Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 112169K) is a Diploma delivered by ALIF Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification equips you with the skills to support individuals and communities facing social challenges—such as disability, mental health, housing, and family welfare—through case management, advocacy, and community development. As an AQF Level 5 diploma, it prepares you for supervisory roles in community services organisations across Australia. ALIF Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03173K) is a private provider with campuses in Brisbane, Southport, Parramatta, and Cairns, offering you the flexibility to study in major student hubs. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring you access verified, up-to-date information. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, Australia offers unmatched opportunities for international students. This page provides a detailed breakdown of fees, entry requirements, work placement, and visa guidance so you can make an informed decision. Note: HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; always consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa advice.
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The Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS 112169K) is a 1-year program (52 weeks) delivered in English by ALIF Australia Pty Ltd. It falls under the field of Society and Culture (0905 - Human Welfare Studies and Services), focusing on practical skills for welfare and community work. This is a single qualification—not a dual award—and does not include foundation studies. The course includes a mandatory work component: 6 weeks of industry placement (20 hours per week, ~120 total hours), giving you real-world experience in settings such as community centres, aged care facilities, or disability support organisations. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian standards for international student enrolment, and all students benefit from the protections of the ESOS Act. Brisbane, the location of the primary campus, is home to over 100,000 international students and more than 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering welfare-related courses. The city offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, with weekly rent averaging A$200-300 for shared accommodation and public transport costs around A$50-60 per week.
This diploma covers core competencies in case management, community development, advocacy, and ethical practice. You will learn to assess client needs, develop support plans, coordinate services, and work with diverse populations including Indigenous Australians, migrants, and people with disabilities. While the exact syllabus is set by ALIF Australia Pty Ltd, typical units include 'Manage and promote diversity', 'Develop and implement community programs', and 'Coordinate complex case management'. The course aligns with the national training package CHC52015, ensuring industry relevance. Upon graduation, you may pursue roles such as community services coordinator, case worker, or welfare support officer—or continue to a bachelor's degree in social work or human services.
The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) full-time as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation component. Students attend classes and complete supervised work placements. Study modes may include face-to-face classes at one of the four campuses, with possible online components depending on the provider. For exact class schedules and delivery methods, contact ALIF Australia Pty Ltd directly.
The indicative fees for Diploma of Community Services at ALIF Australia Pty Ltd are as follows: Tuition: A$18,000; Non-tuition fees (e.g., enrolment, materials): A$1,000; Estimated total: A$19,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the provider. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are NOT included. For current fees and any additional costs, always check with ALIF Australia Pty Ltd's official website: www.australisinstitute.nsw.edu.au. Living costs in Australia vary by city; for example, weekly rent in Brisbane averages A$250 for shared accommodation, while in Parramatta (Sydney) it may be A$300-400. Budget around A$21,000 per year for living expenses (Department of Home Affairs guideline).
International students applying for this diploma typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.5-6.0 (or equivalent). It is expected that applicants have completed Year 12 or equivalent; some providers may require relevant work experience or a Certificate IV in a related field. ALIF Australia Pty Ltd may have specific academic prerequisites and foundation/pathway options if you do not meet standard entry. Always confirm entry requirements directly with the provider. English language proficiency can also be demonstrated through TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. For visa purposes, you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and provide evidence of financial capacity.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 6 weeks of industry placement at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 120 hours. Placements are arranged by ALIF Australia Pty Ltd in community services settings such as non-profit organisations, government agencies, or healthcare facilities. You will apply your classroom knowledge to real client situations under supervision, building practical skills in case management, advocacy, and documentation. This experience is invaluable for your career and may count toward professional recognition.
ALIF Australia Pty Ltd delivers the Diploma of Community Services at four campuses: Brisbane (Albert St), Southport (Gold Coast, Bay St), Parramatta (George St), and Cairns (Lake St). Each campus is in a major student city with good public transport. Brisbane has a large international student community and affordable living; Southport is close to Gold Coast beaches; Parramatta is a Sydney hub with diverse amenities; Cairns offers a tropical lifestyle near the Great Barrier Reef. Choose the location that best suits your study and lifestyle preferences.
To study this course with a Student visa (Subclass 500), you must be enrolled full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks (conditions apply). You must maintain genuine student status, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement means you must show you intend to stay temporarily for study. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs.
With campuses in Brisbane, Southport (Gold Coast), and Cairns, Queensland is a popular choice for community services students. The state has a strong social services sector, with many NGOs and government agencies. Brisbane alone has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering human welfare courses. Living costs are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne—weekly rent averages A$250 in Brisbane, A$300 on the Gold Coast, and A$220 in Cairns. Public transport is reliable, with student discounts available. Consider your climate preference: Brisbane and Gold Coast have subtropical weather, while Cairns is tropical. The Parramatta campus in Sydney offers a different experience—higher living costs but access to Australia's largest job market. Think about where you want to build your professional network.
To apply for Diploma of Community Services at ALIF Australia Pty Ltd, follow these steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses like this one. Filter by course level (Diploma), field (Society and Culture), and city (e.g., Brisbane). Check the provider's CRICOS registration (03173K) and website: www.australisinstitute.nsw.edu.au. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution. Contact ALIF Australia Pty Ltd to submit an application, meet entry requirements (IELTS 5.5-6.0), and provide academic transcripts. Check application deadlines—some intakes are monthly. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once accepted, ALIF Australia Pty Ltd will issue a CoE. Use it to lodge your visa application via ImmiAccount. Ensure you meet GTE, OSHC, and financial capacity requirements. Our guides on student visas and OSHC can help.
Ready to apply? Use the steps above to start your application, or explore more courses in Society and Culture on HeadStart Academy.
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at ALIF Australia 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.