Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 112483M) is a Diploma delivered by Lambda Education Pty Ltd over 1 year 9 months (~92 weeks). This qualification equips graduates with the skills to manage and coordinate community services programs, advocate for clients, and lead teams in diverse human services settings. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03764J), Lambda Education offers this course at multiple campuses across New South Wales, including Gosford, Liverpool, Parramatta, and St Leonards. The course includes a substantial work component of 20 weeks (400 hours), giving you practical experience in real community organisations. Whether you're aiming to work in aged care, disability support, or community development, this diploma opens doors to rewarding careers in Australia's growing social sector.
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The Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS 112483M) is a regulated qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 5). It is classified under field of education 090599 Human Welfare Studies and Services (n.e.c.) and carries the national VET code CHC52021. Delivered by Lambda Education Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (03764J), this course is designed for international students seeking to work in community services. With a duration of 1 year 9 months (~92 weeks), including a 20-week work placement, you'll gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. The course is taught in English and leads to a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring accuracy. As a HeadStart Academy resource, we provide this information free of charge, with no referral fees – our goal is to help you make informed decisions about studying in Australia.
Students undertaking the Diploma of Community Services will explore a broad range of topics in human welfare and social services. Typical learning outcomes include case management, advocacy, community development, program coordination, and ethical practice. You will develop skills to assess client needs, design and deliver services, and work within legal and policy frameworks. The curriculum aligns with industry standards and prepares graduates for roles such as community service manager, case worker, or support coordinator. While specific unit details are set by Lambda Education, the course content is designed to meet the CHC52021 training package requirements. This field of education focuses on improving wellbeing and social participation, making it a vital area of study in Australia's multicultural society.
The Diploma of Community Services runs for 1 year 9 months (~92 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification – it does not include dual qualifications or foundation studies. Study mode is likely full-time and on-campus, though you should confirm delivery arrangements with Lambda Education. The course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks at 20 hours per week (approximately 400 total hours), providing integrated learning in a real workplace. This work-integrated learning may take the form of industry placement, internship, or clinical placement, giving you invaluable practical experience. Australia's ESOS Act protections apply, ensuring quality education and student support throughout your studies.
According to the CRICOS register (April 2026), the indicative tuition fee for Diploma of Community Services at Lambda Education is A$28,000. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$4,500, bringing the total estimated cost to A$32,500. Please note: These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. You should budget for additional costs such as accommodation, food, transport, and health insurance. For current, accurate fees, always visit the provider's official website – Lambda Education Pty Ltd may update their pricing. HeadStart Academy provides these figures as a guide only; fees are subject to change and are set by the institution.
To enrol in this Diploma, you typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent) and completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent. A Certificate III or IV in Community Services or a related field may be accepted as prior learning. Some providers may require relevant work experience. Since this is a Diploma (AQF Level 5), you should have the academic ability to undertake tertiary-level study. If you do not meet the English requirement, pathway options such as ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) may be available. Always check with Lambda Education for their specific entry criteria. HeadStart Academy does not guarantee admission; you must satisfy the provider's requirements.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 20 weeks of work-integrated learning at 20 hours per week (approximately 400 total hours). This practical placement is designed to apply classroom learning in a real community service setting. You may undertake an industry placement, internship, or clinical placement depending on the provider's arrangements. During this time, you'll work under supervision, develop professional skills, and build a network in the sector. The work component is an integral part of the course and must be completed to graduate. It also counts towards your student visa work rights – placements related to your course are not included in the usual 48-hour per fortnight limit (check visa conditions).
Lambda Education delivers this course at four campuses in New South Wales:
1. ISMT - Gosford — GOSFORD, NSW 2. ISMT - Liverpool - 269 Bigge St LIVERPOOL NSW 2170 — LIVERPOOL, NSW 3. ISMT - Parramatta — NSW, NSW (note: suburb is Parramatta, but CRICOS lists 'NSW' – likely Parramatta area) 4. Level 1 575-597 Pacific Hwy ST LEONARDS NSW 2065 Australia — LEONARDS, NSW
These locations cover the Central Coast (Gosford), Western Sydney (Liverpool, Parramatta), and North Shore (St Leonards). New South Wales is home to over 500 CRICOS-registered providers and offers a diverse student population. Sydney, the state capital, has excellent public transport connecting these campuses. Living costs in NSW vary: weekly rent for a shared apartment in Sydney can range from A$250–A$400, while Gosford may be lower. Grodceries and transport add approximately A$200–A$300 per week. These are indicative and subject to change.
International students studying this course full-time on a CRICOS-registered program are eligible for the Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to conditions. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. You also need to demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status and financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. The indicative cost of living is A$21,041 per year (2024-25) as per Department of Home Affairs. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Human Welfare), and location (NSW). Confirm that Lambda Education (CRICOS 03764J) meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Submit your application to Lambda Education with required documents (passport, academic transcripts, English test results, and any prerequisites). Check application deadlines and entry requirements. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Then lodge your visa application online through ImmiAccount, paying the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for most applicants). Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
New South Wales offers a vibrant, multicultural environment with a high demand for community service professionals. Sydney alone has over 200,000 international students, providing a diverse peer network. When choosing this diploma, consider: your preferred campus location (Gosford, Liverpool, Parramatta, St Leonards), access to public transport (trains and buses cover these areas), and living costs. The community services sector in Australia is growing, with roles in aged care, disability, and family support. Graduates can find work in government agencies, non-profits, and private organisations. However, ensure you're prepared for the emotional demands of the field. HeadStart Academy helps you compare courses and providers across all states – use our resources to make an informed decision.
Ready to start your community services career? Visit Lambda Education's website for the latest fees and to apply.
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lambda Education 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.