Last Updated on May 27, 2025
Planning​​ tо pursue​​ a Master​​ оf Social Work​ іn 2025? By finding the best country, you can access premium MSW work, build international links and find fulfilling roles in social work. This guide covers the 10 countries where it’s best to learn social work. If you’d prefer to study in Europe at a prestigious university or in Canada or Australia, we can help you choose the right campus. Discover the 10 best countries to study social work in 2025. Explore MSW course fees, top universities, and global job opportunities for social workers.
Key Factors for Choosing the Best Countries to Study Social Work in 2025
Selecting the ideal destination for your MSW involves considering various factors that align with your personal and professional goals:
- Check for countries whose universities have built a reputation for teaching social work and conducting research.
- Opportunities to work in internships, do field work and join group projects are important for learning.
- Good career beginnings can result from countries that allow international graduates to stay and pursue employment.
- Being able to easily understand the culture and communicate helps make your experience much more productive.
- Be sure to consider tuition, how much it will cost to live and the chances of getting financial help.
- In different countries, social workers might concentrate on child welfare, mental health care or community development.
- There are many chances to participate in advanced research projects which can improve your education.
- After finishing your studies, strong support systems from your university can help you land a job.
- Safety, good healthcare and your well-being are important for a satisfying study experience.
10 Best Countries to Study Social Work in 2025
United States
Why USA is one of the Best Countries to Study Social Work in 2025?
- Home to top-ranked social work schools with diverse specializations.
- Extensive fieldwork opportunities across various settings.
- Strong professional networks and licensure pathways.
- Access to cutting-edge research and resources.
Top Universities
| University | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | #1 in Social Work | $50,000 |
| University of California – Berkeley | #2 in Social Work | $45,000 |
| Columbia University | #3 in Social Work | $60,000 |
| University of Chicago | #4 in Social Work | $55,000 |
| New York University | #5 in Social Work | $58,000 |
United Kingdom
Why the UK is one of the Best Countries to Study Social Work in 2025?
- Globally recognized MSW programs with a strong emphasis on theory and practice.
- Shorter program durations (typically one year).
- Opportunities for international students to work post-study.
- Rich history of social welfare and policy development.
Top Universities
| University | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| University of York | #1 in UK for Social Work | £20,000 |
| University of Edinburgh | #2 in UK for Social Work | £22,000 |
| University of Bristol | #3 in UK for Social Work | £21,000 |
| University of Nottingham | #4 in UK for Social Work | £19,500 |
| London School of Economics (LSE) | #5 in UK for Social Work | £24,000 |
Canada
Why Canada is one of the Best Countries to Study Social Work in 2025?
- High-quality education with a focus on multiculturalism and inclusivity.
- MSW programs accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education.
- Post-graduation work permit options for international students.
- Strong demand for social workers in various sectors.
Top Universities
| University | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| University of Toronto | #1 in Canada for Social Work | CAD 30,000 |
| University of British Columbia | #2 in Canada for Social Work | CAD 28,000 |
| McGill University | #3 in Canada for Social Work | CAD 27,000 |
| University of Calgary | #4 in Canada for Social Work | CAD 26,000 |
| University of Alberta | #5 in Canada for Social Work | CAD 25,000 |
Australia
Why Australia is one of the Best Countries to Study Social Work in 2025?
- MSW programs accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers.
- Emphasis on practical placements and community engagement.
- Post-study work visas available for international graduates.
- Diverse cultural settings and high quality of life.
Top Universities
| University | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| University of Queensland | #1 in Australia for Social Work | AUD 32,000 |
| University of Melbourne | #2 in Australia for Social Work | AUD 34,000 |
| University of Sydney | #3 in Australia for Social Work | AUD 33,000 |
| Monash University | #4 in Australia for Social Work | AUD 31,000 |
| La Trobe University | #5 in Australia for Social Work | AUD 30,000 |
Sweden
Why Sweden is one of the Best Countries to Study Social Work in 2025?
- Strong emphasis on social justice and equality in education.
- Programs taught in English with a global perspective.
- Opportunities for research in progressive social policies.
- High standard of living and inclusive society.
Top Universities
| University | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Stockholm University | #1 in Sweden for Social Work | SEK 90,000 |
| Lund University | #2 in Sweden for Social Work | SEK 85,000 |
| Uppsala University | #3 in Sweden for Social Work | SEK 88,000 |
| Gothenburg University | #4 in Sweden for Social Work | SEK 87,000 |
| Malmö University | #5 in Sweden for Social Work | SEK 80,000 |
Germany
Why Germany is one of the Best Countries to Study Social Work in 2025?
- Low or no tuition fees for international students.
- Strong focus on practical training and community work.
- Opportunities to learn and work in a diverse society.
- Growing demand for social workers in various sectors.
Top Universities
| University | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin | #1 in Germany for Social Work | €0–€1,500 |
| University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt | #2 in Germany for Social Work | €0–€1,500 |
| University of Kassel | #3 in Germany for Social Work | €0–€1,500 |
| University of Duisburg-Essen | #4 in Germany for Social Work | €0–€1,500 |
| University of Applied Sciences Frankfurt | #5 in Germany for Social Work | €0–€1,500 |
Netherlands
Why Netherlands is one of the Best Countries to Study Social Work in 2025?
- Wide range of English-taught MSW programs.
- Innovative teaching methods and research opportunities.
- Strong emphasis on international perspectives in social work.
- Accessible tuition fees and scholarship options.
