Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 112671G) is a Diploma delivered by The Canberra Training School Pty. Ltd. (CRICOS 03465J) over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This qualification, with VET national code CHC52021, is designed for individuals who want to make a real difference in their communities by supporting vulnerable people. Whether you are an international student looking to study in Australia or a migrant seeking to upskill, this course provides the knowledge and practical experience needed for roles in case management, community development, and advocacy. The Canberra Training School Pty. Ltd. is a private training provider operating from multiple campuses in Canberra (ACT) and one in Bella Vista, NSW. All courses are CRICOS-registered, ensuring they meet Australian Government standards for international students. With a strong focus on work-integrated learning, this diploma includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks (20 hours per week) to give you hands-on experience in the community services sector. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) is your trusted resource for exploring CRICOS-registered courses and providers. Below you will find detailed information on fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa essentials.
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The Diploma of Community Services falls under the broad field of education '09 - Society and Culture', specifically '0905 - Human Welfare Studies and Services'. At the AQF Level 5 (Diploma) level, students typically develop advanced skills in client assessment, case management, coordination of services, and advocacy. You will learn to work with individuals, families, and groups facing complex challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, disability, or domestic violence. The curriculum covers core units in communication, legal and ethical frameworks, community development, and trauma-informed practice. While specific unit codes are set by the provider, graduates are prepared for roles such as community services caseworker, support coordinator, or team leader. This diploma also provides a pathway to further study in social work or human services at Australian universities. Remember that this is a general description — for exact subject details, contact The Canberra Training School Pty. Ltd.
The Diploma of Community Services is scheduled over 78 weeks (1 year 6 months) on the CRICOS register. This duration includes the mandatory work placement component. The course is taught in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual or combined award). Study mode is typically face-to-face at the provider's campuses, with some blended learning options possible. As an international student, you must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with your Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. If you need to extend your duration, you must discuss options with the provider and potentially update your CoE. Australia's ESOS Act protects your rights as a student, including access to refund policies and complaint processes.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$22,000, with non-tuition fees of A$500, bringing the estimated total to A$22,500. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included in this amount. OSHC is mandatory for Student visa holders and can cost approximately A$500–700 per year. Living expenses vary by location; in Canberra, indicative weekly costs are roughly A$350–450 for rent (shared accommodation), A$80–120 for groceries, and A$30–50 for public transport. In Sydney (Bella Vista area), costs are slightly higher. Always confirm current fees directly with The Canberra Training School Pty. Ltd. at http://cbtc.edu.au/ before applying. Fees listed on HeadStart Academy are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change.
For this Diploma, providers typically expect the following: an IELTS overall score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent English proficiency test), completion of Australian Year 12 (or equivalent), and relevant work or study experience in community services may be beneficial. Some providers require a minimum age of 18. If you do not meet the English level, you may consider a packaged ELICOS course or foundation studies. The Canberra Training School Pty. Ltd. does not offer foundation studies for this course; however, they may have pathway arrangements — confirm directly with the provider. All entry requirements are set by the institution and should be verified before applying. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for the most current prerequisites.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks, 20 hours per week (~200 total hours). This work-integrated learning typically takes the form of an industry placement within a community services organisation such as a not-for-profit agency, government department, or aged care facility. The placement allows you to apply classroom theory to real-world scenarios, develop professional networks, and enhance your employability. During placement, you are covered by the provider's insurance and must comply with workplace policies. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building confidence and meeting accreditation requirements. All work arrangements comply with ESOS Act protections and visa work rights conditions.
The Diploma of Community Services is delivered at multiple locations in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. In Canberra, ACT, campuses include: 75 Gozzard Street, Gungahlin; Belconnen Churches Centre; CBTC - Braddon at 100 Northbourne Ave; and another CBTC Braddon location. In NSW, the course is offered at CBTC Sydney, 24-32 Lexington Dr, Bella Vista (near Sydney's northwest). Canberra has a vibrant student population with over 40,000 international students and excellent public transport (bus light rail). The city consistently ranks as one of the most liveable in Australia. The Bella Vista campus is accessible via Sydney's rail and bus network, and the area has a growing community of international students. Each campus provides access to learning resources, study spaces, and student support services. The Canberra Training School Pty. Ltd. ensures consistent quality across all sites, all of which are CRICOS-registered.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: maintaining full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and satisfying the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. As of 1 July 2023, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. You must not violate visa work conditions. Financial capacity requirements: you must demonstrate enough funds to cover tuition, living costs ($AUD 21,041 per year as of April 2026), accompanying family members, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs also may require evidence of English proficiency. Always consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice, as HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration assistance.
Follow these three steps to apply for this course as an international student: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by field (Society and Culture), level (Diploma), and location (ACT/NSW). Confirm that The Canberra Training School Pty. Ltd. (CRICOS 03465J) is registered to deliver this course. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Visit the provider's website at http://cbtc.edu.au/ to review entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application along with certified copies of academic transcripts, English proficiency results, and any other requested documents. Meet the provider's conditions to receive a Letter of Offer. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once you accept the offer and pay the required deposit, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this CoE to lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs, including evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. After visa grant, arrange your travel and accommodation. Start your community services journey!
Choosing between studying in Canberra (ACT) or Sydney (NSW) depends on your preferences. Canberra offers a quieter, more affordable lifestyle with a strong sense of community and proximity to government and non-profit organisations – ideal for community services students seeking local placements. Sydney, with Bella Vista in the northwest, provides access to a larger job market and diverse communities, but higher living costs. Both cities have well-developed public transport and vibrant student populations. Canberra has over 10 CRICOS-registered providers offering courses in this field, while Sydney has hundreds. Think about your budget, preferred lifestyle, and career goals. Whichever location you choose, the Diploma of Community Services from The Canberra Training School Pty. Ltd. equips you with skills for a rewarding career.
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Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at The Canberra Training School 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.