Diploma of Liberal Studies (CRICOS course code 085933G) is a Diploma delivered by Australian National University over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 course is designed to introduce students to the field of Society and Culture (broad field 09), providing a foundation for further study or career pathways in humanities, social sciences, and related disciplines. Offered at ANU's Canberra City West campus, this program is ideal for international students seeking a broad-based liberal arts education at one of Australia's leading universities. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00120C), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment, ensuring ESOS Act protections and quality assurance. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, covering over 26,000 courses across 1,500+ providers. This page provides detailed information on fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and visa pathways for prospective students.
Diploma of Liberal Studies (CRICOS course code 085933G) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) delivered by Australian National University (CRICOS 00120C) over 1 year (52 weeks). The course falls under the field of education 090000 - Society and Culture, n.f.d., which encompasses broad studies in humanities, social sciences, and cultural understanding. This program is designed for students who wish to gain a foundational understanding of liberal arts, critical thinking, and communication skills, preparing them for further study at bachelor level or entry into diverse career fields. As a single (non-dual) qualification taught in English, it does not include a mandatory work component. The indicative tuition fee is A$46,680, with non-tuition fees of A$373, totalling A$47,053. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges are not included and must be budgeted separately. Always confirm current fees with the provider at anu.edu.au. ANU is a government-funded university consistently ranked among the world's top institutions, and this course is CRICOS-registered, ensuring ESOS Act protections for international students.
The Diploma of Liberal Studies provides a broad introduction to the field of Society and Culture (broad field 09). Students typically engage with subjects that develop analytical and critical thinking skills, communication and research abilities, and an understanding of social, cultural, and historical contexts. While specific curriculum details are set by the provider, graduates of similar AQF Level 5 courses in this field often gain foundational knowledge in areas such as sociology, political science, history, philosophy, or cultural studies. This diploma serves as a stepping stone to further undergraduate studies or as a standalone qualification for roles in community services, administration, or the arts. It is not a VET course (no national code) and is offered exclusively at the Australian National University campus in Canberra City West. For a complete list of subjects and learning outcomes, refer to the ANU course handbook on the provider's website.
The Diploma of Liberal Studies has a CRICOS-registered duration of 1 year (52 weeks). It is delivered full-time in English. This is a single qualification only — there is no dual award or integrated foundation studies component. Students are expected to attend classes at the campus location. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, attendance and academic progress requirements must be met to maintain student visa conditions. International students should plan their accommodation and living arrangements in Canberra accordingly, as the course does not include a work component. The standard study load for a one-year diploma typically involves 2 semesters or equivalent trimesters, depending on the provider's academic calendar.
The indicative tuition fee for the Diploma of Liberal Studies is A$46,680, with non-tuition fees of A$373, resulting in an estimated total of A$47,053. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Australian National University. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (accommodation, food, transport), and the student visa application charge are NOT included. For international students in Canberra, indicative weekly living costs are approximately A$350–A$500 for rent (shared accommodation), A$80–A$120 for groceries, and A$30–A$50 for public transport. Always check anu.edu.au for the most current fee schedule, as fees are subject to change by the institution. HeadStart Academy does not set fees and recommends confirming directly with the provider before applying.
While specific entry requirements are determined by Australian National University, typical expectations for a Diploma (AQF Level 5) include completion of Year 12 or equivalent. For international students, English language proficiency is required — the indicative IELTS requirement for this course is 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent). Some students may enter via foundation or pathway programs offered by ANU or other institutions. It is essential to check the exact academic and English entry criteria on the ANU website, as they may vary by intake. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, and applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for their student visa. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised visa advice.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. The Diploma of Liberal Studies is a full-time academic program without a built-in internship, practicum, or work placement. Students may, however, seek part-time employment during their studies, subject to their student visa conditions. As of 2023, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Any work must not interfere with course requirements.
This course is delivered at the Australian National University campus in Canberra City West, ACT. Canberra is Australia's capital city, home to over 400,000 residents and a large student population (approximately 50,000 tertiary students across multiple institutions). The city is known for its high quality of life, with excellent public transport (bus and light rail) connecting the campus to the city centre and suburbs. There are over 60 CRICOS-registered providers in the ACT, offering more than 1,200 courses. Living costs in Canberra are moderate compared to Sydney or Melbourne, with indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$350–A$500. The ANU campus is located near Lake Burley Griffin and offers modern facilities including libraries, sports centres, and student accommodation.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: (1) Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Australian National University; (2) Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement demonstrating genuine intention to study; (3) Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa; (4) Evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (currently A$21,041 per year for a single student), and travel; (5) English language proficiency meeting the provider's requirements. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Visa conditions include maintaining satisfactory course attendance and progress. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice — consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for official guidance. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring tuition protection and student rights.
Follow these three steps to apply:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's course finder to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Society and Culture), and location (ACT). Verify that Australian National University (00120C) and this course (085933G) meet your study goals.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit anu.edu.au to check specific entry requirements, English language test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE), and application deadlines. Submit your academic transcripts, English test results, and any supporting documents through ANU's online application portal. You may need to pay an application fee.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): If ANU approves your application, you will receive a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and a valid GTE statement. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent.
Explore this course on the ANU website or use HeadStart Academy's course finder to compare similar Diplomas in Society and Culture.
Diploma of Liberal Studies is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian National University. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.