Top Universities
| University | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| University of Amsterdam | #1 in Netherlands for Social Work | €12,000 |
| Utrecht University | #2 in Netherlands for Social Work | €11,500 |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | #3 in Netherlands for Social Work | €11,000 |
| Leiden University | #4 in Netherlands for Social Work | €10,500 |
| Radboud University | #5 in Netherlands for Social Work | €10,000 |
New Zealand
Why New Zealand is one of the Best Countries to Study Social Work in 2025?
- MSW programs accredited by the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board.
- Focus on indigenous and multicultural social work practices.
- Opportunities for fieldwork in diverse communities.
- Post-study work rights for international students.
Top Universities
| University | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| University of Auckland | #1 in New Zealand for Social Work | NZD 28,000 |
| University of Otago | #2 in New Zealand for Social Work | NZD 27,000 |
| Massey University | #3 in New Zealand for Social Work | NZD 26,000 |
| University of Canterbury | #4 in New Zealand for Social Work | NZD 25,500 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | #5 in New Zealand for Social Work | NZD 25,000 |
Ireland
Why Ireland is one of the Best Countries to Study Social Work in 2025?
- Ireland has a long-standing tradition of community welfare and social justice.
- MSW programs are recognized across the EU and often include field placements.
- Courses are taught in English, with a focus on international social work.
- International students benefit from post-study work visa options (typically up to 2 years).
- Growing demand for social workers in health services, NGOs, and public sector roles.
Top Universities
| University | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Trinity College Dublin | #1 in Ireland for Social Work | €18,500 |
| University College Dublin (UCD) | #2 in Ireland for Social Work | €17,000 |
| University College Cork (UCC) | #3 in Ireland for Social Work | €16,000 |
| National University of Ireland, Galway | #4 in Ireland for Social Work | €15,500 |
| Maynooth University | #5 in Ireland for Social Work | €15,000 |
Norway
Why Norway is one of the Best Countries to Study Social Work in 2025?
- Tuition-free education at public universities, even for international students.
- Strong focus on equity, human rights, and welfare-based social systems.
- Courses available in English, especially at the master’s level.
- Safe, progressive society with world-class living standards.
- Research and training opportunities in child welfare, refugee work, and mental health.
Top Universities
| University | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Oslo Metropolitan University | #1 in Norway for Social Work | NOK 0 (tuition-free) |
| Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) | #2 in Norway | NOK 0 (tuition-free) |
| University of Bergen | #3 in Norway for Social Work | NOK 0 (tuition-free) |
| University of Stavanger | #4 in Norway for Social Work | NOK 0 (tuition-free) |
| Nord University | #5 in Norway for Social Work | NOK 0 (tuition-free) |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best country​ tо study social work abroad​ іn 2025 depends​ оn your:
- Specialty – What interests you more: child protection, mental health, global development or human rights?
- Tuition – Students can attend programs in Germany, Sweden and Norway for little or no tuition.
- Make sure to consider living in the UK, Ireland, Australia or Canada if you only speak English well.
- After completing your studies, several countries give you opportunities for permanent residency and global movement.
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Bonus: Quick Comparison Table
| Country | Avg Tuition | Language | Post-Study Visa | Strengths |
| USA | $45K–$60K | English | Up to 3 years | Top universities, strong alumni |
| UK | £19K–£24K | English | 2 years | One-year MSW, policy depth |
| Canada | CAD 25K–30K | English | 3 years | Multicultural, practical focus |
| Australia | AUD 30K–34K | English | 2–4 years | Field placements, PR pathways |
| Sweden | SEK 80K–90K | English | 1 year | Innovation, equality focus |
| Germany | ~€0 | English* | 1.5 years | Tuition-free, growing demand |
| Netherlands | €10K–12K | English | 1 year | Global perspective, compact |
| New Zealand | NZD 25K–28K | English | 3 years | Indigenous focus, quality life |
| Ireland | €15K–18K | English | 2 years | EU-recognized, career support |
| Norway | ~NOK 0 | English* | 1 year | Free tuition, progressive system |
*Some programs may require local language proficiency for field placements.
How Admissify Can Help You
If you’re dreaming​ оf​ a global career​ Ñ–n social work, Admissify​ Ñ–s here​ tо guide you every step​ оf the way:
- Free 1:1 Counseling with international education experts
- Exclusive Scholarships​ & tuition discounts
- Personalized Application Help for top MSW programs
- Fast-Track Admissions with priority processing
- Post-Study Support including job placement and​ PR assistance
FAQs
Which country is best for studying social work in 2025?
Students can find leading MSW programs in the UK, Canada and Germany, plus good career prospects.
Where is the highest demand for social workers globally?
At present, there is an increasing need for social workers in Canada, Australia and the USA.
Which are the best universities for a master’s in social work in Europe?
Well-known institutions are the University of Edinburgh, University of Amsterdam and University of Helsinki.
What are the top-ranked universities for social work worldwide?
According to QS Rankings, top MSW schools include Columbia University, University of Toronto, and LSE.
Bhaskarjyoti Paul is a seasoned content writer with over three years of experience within the ed-tech space. Specialising in study abroad and academic content, Bhaskarjyoti excels at creating SEO-optimized articles that drive traffic and engagement and blog and website content that engages and informs readers. Bhaskarjyoti handles social media content for Admissify, designs compelling narratives and spearheads engagement across multiple platforms. With a desire to help students and a keen eye for detail, Bhaskarjyoti brings a wealth of knowledge to every project.
