routes
5 New Zealand Recognised, paperwork only High demand

SWRB registers overseas-qualified social workers and the role sits on the Green List.

Recognition
4/5 Mutual recognition or an assessment plus registration. No major exams.
Time to practise
4-10 months
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
No written exam, but a competence assessment is part of registration; you are first registered provisionally and must complete another competence assessment within 12 months of your first practising certificate.
Language test
English: a social work qualification from South Africa solely taught and examined in English counts as evidence (South Africa is an approved jurisdiction for education-based evidence); otherwise IELTS Academic
Rough cost
NZD 635 overseas qualification assessment, NZD 423 registration application, NZD 1,012 provisional-registration competence assessment and NZD 1,012 full-registration competence assessment (plus NZD 70 to move from provisional to full registration), then NZD 759 a year for the practising certificate and disciplinary levy (2026/27)

Worth knowing: Green List Tier 1 status (INZ Operational Manual Appendix 13, effective 23 March 2026) depends on SWRB registration; overseas BSWs are compared with the NZ qualification standard.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 6 steps

  1. Create a MySWRB account and select the overseas qualification pathway.
  2. Complete the overseas qualification assessment form, listing social work roles and professional development undertaken.
  3. Have at least 12 months' full-time-equivalent practical experience working as a social worker - a new graduate cannot use this pathway until they have it.
  4. Show your BSW is equivalent to an SWRB-prescribed qualification and that you are registered as a social worker elsewhere, or explain why not.
  5. Demonstrate you intend to live and practise as a social worker in New Zealand and meet fitness-to-practise checks.
  6. Obtain a practising certificate, then apply for the work visa; Immigration NZ expects SWRB registration or an application under way.
Evidence and sources (5)

Demand evidence: Green List Tier 1: Social Worker (272511); counsellors (272111-272199) are also Tier 1. (source)

Visas for New ZealandAccredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) · Green List (Straight to Residence and Work to Residence) · Skilled Migrant Category resident visa and 2 more5 routes
3 United Arab Emirates Exams or bridging Some demand

Social workers need a licence from the emirate's community development body; Abu Dhabi sets a Prometric exam.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
3-6 months; the DCD aims to respond within three months
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
Abu Dhabi: DCD competency exam through Prometric. Dubai: CDA technical requirements apply; an exam was not confirmed.
Language test
English accepted for licensing; Arabic is often needed in practice but was not confirmed as a licence rule
Rough cost
DCD currently charges no application fee; exam, verification and Dubai CDA fees unknown

Worth knowing: Roles serving local families may need Arabic, so English-only posts may be fewer (not officially verified). Visas are employer-tied and do not lead to citizenship.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Keep your SACSSP registration and get your BSW attested; Dubai rules require at least a bachelor's degree in social work, and Abu Dhabi's DCD requires degrees issued outside the UAE to be equalised by the UAE Ministry of Education.
  2. Find an employer in the emirate where you will work; licensing is by emirate, not national.
  3. In Abu Dhabi, apply to the DCD through TAMM with degrees, experience letters and police clearance; documents are verified by DataFlow.
  4. Pass the DCD competency exam, booked through Prometric once you receive an eligibility ID.
  5. In Dubai, apply to the CDA for a social care professional licence; the employer then sponsors your work permit and visa.
Evidence and sources (3)

Demand evidence: Not named as a Golden Visa priority profession; social workers are level 2 professionals on an ordinary employer visa. No official demand data found. (limited evidence for this country) (source)

Visas for United Arab EmiratesEmployment residence visa and MOHRE work permit · Green Visa (skilled employee or freelancer) · Golden Visa (10-year residence) and 3 more6 routes

General information, not immigration or legal advice. Confirm the rules with the regulator before you rely on them. Social Work overview