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Apply now to study online in July

23 April 2026

Here's everything you need to apply for the UC Online Master of Social Work (Applied), starting part-time in July 2026. 

Applications close 31 May 2026. Places are limited and applicants may be waitlisted. 

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Become a social worker and explore social work jobs and social work pay

Congratulations on taking the next step towards becoming a registered social worker! If you're interested in starting study in 2027, please sign up for enrolment updates.

Because of the legal requirements to become a registered social worker, all MSW(App) learners must go through a special application process outlined below.

Please note: StudyLink Student Loan funding will only available from 2027, as the 15-point course you'll start with in July with doesn’t meet StudyLink's minimum eligibility requirement. This means you'll need to pay $1,150 for the July course before study begins, or within the first two weeks of learning. Explore other ways to fund your study.

Learning with Tuihono UC | UC Online


When you apply for a programme with Tuihono UC | UC Online you're applying to learn online with Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. As an online learner, you'll be part of the UC student community, with access to the same support and digital services, plus dedicated online support. 

You're online, not alone. Our Enrolment Support Team is here to support your application, and once you begin studying our Learner Support Team is here to help you succeed. 

What you need to prepare

Entry into the MSW(App) is dependent on students meeting the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) entry criteria. This means that the person must be a ‘fit and proper person to practise as a social worker’ as stated in S.6(b) of the Social Workers Registration Act, 2003). Please read the SWRB Fit and Proper Policy.

Before you apply to start your first course in July, you'll need:

  • Two types of verified evidence of your identity, such as a certified copy of your birth certificate, and a certified copy of the photo page in your passport. There are additional requirements depending on your visa status, or if you have legally changed your name. For more information view full verification requirements.
  • Two referees. 
  • Proof of any academic qualifications you have. This requires a transcript or your UC student ID number if you studied your undergraduate degree with us. If you graduated with a bachelor's degree from another university, you will need to request a digital copy of your transcript through them.
  • A copy of your CV with proof of your professional work history. 
  • It's also helpful to have your National Student Number on hand - if you have one. You can locate your number through the NZQA website.

A student for whom English, Māori, or New Zealand Sign is not their first language, must provide evidence of their English language ability as follows: 

  • IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with no individual score below 6.5. Preference will be given to students with a score of 7; OR
  • An alternative English language assessment, approved by the Amo Matua, Te Kaupeka Oranga|Executive Dean of Health or delegate; OR
  • At least two years of successful study in a New Zealand secondary school, with at least ten Level 2 NCEA credits in Literacy (five reading and five writing) or equivalent.

During your application, you will be prompted to select a qualification to enrol into. Please select MSW(App) — Master of Social Work (Applied).

You do not need to select any courses yet. We will be in touch when you can add your first course (SOWK610-26X3) to your application. 

Our Enrolment Support Team can help answer any questions via enrolments@uconline.ac.nz or 03 369 0600.

Please note: a minimum number of learners is needed for effective interaction and feedback, while a maximum cap of learners ensures high quality learning and support. If the minimum number of enrolments required for a course isn’t met, or the maximum cap is exceeded, learners will be given the option to defer their study or receive a refund.

After you complete your initial application using our UC Online enrolment portal, you will be directed to this form that can be uploaded to your profile: MSW (Applied) Limited Entry Application form.

Please read the SWRB Fit and Proper Policy, then read and acknowledge the following documentation:

Next steps

  • You will be sent a New Zealand Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form which needs to be completed and returned to the Social Work Programme.
  • Once you have made your application, it will be reviewed by the selection panel and you may be invited to attend an online or in-person interview.
  • If your application is successful you will be sent a conditional offer, which is based on your results in the prerequisite courses, meeting the SWRB Fit and Proper person requirements, police vetting results and references (the referree reports).
  • You will be contacted when your enrolment agreement is available.

Note: It is a requirement of the Social Work Registration Board that all applicants undertake a Police vetting process. This is in accordance with the Children’s Act 2014.

Need help?

If you get stuck along the way, check out our enrolment PDF for a visual guide, or contact our team.

Download enrolment guide
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Begin your application now


Please complete this form so we can support you during your application. 

What happens next? You'll be prompted to log in or create an account in our enrolment portal. Once logged in, you can complete the application form and upload your required documents to start your first social work course in July. We recommend allowing an hour to complete your application — but don't worry, you can save and come back if you need.

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