Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 095396M) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) delivered by Learning Lab Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03576B) over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This course sits within the field of Society and Culture – specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services (ANZSCO 090515). It prepares students for roles in community services, case management, and social welfare support. Delivered in Sydney, the course includes a substantial work component of 240 hours. Indicative tuition is A$25,000. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international students. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource helping you navigate Australia's 26,433 courses across 1,556 providers.
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The Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS 095396M) is a nationally recognised qualification under VET national code CHC52015. It is offered by Learning Lab Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (03576B) based in New South Wales. The course is designed for international students seeking a career in the community services sector, including roles in welfare support, case coordination, and program delivery. The program duration is 78 weeks (1 year 6 months), with English as the language of instruction. No dual qualification or foundation studies are included. The indicative total fee is A$25,000, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register. Students benefit from ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. This course is a single qualification, meaning it stands alone as a complete award.
This diploma covers core competencies in human welfare studies and services, focusing on practical skills for supporting individuals and communities. Students explore topics such as case management, advocacy, community development, and ethical practice. While HeadStart Academy does not provide specific syllabi, graduates of similar AQF Level 5 welfare programs typically learn to assess client needs, coordinate support services, and work within legal and policy frameworks. The course emphasises real-world application through a compulsory work component. This field is part of broader Society and Culture studies, which encompass social justice, diversity, and human rights. The CRICOS-registered curriculum aligns with Australian industry standards, ensuring graduates are job-ready. For a full list of subjects, contact Learning Lab Pty Ltd directly.
The Diploma of Community Services runs for 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English. It is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The course is offered on a full-time basis, with a structured schedule that includes both classroom learning and work-integrated learning. Students should expect a combination of lectures, tutorials, and self-paced study. The duration meets student visa requirements for Subclass 500, which mandates a minimum of 20 hours per week of scheduled course contact. International students must maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress. Learning Lab Pty Ltd may offer flexible delivery modes – confirm directly with the provider.
The indicative tuition fee for the Diploma of Community Services is A$25,000 for the entire program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register, though this may exclude materials, uniforms, or other charges – always confirm with the provider. The estimated total cost is A$25,000. These fees do NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, visa application charges, or travel costs. For current fee information, visit the Learning Lab Pty Ltd website. As a guide, international students in Sydney should budget approximately A$25,000–$30,000 per year for living costs (rent, groceries, transport). Check the Department of Home Affairs for financial capacity requirements for your student visa application. All fees shown are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change – always verify with the provider before enrolling.
International students applying for the Diploma of Community Services typically need to meet minimum English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall. Prior academic qualifications at AQF Level 4 or equivalent (e.g., Certificate IV) are usually expected, though the provider may consider relevant work experience. This course does not require foundation studies. For specific entry requirements, including accepted English tests and academic prerequisites, contact Learning Lab Pty Ltd. All international students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website or speaking with an education counsellor.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 16 weeks at 15 hours per week, totalling approximately 240 hours. This work-integrated learning may involve industry placements, internships, or clinical placements in community service organisations. Such hands-on experience is invaluable for applying theoretical knowledge in real settings, building professional networks, and enhancing employability. The provider coordinates placement arrangements, ensuring students are placed in suitable host organisations that meet regulatory standards. Work placements are a key feature of many VET courses in Australia, offering international students a pathway to Australian workplace culture. Note that student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks – but this work component is part of the course curriculum, not additional paid employment.
The Diploma of Community Services is delivered at 269 Sussex Street, Sydney – in the heart of New South Wales' capital. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 5 million people and a vibrant international student community. The campus is well-served by public transport, including trains, buses, and light rail. Sydney has more than 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average: indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$300–$500, groceries around A$80–$150, and a public transport weekly pass about A$40–$50. Students should factor these into their budgets. Studying in Sydney offers rich cultural experiences, diverse communities, and access to major welfare organisations for placements.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course. Key requirements include: evidence of enrolment (Confirmation of Enrolment – CoE), sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa period. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays – but only after the course starts. Always check current visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent – consult a registered MARA agent for individual advice. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, including this one.
Follow these three steps to apply: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Society and Culture), and location (Sydney). Compare Learning Lab Pty Ltd with other providers offering community services courses. 2. Apply directly to Learning Lab Pty Ltd – Submit your application including academic transcripts, English language test results (e.g., IELTS 5.5–6.0), and any other required documents. Check application deadlines on the provider's website. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, Learning Lab will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Sydney offers a dynamic environment for studying community services. With a large and diverse population, there are abundant opportunities for work placements and networking with NGOs, government agencies, and community organisations. The city's cultural diversity provides rich learning contexts for welfare practice. However, the cost of living is among the highest in Australia, so careful budgeting is essential. Over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers operate across Australia, and Sydney alone hosts hundreds. When choosing a provider like Learning Lab Pty Ltd, consider factors such as location, support services, and course outcomes. Remember that all listed institutions are CRICOS-registered, ensuring compliance with Australian education standards. HeadStart Academy is a free resource – no commission or referral fees.
Ready to start your journey? Explore Diploma of Community Services and apply today through HeadStart Academy.
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Learning Lab 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.