Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 091282J) is a Diploma delivered by Acknowledge Education Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 qualification prepares graduates for roles in community services, case management, and social welfare. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00197D), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. HeadStart Academy provides this details page as part of our free resource covering 26,433 courses across 1,556 providers. Whether you are planning to study in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, or Brisbane, this program offers hands-on work placement and a pathway to a rewarding career in human welfare.
Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 091282J) is a Diploma level program (AQF Level 5) within the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (090500). Delivered by Acknowledge Education Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (00197D), the course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) and includes a supervised work component of 10 weeks (400 hours). Graduates develop skills in case coordination, advocacy, community development, and client support. The program is designed for those seeking employment in community services organisations, government agencies, or non-profit sectors. All course data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
The Diploma of Community Services covers topics in human welfare studies, including case management, community development, legal and ethical frameworks, and social policy. Students learn to assess client needs, design support plans, and work collaboratively with diverse populations. The curriculum emphasises practical skills such as advocacy, crisis intervention, and referral coordination. Graduates typically find roles as community service workers, case managers, or outreach officers. The VET national code for this qualification is CHC52015, reflecting nationally recognised competency standards.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component — this is a standalone Diploma. Students should expect a full-time study load, with a mix of classroom learning and supervised work placement. The language of instruction is English, so applicants must meet the English proficiency requirements outlined below.
The indicative tuition fee for Diploma of Community Services is A$15,000, with additional non-tuition fees of A$600, bringing the estimated total to A$15,600. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the institution. Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are NOT included. For current fees, always confirm directly with Acknowledge Education. As a guide, living expenses in Australian cities amount to approximately A$21,041 per year (Department of Home Affairs estimate).
Applicants typically need an IELTS overall band score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent) and completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent. Prior qualifications in community services or related fields may be recognised. For specific entry requirements, refer to Acknowledge Education's website. Some students may enter via foundation or pathway programs — check with the provider directly. HeadStart Academy does not assess eligibility; we recommend contacting the institution or a registered migration agent for personalised advice.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks at 40 hours per week (approximately 400 total hours). This work-integrated learning may take the form of an industry placement, internship, or clinical placement in a community services setting. It provides practical experience in case management, client advocacy, and community outreach. Placements are arranged by the provider, but students may also suggest host organisations. The placement typically occurs in the latter part of the course, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts.
Acknowledge Education delivers the Diploma of Community Services from six campuses across Australia: 107 Brunswick Road, Brunswick VIC; 166–172 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC; Level 4, 222 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC; Kent Street / Hickson Road, Sydney NSW; 647 Wellington Street, Perth WA; and Brisbane Campus (225 St Pauls Terrace), Fortitude Valley QLD. This geographic spread gives students flexibility to choose a city that suits their lifestyle and career goals. Melbourne and Sydney have the highest concentration of CRICOS-registered providers, while Perth and Brisbane offer lower living costs and vibrant student communities.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this full-time course. Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting attendance requirements, and holding valid OSHC. Work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. For detailed advice, consult the Department of Home Affairs website or a registered MARA agent.
Follow these 3 steps to apply for the Diploma of Community Services at Acknowledge Education:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers (filter by course level, field, city) — use HeadStart Academy's database to compare options. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution — meet entry requirements (English test, previous qualifications) and submit your application before the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) — once enrolled, lodge your visa application with complete documentation.
Choosing where to study is a key decision. Melbourne is home to over 200,000 international students and offers a diverse social services sector due to its large population. Sydney has a high demand for community workers but generally higher living costs — indicative weekly rent in Sydney is around A$450–600 vs A$350–500 in Melbourne or Perth. Brisbane and Perth offer a lower cost of living and a relaxed lifestyle, with growing community services job markets. All four cities have excellent public transport to campus locations. Consider your budget, climate preference, and career network when deciding.
Ready to apply? Use the 3-step guide above to get started with your Diploma of Community Services application.
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Acknowledge Education Pty Ltd. 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.