Course Overview

About This Course

Make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged young people with the expertise gained in the Bachelor of Youth Work at Victoria University. In our youth work degree, you'll learn to help young people develop resilience through activities that are enjoyable, challenging and educational. Our youth work degree program is the largest in Australia, and is delivered by accomplished youth-work specialists. You'll receive expert guidance from youth sociologists and experienced workers from disability, legal care, community development, social work and other relevant areas. In addition, you'll undertake substantial professional work placements, and graduate well prepared for a rewarding career. Sector professionals with a related diploma can upgrade to a Bachelor of Youth Work degree while working in industry, with our National Youth Work degree program. Online delivery is only for the industry professionals in this group; other students will attend classes in person.

VU is delivering the National Youth Work's online Bachelor of Youth Work as an upgrade course for sector professionals. Our course lets industry professionals upgrade their diploma of youth work or community services to a bachelor degree, while working in the sector. Placements may be undertaken in your current workplace, so you can complete these without taking leave. You need to hold a Diploma of Youth Work (or equivalent) and have industry experience to enrol in this national program. Course credits are available for your qualifications and youth-work experience, letting you complete the qualification sooner. Our national Bachelor of Youth Work course-delivery has been designed for professionals to complete while working full time in the industry. It includes the delivery of units to ‘top-up’ the knowledge of industry students: see the second and third year of the 'course structure & units' below.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

Victoria University City Campus, 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Indicative fees for full-time student (2026): AU$17,399 per year | Indicative fees for full-time student (2027): $18,025 per year

Duration

3 years full time or longer for part time

Study Mode

In Person

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

Applicants with recent secondary education: Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
Applicants with vocational education & training (VET/TAFE) study: Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent). OR: Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent). For 'Online Real Time' Admissions Completion of an Australian Diploma of Youth Work or Diploma of Community Services and at least 3 years of employment in the youth and community sector.
Applicants with higher education study: Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent). OR: Completion of two units of Higher Education studies. OR: Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience: Three years (minimum) work/life experience in Human Services or similar. OR: Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago. PLUS: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).

International students:

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent). OR: Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent). PLUS: IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). OR: Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

local government
schools
rehabilitation
juvenile justice centre
not-for-profit and community organisations
youth worker
case manager
counsellor
family support worker
drug and alcohol worker

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units24 units

AEB1800

Youth Work Practice

12 credit points

AEB1801

Youth Work Practice 2

12 credit points

AEB1804

Young People in a Global Community

12 credit points

AEK1204

Aboriginal History and Political Movements

12 credit points

ASA1024

Applied Human Rights

12 credit points

AYW1001

Principles of Youth Participation

12 credit points

AYW1003

Youth and Community Programs

12 credit points

AYW1004

Critical Inquiry in Community Contexts

12 credit points

AEB2802

Ethics and Youth Work Practice

12 credit points

AEB2803

Holistic Practice With Young People

12 credit points

AEB3803

Professional Practice 1

12 credit points

AEB3805

Youth Policy, Civics and Culture

12 credit points

ASC2006

Creative Change and Social Justice

12 credit points

AYW2002

Disability, Ableism and Youth Work

12 credit points

ECY2001

Young People and Substance Use

12 credit points

EDI3001

Rights, Advocacy and Discrimination

12 credit points

AEB3801

Youth Policy and Civics

12 credit points

AEB3802

Professional Culture and Collaboration

12 credit points

ASC3007

Research in the Community

12 credit points

ECY3000

Supporting Young People in Dual Diagnosis Settings

12 credit points

ECY3001

Working with Young People with Complex Issues

12 credit points

ECY3003

Youth and Community Industry Preparation

12 credit points

ECY3004

Youth and Community Industry Placement

12 credit points

EEE3011

Digital Life & Learning

12 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for credit towards the Bachelor of Youth Work based on previous study or work experience?

Yes, Victoria University offers credit (also known as 'advanced standing') for relevant prior learning or work and life experience. This can reduce the number of units you need to complete. You can apply for credit during the course application process or after enrolment through the MyVU portal.

Do I need a Working with Children Check to study this course?

Applicants should check the course page for additional information requirements. A Working with Children Check is commonly required for professional placements in courses involving work with young people. If you are unable to complete this check, you should consider whether this course is suitable for you.

Can I defer my offer for the Bachelor of Youth Work?

Yes, domestic undergraduate students who have received an offer but have not yet enrolled may defer their start date for up to 12 months for reasons such as work, travel, or personal circumstances. You must apply for deferral before enrolling by following the link in your acceptance email.

How does the VU Block Model affect how I study this course?

At Victoria University, the award-winning VU Block Model® means you study one subject at a time over four-week blocks, rather than multiple subjects simultaneously. This learner-centred approach also provides five opportunities across the year to start your course, offering more flexibility than traditional semester-based study.

Can I apply for special admissions consideration if I have faced difficulties that affected my studies?

Yes, Victoria University offers special admissions consideration for applicants who have faced difficulties such as being from a rural or isolated area, having a disability or medical condition, experiencing financial disadvantage, difficult circumstances, mature-age consideration, being under-represented in the discipline, or being recognised as an Aboriginal Australian. You can apply for special consideration during your course application.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Upcoming Intakes

09 February 2026

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $70,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $70,000 to $82,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $82,000 to $95,000 per year

Career Paths

Family Support WorkerChild Protection PractitionerChild Safety OfficerFamily Services CoordinatorEarly Childhood Educator / Teacher

Key Skills

Child and adolescent development theory and applicationTrauma-informed and strengths-based practiceFamily assessment and case managementChild protection legislation and statutory frameworksCulturally safe and responsive practice with diverse communities

Full Course Overview

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Bachelor of Youth Work

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

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