This article is for international students passionate about helping others out, positively impacting society, and interested in pursuing a career in the field of social work. In this case, a degree in Social Work would be an excellent choice.
Numerous educational institutions out there can offer you a top-notch Social Work degree, and Asia is home to some of them. Asia, in general, can offer you a world-class education, rich cultural exposure, and plenty of career opportunities, thanks to Asia’s now thriving economy.
In addition to the comprehensive range of universities in Asia offering Social Work programs, students with various interest areas can find opportunities in Asia, these include roles that address issues in mental health, advocate for justice, and work with marginalized communities. Asia can therefore help anyone interested in Social Work education to achieve their goals.
Learn more about some of the top universities in Asia that offer excellent programs in Social Work.
Is Pursuing a Degree in Social Work Abroad Worth It?
Social Work education can be a remarkably rewarding experience for most individuals out there. It will allow you to learn from a diverse range of cultural contexts and gain a holistic perspective on social issues. Individuals with sufficient experience and qualifications will certainly find fulfilling work opportunities in social work.
Additionally, there is an increasing demand for social workers in Asia due to various social issues, such as mental health struggles, inequality, and poverty. Hence, students studying social work in Asia can gain hands-on experience and develop their skills by actively engaging with these communities.
Furthermore, Asia also offers numerous career prospects for professional social workers in various fields, these include job roles in NGOs, healthcare organizations, community development organizations, and government agencies.
Top Social Work Schools in Asia for International Students
Asia is home to numerous top-notch educational institutions with programs that offer a solid foundation in social work practice and theory.
Here is a list of 15 top universities for social work found across the Asian continent for international students.
1. National University of Singapore – Department of Social Work
Established in 1905, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is the largest and oldest educational institution in Singapore. NUS is reputed for its excellence in research and education and has repeatedly ranked among the top global universities.
NUS offers social work programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including a Bachelor of Social Work, and Master of Social Work. These programs provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to enhance well-being and advocate for social change in society. Further, students will also be provided with opportunities for hands-on experience through fieldwork placements and internships.
2. University of Hong Kong – Department of Social Work and Social Administration
Established in 1911, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is Hong Kong’s oldest university. The university is reputed for its research, academics, and innovation. HKU is further renowned for its strong international connections to relevant industries and institutions, its vibrant campus community, and its international outlook, making it a much-favored choice among international students.
Furthermore, HKU has also produced numerous noteworthy alumni and graduates, who further increase its prominence. One such important figure is a former Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Margaret Chan. Similarly, Mr. Victor Fung is another HKU graduate, the former Chairman of the Li & Fung Group, and a reputed leader in business.
3. Peking University – Department of Sociology
Founded in 1898, Peking University is among China’s most renowned educational institutions. It is reputed for its excellence in academia and has ranked among the top education institutions in Asia and China. Peking University entices students from around the globe with its extraordinarily beautiful campus, which offers an inspiring and vibrant study environment by incorporating traditional architecture with modern technology.
In addition, Peking University’s numerous connections with local and international communities allow it to provide graduates with excellent career prospects and opportunities for work experience.
4. Seoul National University – Department of Social Welfare and Sociology
Seoul National University (SNU) was founded in 1946 and is one of South Korea’s most prestigious higher education institutions. SNU offers degree programs in Social Work at both undergraduate and graduate levels. This includes a Bachelor of Social Work program and a Master of Social Work program.
These programs primarily focus on equipping students with social work practices and theories, as well as nurturing empathy and developing proficiency in handling diverse communities. Additionally, graduate-level programs also prepare students for other roles like policy-making, administration, and social work practice by allowing students to work on practical training and research.
5. University of Tokyo – Department of Social Welfare
Established in 1877, the University of Tokyo (Todai) is a renowned institution in Japan. It is the first established university in the country and is reputed for its dedication to academic and research excellence. The university is further popular for promoting innovation and interdisciplinary research.
Further, the University of Tokyo has produced several reputed figures, including Yoichi Funabashi, a popular author and journalist, who played a crucial role in international relations and journalism in Japan. Another reputed graduate is Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, who received a Nobel prize for his innovative research on pluripotent stem cells.
6. Fudan University – School of Social Development and Public Policy
Founded in 1905, Fudan University is a top-ranking educational institution in Asia and China. It is known for its focus on innovative research, especially in areas like social sciences, humanities, technology, and natural sciences. Moreover, Fudan University’s global outlook and its dedication to international exchange and collaboration, make it an attractive choice for scholars and students around the globe.
