Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 106058A) is a Diploma delivered by Australian Ideal College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 course prepares students for roles in community services, case management, and social welfare support. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international students, ensuring quality education and workplace readiness. Located in Hobart, Sydney, and Adelaide, the program combines theoretical learning with a 7-week work placement, giving you practical experience in the field. Whether you're aiming to work with disadvantaged groups or in community development, this Diploma provides the skills and qualifications needed. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 106058A) is a Diploma delivered by Australian Ideal College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This Diploma (AQF Level 5) falls under the field of Society and Culture (0905 - Human Welfare Studies and Services - 090501 Social Work). Graduates typically develop skills in case management, advocacy, community development, and client assessment. The course is designed to meet industry standards and is registered on CRICOS, ensuring it meets Australian quality benchmarks. International students are protected under the ESOS Act, which guarantees tuition fee protection and access to complaint mechanisms. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, making it a trusted destination for international education.
The Diploma of Community Services covers core areas of social work and human welfare. Students learn about community service delivery, ethical practice, and working with diverse populations. While specific syllabus details are set by Australian Ideal College, typical learning outcomes include developing intervention strategies, managing case loads, and understanding social policy. The course combines theory with practical application, preparing graduates for roles in community organisations, government agencies, and not-for-profit sectors. Field education is a key component, with a mandatory work placement to apply skills in real-world settings.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks on the CRICOS register), delivered full-time in English. It is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). Classes are conducted face-to-face at the provider's campuses. The language of instruction is English, and students must meet the required English proficiency. The course is structured to balance theoretical learning with practical placement, ensuring graduates are job-ready. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the 20-hour per week study requirement for student visa holders.
Tuition: A$12,000 (indicative). Non-tuition fees: A$200. Estimated total: A$12,200. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Australian Ideal College. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. International students should budget for OSHC (approximately A$500–A$700 per year), living expenses (A$21,041 per year as per Department of Home Affairs), and the visa application fee (A$1,600). Always confirm current fees with the provider via their website www.aic.edu.au, as fees are subject to change.
General guidance: IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent). Applicants should have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and prior qualifications expected for this level (e.g., Certificate IV in Community Services or relevant work experience). Foundation or pathway options may be available – refer to the provider for specific entry criteria. English language requirements may be waived for students from certain countries. Always check with Australian Ideal College for the most up-to-date requirements. As a CRICOS-registered course, entry is subject to meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion.
This course includes a mandatory work placement of 7 weeks, 15 hours per week (~105 total hours). This work-integrated learning component is designed to give students practical experience in community service settings. Placements may involve working with NGOs, government agencies, or community health organisations. The placement is supervised and assessed, helping students build industry connections and apply theoretical knowledge. International students on a Subclass 500 visa can undertake work placements as part of their course, provided they maintain enrolment and meet visa conditions.
The Diploma of Community Services is delivered at three locations: 114-116 Murray Street Hobart TAS 7000 (Hobart, Tasmania); Australian Ideal College (75 King Street) in Sydney, NSW; and Level 3, 7 James Place, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, South Australia. Hobart is a smaller city with a close-knit student community and lower living costs (indicative weekly rent A$200–$300, groceries A$80–$120, transport A$30–$40). Sydney is Australia's largest city with a vibrant student population and higher costs (rent A$300–$500, groceries A$100–$150, transport A$40–$50). Adelaide offers a more affordable lifestyle (rent A$150–$250, groceries A$70–$100, transport A$25–$35). Each campus is accessible by public transport, and the provider is CRICOS-registered.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. The visa allows work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate a genuine intention to study in Australia temporarily. You must also show sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice – consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for guidance.
Before enrolling, consider your career goals – this Diploma leads to roles in community work, case management, and social welfare. The work placement provides valuable experience, but you must be prepared for the emotional demands of the field. Location matters: Hobart offers a quieter lifestyle and lower costs but fewer job opportunities compared to Sydney or Adelaide. Sydney has a larger job market but higher living expenses. Adelaide balances affordability with a growing community services sector. All three cities have CRICOS-registered providers, and ESOS protections apply. Research the provider's reputation and campus facilities. Remember, fees are indicative – always confirm with Australian Ideal College.
Follow these 3 steps to apply for the Diploma of Community Services at Australian Ideal College:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (Australian Ideal College Pty Ltd CRICOS 03053G).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application through Australian Ideal College's website (www.aic.edu.au).
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you receive your CoE, prepare your visa application including OSHC, financial evidence, and GTE statement. Lodge your visa with the Department of Home Affairs.
Start your application today – research CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy, then apply directly to Australian Ideal College.
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Ideal College 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.