Key Information
- Duration: Full-time: 48 months; Part-time: 96 months.
- Start dates & application deadlines:
- Starting March 2027: Apply before Feb 2027 (International and National)
Overview
As the highest level of qualification available, this doctorate degree in social work enables you to conduct research that makes an original and significant contribution to knowledge in the discipline.
The Doctor of Social Work programme at Charles Sturt University is designed for professionals who wish to extend their levels of professional practice, explore theoretical and practice issues in the profession and acquire advanced research skills.
Charles Sturt University is a leading Australian provider of social work courses. Our academic staff draw on extensive industry experience and the latest research to inform their teaching.
Outstanding reputation
- You'll experience the benefits of group-based learning and forge professional connections that will extend well beyond your studies.
- Doctoral students are offered regular networking opportunities and ongoing support through optional seminars (usually one per semester) and an online peer support site especially for doctoral students.
- Many doctoral students find these initiatives invaluable as they work towards completion.
Career opportunities
- Charles Sturt University's Doctor of Social Work programme will further your expertise as a dynamic, reflective practising social worker.
- Available online and on campus, this course represents the ideal preparation for management, policy, research and practice leadership roles.
Programme Structure
Curriculum:
- Advanced Social Work Theory and Reflective Practice
- Advanced Social Research Methods
- Social Work Literature Review
- Social Work Research Proposal
- Doctoral Thesis in Social Work FT
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL iBT: 79
- PTE Academic: 58
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements: Cricos: 073076J
- Have completed a Class 1 or Class 2 Division 1 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) degree
- or have a master degree in social work or human services by coursework attained at a credit average (5.0) or better in the research and dissertation subjects, equivalent to a Charles Sturt University 16 point subject or greater, of the applicant's substantive degree or have a master degree by research in social work or human services,
- and have at least three years of full-time-equivalent professional practice in social work or human services
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (Non-residents): 33,120 AUD / year
- Domestic (Citizens or residents): 29,120 AUD / year
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Social Work.
- CSU Refugee and Asylum Seeker Scholarship - Provided by university, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: 04 Feb 2027, Merit-based
- CSU give Scholarship - Provided by university, Grant, 5000 AUD, Deadline: 04 Feb 2027
- CSU Foundation Persistence Scholarship - Provided by university, Grant, 20000 AUD, Deadline: 20 Jan 2027, Merit-based
- Sam Phillips Memorial Scholarship - Provided by university, Grant, 3000 AUD, Deadline: 04 Feb 2027, Merit-based
- Wagga Wagga Staff Social Club Scholarship - Provided by university, Grant, 5000 AUD, Deadline: 04 Feb 2027
- SRC Wagga Student Support Scholarship - Provided by university, Grant, 2000 AUD, Deadline: 04 Feb 2027, Merit-based
- CSU Rugby Alumni Scholarship - Provided by university, Grant, 3000 AUD, Deadline: 11 Feb 2027, Merit-based
- Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships - Independent provider, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program - Independent provider, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships - Independent provider, Grant, 40000 AUD, Deadline: 30 Sep 2026, Merit-based
- Destination Australia Cheung Kong Exchange Program - Independent provider, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: 21 Nov 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship - Independent provider, Grant, 1000 USD, Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- VisaEnvoy Scholarships - Independent provider, Grant, 4000 AUD, Deadline: 20 Jan 2027, Merit-based
- ACES Scholarships - Independent provider, Grant, 3500 USD, Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility - Independent provider, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- Destination Australia - Independent provider, Grant, 15000 AUD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship - Independent provider, Grant, 1000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026, Merit-based
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship - Independent provider, Grant, 1000 USD, Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Women Scholarship for International Students - Independent provider, Grant, 5000 USD, Deadline: 28 Aug 2026, Merit-based
- The PhD Prep Fellowship - Independent provider, Grant, 10000 USD, Deadline: 01 Sep 2026, Merit-based
- Dream Chaser Scholarship - Independent provider, Grant, 1000 USD, Deadline: 13 Jan 2027, Merit-based
- MVC Vocational Education Scholarships - Independent provider, Grant, 2000 AUD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- Scholarship for students with disabilities - Independent provider, Grant, 3000 USD, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026, Need-based
- MVC Young Chef’s Club Award - Independent provider, Grant, 2000 AUD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship - Independent provider, Grant, 1500 USD, Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme - Independent provider, Grant, 12000 USD, Deadline: 11 Jan 2027