Certificate III in Community Services (CRICOS course code 090729B) is a Certificate III delivered by Department of Training and Workforce Development over 26 weeks (~6 months). This program is designed for international students seeking foundational skills in human welfare and community support. As a government provider (CRICOS 00020G), the Department of Training and Workforce Development delivers this course across multiple campuses in Western Australia, including Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Northam, Leederville, Broome, and Murdoch. With an indicative total cost of A$7,595 (tuition A$6,876 plus non-tuition fees A$719), this course offers an affordable pathway into the community services sector. All CRICOS-registered courses, including this one, are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and student protections. HeadStart Academy provides this information free of charge, sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
Certificate III in Community Services (CRICOS 090729B) is a VET qualification registered under the national code CHC32015. It sits at AQF Level 3, providing foundational knowledge and practical skills for supporting individuals and communities in welfare settings. The field of education is Society and Culture (09) with a focus on Human Welfare Studies and Services (0905), specifically Welfare Studies (090515). Graduates typically gain competencies in case management, client support, advocacy, and community development. This course is ideal for those aiming to work as community support workers, welfare assistants, or youth workers. The Department of Training and Workforce Development, a government provider, ensures industry-relevant training with a work component of 20 weeks, 3 hours per week (approximately 60 total hours), allowing students to apply learning in real-world environments. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses; this course is one of many available to international students.
While specific syllabi vary by provider, the Certificate III in Community Services typically covers topics such as communication with clients, legal and ethical compliance, community development principles, case management processes, and working with diverse populations. Students learn to assess client needs, provide referrals, maintain records, and facilitate group activities. The curriculum aligns with national competency standards (CHC32015) and prepares graduates for entry-level roles in community organisations, government agencies, and non-profits. The course includes both theoretical and practical components, with an emphasis on hands-on skills through the work placement. Graduates may also articulate to higher-level qualifications, such as Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services.
This course is offered full-time over 26 weeks (approximately 6 months), as recorded in the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). Delivery locations include six campuses across Western Australia: Central Regional TAFE - Kalgoorlie Campus (KALGOORLIE, WA), Central Regional TAFE, Geraldton Campus (Geraldton, WA), Central Regional TAFE, Northam Campus (Northam, WA), North Metropolitan TAFE, Leederville Campus (Leederville, WA), North Regional TAFE, Broome Campus (Broome, WA), and South Metropolitan TAFE, Murdoch Campus (Murdoch, WA). Each campus offers access to local amenities and public transport. For example, Murdoch is south of Perth with a major train station, while Broome is a regional centre with a smaller student population. Students should consider living costs: weekly rent in Perth averages A$200-350, with lower costs in regional areas. Check with the provider for specific class schedules.
The indicative tuition fee is A$6,876, with non-tuition fees of A$719, totalling an estimated A$7,595 (all sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026). These fees are set by the Department of Training and Workforce Development and may change. Always confirm directly on the provider's website (http://www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au/) for current fees. The following are NOT included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (accommodation, food, transport), and the visa application charge. For a single student, OSHC costs around A$500-700 per year. Living costs in Western Australia vary: Perth approx. A$450-600 per week; regional areas like Kalgoorlie or Geraldton are lower. HeadStart Academy recommends budgeting carefully and reviewing the Department of Home Affairs financial capacity requirements.
International students need to demonstrate English proficiency, typically IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent). Prior qualifications: completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent is usually expected. Some providers may require relevant work experience or a foundation program. For this course at Department of Training and Workforce Development, check specific entry requirements on their website. If you do not meet the English level, pathway options such as ELICOS may be available. Always verify with the provider and consult a registered migration agent for personalised advice.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks, 3 hours per week (approximately 60 total hours). This work-integrated learning typically involves an industry placement, internship, or clinical placement in a community services setting. Students gain practical experience under supervision, applying skills in real client interactions. The provider coordinates placement arrangements, but students may need to comply with site-specific requirements (e.g., police checks, vaccinations). This component is designed to enhance employability and meet competency standards.
Certificate III in Community Services is delivered at six campuses across Western Australia: Kalgoorlie (Goldfields region), Geraldton (Mid-West), Northam (Wheatbelt), Leederville (Perth metro), Broome (Kimberley), and Murdoch (Perth metro). Each campus offers a unique study environment. For example, Leederville is close to Perth city centre with excellent public transport, while Broome provides a tropical setting with a smaller international student community. Living costs are generally lower in regional towns. All campuses are CRICOS-registered and offer student support services. International students should consider proximity to amenities and climate. Over 200 CRICOS-registered providers operate in Western Australia, offering diverse study options.
International students on this course require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance and course progress requirements, hold valid OSHC, and satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student as per DHA guidelines), and OSHC. Dependents (if applicable) have additional costs. Always check current visa requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered MARA agent.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Community Services at Department of Training and Workforce Development:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Start by reviewing all CRICOS-registered providers offering Certificate III in Community Services in Western Australia. Use the CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy's search tools to compare courses, locations, and fees. Department of Training and Workforce Development is a government provider with multiple campuses.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the provider's website (http://www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au/) to check specific entry requirements, English language tests accepted (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE), and application deadlines. Submit your application with supporting documents (transcripts, English scores, passport copy). Some courses may have intakes multiple times per year.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE requirements. Visa processing times vary; apply early.
Remember: All courses listed are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality and ESOS Act protections.
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Certificate III in Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Department of Training and Workforce Development. 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.