Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 112236D) is a Diploma delivered by Captain Cook Institute Pty Ltd over 2 years. This CRICOS-registered program (provider code 03208D) equips international students with the skills to support vulnerable individuals and communities, focusing on case management, advocacy, and social justice. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this Diploma sits within the Society and Culture field (0905 Human Welfare Studies and Services). Whether you aim to work in aged care, disability services, or community development, this qualification opens doors across Australia's growing community services sector. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) – HeadStart Academy provides this free resource with no referral fees, ensuring you get trusted, unbiased information. Read on for tuition, entry requirements, work component, and how to apply.
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The Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS 112236D) is a vocational qualification at AQF Level 5, delivered by Captain Cook Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03208D, Private). The course runs for 104 weeks (2 years) in English, leading to a single qualification without foundation studies or dual awards. The national VET code is CHC52021. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international students, including ESOS Act protections. Students learn to develop and implement policies, manage programs, and provide direct support in community settings. The curriculum covers case management, community development, and ethical practice – preparing graduates for roles like community services manager, case coordinator, or support worker. Sydney's Haymarket campus offers access to a diverse urban environment with strong employment prospects in the health and social assistance sector, which employs over 15% of NSW workers.
This Diploma falls under the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (090500). Students gain practical skills in assessing client needs, developing case plans, and coordinating services. The course includes units on legal and ethical frameworks, trauma-informed practice, and working with diverse populations. Learning outcomes align with industry standards, focusing on person-centred care, advocacy, and community engagement. While specific syllabi are set by the provider, graduates typically acquire advanced communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities. This qualification also provides a pathway to higher-level studies in social work, community welfare, or related bachelor's degrees. By studying in Australia, international students benefit from work-integrated learning and exposure to a multicultural society, enhancing their employability globally.
The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Full-time study is expected, with language of instruction in English. It is a single qualification – no dual awards or foundation studies. Classes are delivered at the George Brown College campus in Haymarket, NSW. Study mode is typically face-to-face with possible blended elements, but confirm with Captain Cook Institute directly. The 104-week timeframe includes scheduled breaks and work placement. International students on a Student Visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. Haymarket is in Sydney's CBD, providing easy access via public transport (trains, buses, light rail). Sydney has over 30 CRICOS-registered providers in the Haymarket area, making it a vibrant student hub with weekly living costs of approximately A$500-700 for rent, groceries, and transport (indicative only).
Fees for the Diploma of Community Services at Captain Cook Institute are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026). Tuition is A$36,000 for the full program (2 years). Non-tuition fees total A$8,200, which may include enrolment, materials, and administration costs. Estimated total is A$44,200. Note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600+) are not included. OSHC for single student is approximately A$600-1,000 per year. Always confirm current fees on the provider’s website: www.georgebrown.nsw.edu.au. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change. HeadStart Academy does not set or guarantee fee amounts.
Applicants typically need IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall (or equivalent) as a minimum English proficiency requirement. For Diploma level (AQF 5), prior completion of an Australian Year 12 or equivalent is expected, along with relevant work experience or a Certificate IV in community services. No foundation studies are offered with this course. Specific academic or prerequisite requirements must be confirmed with Captain Cook Institute. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and OSHC. For visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks, at 20 hours per week (approximately 400 total hours). This is an industry placement, internship, or clinical placement in community service settings such as aged care facilities, disability support organisations, or community health centres. Work-integrated learning (WIL) allows students to apply classroom theory to real-world practice, develop professional networks, and satisfy visa training requirements. Placements are arranged by the provider, ensuring alignment with learning outcomes. International students must ensure their visa conditions allow for unpaid placements (generally permitted). This hands-on experience is invaluable for building a career in community services in Australia.
The course is delivered at George Brown College – Level 5, 191-199 Thomas St, Haymarket NSW 2000. Haymarket is a vibrant suburb in Sydney's CBD, known for its cultural diversity, markets, and proximity to Central Station. Sydney is Australia's largest city, with over 5 million residents and a strong demand for community services professionals. The campus is walking distance from Darling Harbour, Chinatown, and the University of Technology Sydney. Haymarket has abundant student accommodation, cafes, and study spaces. Indicative living costs: weekly rent A$350-500 for shared apartments, groceries A$80-120, public transport A$40-50. The area is well-served by trains, buses, and light rail, making commute easy. Sydney has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering community services courses.
International students must obtain a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Key conditions include: maintaining full-time enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and valid OSHC. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement assesses your intention to stay temporarily. Financial capacity must cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year as of 2026), and OSHC. The visa application charge is approximately A$1,600 (subject to change). ESOS Act protections ensure refund processes and complaint handling. Always check the Department of Home Affairs for current rules. HeadStart Academy provides guidance but does not replace professional migration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Community Services at Captain Cook Institute Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm the course (112236D) and provider are CRICOS-registered. 2. Apply directly to Captain Cook Institute: Meet entry requirements (English test, qualifications). Submit your application with required documents (transcripts, passport, English test scores). Check application deadlines – typically intakes in February, July, and October. Contact the admissions team via www.georgebrown.nsw.edu.au. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online via ImmiAccount. Ensure you have OSHC, proof of funds, and GTE statement. Visa processing times vary – apply early.
Haymarket is a prime location for international students. It sits at the heart of Sydney's educational precinct, with more than 30 CRICOS-registered providers within walking distance. The area offers a rich multicultural experience, from Chinatown's eateries to Darling Harbour's attractions. Public transport is excellent – Central Station is a 10-minute walk, providing trains to all parts of Sydney. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than other Australian cities (indicative weekly rent A$350-500 for share housing, plus A$150-200 for food and transport). However, part-time work opportunities are abundant in hospitality, retail, and community services. Sydney's community services sector employs over 100,000 people, with demand for qualified workers growing due to an aging population. Studying here also gives access to professional networks and potential employers.
Ready to start your community services career? Enquire about this course at Captain Cook Institute today!
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Captain Cook Institute 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.