Social Work Placements

Important information for Social Work Placements 2026

Placement Availability and Delays

The University is currently experiencing challenges securing sufficient Social Work placement capacity across our partner organisations.

We are actively working with placement/industry partners to increase opportunities, allocate placements, and minimise delays wherever possible.

Placement availability may vary depending on individual circumstances and placement requirements.

Placement Allocation and Sourcing Opportunity

Students are not required to independently source their own placement.

The University recognises that finding a suitable placement independently may not be practical for all students. The placement team is responsible for working with approved organisations to secure and allocate placement opportunities.

Students should not feel they need to arrange their own placement to progress in their course.

Enrolment Changes and Leave Options

Depending on the length of the delay for placement, some students may need to consider:

To adjust your enrolments, you must go into DegreeWorks and check your remaining program requirements.

Enrol into available other program subjects offered in the current teaching session (e.g. Spring).

Identifying a Potential Placement Opportunity

If you become aware of a potential placement opportunity, please contact the placement team as soon as possible.

All placements must:

  • be formally approved by the University
  • meet academic requirements
  • meet supervision requirements
  • satisfy relevant compliance and placement standards

Students should not make placement arrangements directly with organisations without first consulting the placement team.

Placement Start Dates and Timing

There is no single placement start date that applies to all students.

However, there may be a point where starting placement later in the teaching period may not allow sufficient time to complete placement requirements within the current study period.

Further advice will be provided as placement availability and timelines become clearer.

Completion Requirements

Placement requirements, including required placement hours, remain fixed and must be completed.

If placement cannot be complete within the current teaching period, students may need to extend their enrolment, and/or take a leave of absence and complete placement at a later time.

Program Completion and Conferral Requirements

Placement delays may affect your expected course completion and graduation timeline.

Your completion date will depend on:

  • when a placement becomes available
  • your ability to complete placement requirements
  • whether any enrolment adjustments are required

The University will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.

What support is available?

For Placement Support:
soss-placements@westernsydney.edu.au

For Program /Degreeworks Support:
socialsciences@westernsydney.edu.au

Leave of Absence (LoA):
Apply for Leave of Absence (LoA)
For support to complete a LoA- raise a WesternNow ticket

International Student Support:
studenthub@westernsydney.edu.au

International Students – Please note the important Visa Elements

Visa and Immigration Considerations

As an international student, if your studies are extended beyond your current enrolment period, this may also have visa implications.

In some cases, this may require:

  • an updated Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), and
  • an application for a student visa extension

We recognise that this process may involve additional time, cost, and uncertainty, The University will provide supporting documentation where required to assist students, including confirmation of the reason for delay and expected timelines.

Please note that visa decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs, and outcomes will depend on your individual circumstances.

Visa and Immigration Advice

For questions about how any change may impact your visa, please contact the Department of Home Affairs (DHA):

You may also wish to consult a registered migration agent or immigration law expert for tailored advice.