The SWRB has two roles in social work education:
- to prescribe and monitor social work qualifications that meet our Education Standards
- to work with Tertiary Education Organisations (TEOs) and organisations who set standards and training in Aotearoa New Zealand
Aotearoa NZ – recognised social work qualifications
The SWRB prescribes social work qualifications at undergraduate and postgraduate level:
- At the undergraduate level, a Bachelor’s degree.
- At the postgraduate level, a Master’s degree.
These programmes are offered by a range of tertiary education organisations: universities, institutes of technology and polytechnics, wānanga and a private training establishment.
To be eligible to register and work as a social worker, you will need to graduate with a social work qualification from one of the institutions offering an SWRB prescribed programme of study.
Where you can study
Programmes of study are offered across the motu All TEOs delivering SWRB prescribed social work qualifications in Aotearoa New Zealand are monitored on a regular basis by SWRB.
You can download a list of the TEOs and the SWRB prescribed social work qualifications they offer:
Recognised New Zealand Social Work Qualifications_2026
Information for social work students
Annual education reports
The SWRB compiles a report following each academic year that provides information on student numbers and demographics, as well as field education activities.