Additionally, Fudan University’s links to both local and international industrial leaders allow it to provide its graduates with numerous opportunities for work experience through job placement and internship opportunities.
7. University of Social Sciences and Humanities Vietnam – Department of Social Work and Social Policy
- Location: Hanoi, Vietnam | Medium of Instruction: Vietnamese
- Degrees Offered: Bachelors, Masters, Ph.D.
- Social Work Programs
The University of Social Sciences and Humanities Vietnam (USSH) was first established in 1955 and is now associated with Vietnam National University, Hanoi, as of 1995. It is the leading educational institution in Vietnam and is reputed for its dedication to certain fields like humanities, and social sciences. USSH offers a comprehensive list of programs in study areas like history, psychology, linguistics, anthropology, and sociology.
Some undergraduate social work programs offered at USSH include International Studies and Social Work. Graduate programs associated with social work include Public Policy, Sociology, and Social Work. These programs primarily focus on equipping students with the skills required to engage in various social work roles, like social welfare, humanitarian assistance, intercultural communication, human security, counseling, and community development.
8. National Taiwan University – Department of Social Work
Established in 1928, the National Taiwan University is Taiwan’s oldest institution for higher education and was founded during the Japanese colonial period. It is a top-ranking institution in Asia and is renowned for its research capabilities, standards in academia, and dedication to nurturing global citizenship.
The university is associated with numerous noteworthy graduates including Nobel laureate in Chemistry, Dr. Yuan-Tseh Lee, and Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s current President.
9. Ateneo de Manila University – School of Social Sciences
Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo) was founded in 1859 and is yet another prestigious Asian university. Ateneo is reputed for its academic excellence as well as its dedication to nurturing versatile individuals with high moral and ethical values alongside academic competency.
Ateneo instills a sense of leadership and social responsibility in its students by emphasizing the importance of social advocacy and community service. Hence, it can provide a well-rounded education that promotes social justice, critical thinking, and service to those in need.
10. University of Malaya – Department of Social Administration and Justice
The University of Malaya (UM) was founded in 1905 and is the oldest institution for higher education in Malaysia. It is a top-ranking university that is popular for the diverse variety of programs it offers, in study areas like medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. UM strongly focuses on fostering innovation and cultivating innovative and impactful research. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs associated with Social Work. These programs equip aspiring social workers with the necessary skills to address social issues threatening societal well-being.
11. University of Delhi – Department of Sociology
The University of Delhi was founded in 1922 and is among the largest institutions for education in India. It is a renowned establishment that is popular for its research contributions, excellence in academia, and vibrant campus environment. Further, Delhi University’s location in the center of New Delhi, makes it an appealing destination for international students, as it allows them to engage in the city’s historical, political, and cultural richness.
12. Hong Kong Polytechnic University – Department of Applied Social Sciences
Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was established in 1972. It is a leading institution in Hong Kong for its dedication to innovative research, and the application of knowledge. PolyU has gained international recognition for its programs in several fields, including business, engineering, and design.
Additionally, PolyU offers an extensive range of degrees and programs, which include social work programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. PolyU offers its students a supportive and vigorous study environment to facilitate their professional and personal development.
13. University of Colombo – Department of Sociology
The University of Colombo was established in 1921. It offers a range of academic programs across various areas, including social work. Colombo University is also renowned for producing many Social Work professionals of high caliber. It has social work programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels that primarily focus on providing students with an in-depth knowledge of social work practices and principles.
14. Mahidol University – Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Established in 1888, Mahidol University is a renowned educational institute in Thailand. The University is popular for its focus on research, innovation, and education in health care. Further, Mahidol is also known for nurturing numerous skilled healthcare professionals who have contributed to the development of the country’s healthcare system. The institute is well connected to various healthcare and research institutions, which allows it to provide its students with valuable opportunities for research and training.
15. University of Dhaka – Department of Sociology
Founded in 1921, the University of Dhaka is Bangladesh’s largest and oldest institution for higher education. The University is reputed for its academic contributions and excellence. Dhaka University’s cultural heritage and deep history make it an attractive study destination as it offers a scenic blend of modern facilities and traditional architecture, producing an inspiring and serene learning environment.
To conclude, Asia offers numerous Universities for international students interested in pursuing a degree in Social Work. These universities can offer a top-notch education, opportunities for research, and plenty of hands-on training, making Asia an ideal study-abroad location.
We hope this article has been helpful. If you want to pursue higher education in Asia, one way of lowering your academic finances is to apply for scholarships! Check out Best Scholarships in Asia for International Students to know more!
