Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 112473B) is a Diploma delivered by Lead College Pty Ltd over 2 years. This qualification, with VET national code CHC52021, prepares students for roles in community services, case management, and support work in Australia. The course is designed for international students seeking practical skills and knowledge to work with diverse populations. Graduates may find employment in government agencies, non-profit organisations, or private sector community services. Lead College is a private CRICOS-registered provider (03636F) with campuses in Haymarket, Parramatta, and Cannington. The program includes a 400-hour work placement to provide real-world experience. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accurate and trustworthy information for prospective students.
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Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 112473B) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) delivered by Lead College Pty Ltd over 2 years. The field of education is Human Welfare Studies and Services (090500), focusing on social work, community development, and support services. This qualification equips students with skills to assess client needs, case management, advocacy, and program coordination. Lead College, a private provider with CRICOS code 03636F, offers this course in three Australian locations: Haymarket (Sydney), Parramatta (Sydney), and Cannington (Perth). The course is taught in English and is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students can enrol with confidence, knowing it meets Australian education standards.
The Diploma of Community Services falls under the broad field of Society and Culture, specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services. At this AQF Level 5, learners develop advanced skills in client assessment, case management, and community engagement. Typical areas of study include communication strategies for diverse communities, ethical practice, legal frameworks, and program implementation. While the exact syllabus is set by Lead College, graduates are prepared for roles such as community services worker, case coordinator, or support facilitator. The course also includes a 400-hour work placement, providing practical experience in real community service settings. This field is in demand across Australia, particularly in urban centres like Sydney and Perth, where community services are essential.
The Diploma of Community Services has a duration of 2 years (104 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Study mode is typically full-time, delivered through face-to-face classes, workshops, and practical placements. Students are expected to attend lectures and tutorials at the campus locations. The 400-hour work component is integrated into the course schedule, spread over 20 weeks at 20 hours per week. This structure allows students to balance theory with hands-on learning, a key feature of vocational training in Australia.
The indicative fees for the Diploma of Community Services at Lead College Pty Ltd are as follows: tuition fee A$30,000, non-tuition fees A$6,500, and estimated total A$36,500. These fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with Lead College. Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included. For the most accurate and up-to-date fee information, visit Lead College's official website. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, so comparing costs is essential. HeadStart Academy provides this data as a free resource with no commission.
For the Diploma of Community Services, Lead College requires international students to demonstrate English proficiency, typically IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent). Applicants should have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification. Prior experience in community services may be beneficial. There are no foundation studies or pathway options listed for this course, but students who do not meet entry requirements should contact the provider for possible bridging options. All entry requirements are general guidance; Lead College sets exact criteria. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, meeting entry requirements does not guarantee admission; the institution assesses each application individually.
Yes, the Diploma of Community Services includes a mandatory work component: 20 weeks of work placement at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 400 hours. This work-integrated learning provides students with real experience in community service organisations. Placements may involve client interaction, program support, case work, and administrative tasks under supervision. This component is designed to bridge theory and practice, enhancing employability. Students must complete the placement as part of course requirements. Work components are common in Australian VET courses and are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality and fairness.
The Diploma of Community Services is delivered at three Lead College campuses: Haymarket (841 George St, Sydney NSW), Parramatta (37 George St, Parramatta NSW), and Cannington (15 Leila St, Cannington WA 6107). Sydney, with over 200,000 international students and a large number of CRICOS-registered providers, offers vibrant city life and strong public transport. Parramatta is a major educational hub in Western Sydney, with lower living costs than the CBD. Cannington in Perth provides a suburban setting close to Perth's city centre. Each location has access to community service organisations for work placements. Students should consider factors like living costs: weekly rent in Sydney ranges from A$250-500, in Perth A$200-400. HeadStart Academy helps you compare options across Australia.
International students studying the Diploma of Community Services at Lead College will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, financial capacity, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited work during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Dependants may also be eligible for work rights. Visa applications are handled by the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. All courses listed are CRICOS-registered, ensuring you study at a legitimate institution.
Applying for the Diploma of Community Services at Lead College Pty Ltd is straightforward with these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm the course CRICOS code 112473B meets your goals. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Lead College's website or contact their admissions office. Ensure you meet entry requirements (e.g., IELTS 5.5-6.0) and submit required documents before deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Lead College will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a student visa through the Department of Home Affairs, including health cover and financial evidence. Always check visa conditions.
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Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lead 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.