Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 112853A) is a Diploma delivered by Sydney City College of Management Pty Ltd over 2 years. This qualification (AQF Level 5) is designed for individuals who want to work in community services, providing support to individuals and groups in areas such as aged care, disability support, family services, and mental health. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students can study this program at multiple campuses across Australia. With an estimated total cost of $31,750, this course offers a pathway to rewarding careers in the human welfare sector. HeadStart Academy provides this information based on the official CRICOS register as of April 2026, ensuring you have accurate and up-to-date data to make informed decisions about your study abroad journey.
Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS 112853A) is a Diploma level qualification (AQF Level 5) in the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services. It is delivered by Sydney City College of Management Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03620C), a private institution with multiple campuses across Australia. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), meaning it meets the rigorous standards set by the Australian Government for international education. As of April 2026, there are 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses across all study levels. This course is designed to equip students with the skills to work in community support roles, such as case management, advocacy, and program coordination. Graduates may find employment in government agencies, non-profit organisations, and community health settings. The CRICOS course code 112853A uniquely identifies this program, ensuring that you are applying for the correct accredited course.
This course falls under the broad field of Society and Culture, specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services. While the exact syllabus is set by the provider, typical Diploma-level community services programs cover topics such as social policy, community development, case management, counselling skills, and working with diverse populations. Students learn to assess client needs, plan and implement support services, and evaluate outcomes. The course also emphasises ethical practice, cultural competence, and legal frameworks relevant to the Australian community services sector. Practical skills are developed through a mandatory work component, which provides real-world experience. This field of education is critical in Australia, given the growing demand for qualified community services workers in areas like aged care, disability support, and mental health. By studying this Diploma, you will gain a strong foundation for further study or direct entry into the workforce.
The CRICOS register lists the course duration as 104 weeks (2 years) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — no dual qualification or foundation studies are included. Students are expected to attend classes, complete assessments, and participate in the work-integrated learning component. The course is delivered face-to-face at the provider's campuses. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. The 2-year duration allows for deep immersion in the subject matter and sufficient time to complete the 200-hour work component. It also meets the minimum study period for many post-study work visa pathways.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is $A30,000, with additional non-tuition fees of $A1,750, resulting in an estimated total of $A31,750. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the institution. International students should also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge (currently $A1,600 for main applicants). For current fee information, always visit the Sydney City College of Management Pty Ltd website at www.sccm.edu.au. Living costs vary by city: for example, weekly rent in Sydney can range from $300-$500, while Adelaide and Darwin may be lower. The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses. HeadStart Academy recommends confirming all costs directly with the provider before applying.
Entry requirements for Diploma of Community Services typically include an overall IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent) and completion of Year 12 or a Certificate III in a related field. Since this is a Diploma level, providers may also consider prior work experience. Sydney City College of Management Pty Ltd sets its own specific requirements, so applicants should check the provider's website or contact the admissions office. This course does not include foundation studies, so students are expected to meet entry criteria directly. If you do not meet the English requirement, consider pathway options such as ELICOS courses at the same provider. Always ensure you have the correct documentation to support your application, as incomplete applications can delay the process.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks, with students expected to work 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 200 hours. This is a form of work-integrated learning, typically involving an industry placement or internship in a community services organisation. It allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting, develop professional networks, and gain practical skills valued by employers. The placement is supervised and aligned with the course learning outcomes. International students can undertake this work component as part of their course, but they must ensure their visa conditions allow for any paid work if applicable. The work component is integrated into the course structure and is not separated from study periods. This experience is invaluable for building your resume and increasing employability after graduation.
Sydney City College of Management Pty Ltd delivers this course at four campuses: - 17 Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW (Parramatta, Western Sydney) - Level 1, 303 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000 (Sydney CBD) - Adelaide Campus, SA (Adelaide, South Australia) - Darwin Campus, NT (Darwin City, Northern Territory) Each campus is located in a major city centre with access to public transport. Parramatta is a key hub for community services in Sydney, with a diverse population and many employment opportunities. Sydney CBD offers proximity to hundreds of CRICOS-registered providers and a vibrant student community. Adelaide and Darwin provide alternative settings with lower living costs compared to Sydney. When choosing a campus, consider the cost of living, job market, and lifestyle preferences. All campuses are CRICOS-registered, ensuring the same course quality and student protections.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Key conditions include: work rights of 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks; you must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay; and you must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily for study. Financial capacity: you must show evidence of funds for tuition, living costs, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs sets minimum living costs at $29,710 per year (from October 2024). Consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. The ESOS Act protects international students, including refund policies and complaint processes. HeadStart Academy provides this guide as a starting point — always refer to official sources for the most current requirements.
Follow these three steps to apply for Diploma of Community Services at Sydney City College of Management Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Compare providers and read their profiles. Ensure the institution is CRICOS-registered. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Sydney City College of Management Pty Ltd's website (www.sccm.edu.au) and complete their application form. Submit required documents such as academic transcripts, English test results, and proof of identity. Check application deadlines and entry requirements. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the institution will issue a CoE. Then apply for your visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Do not purchase flights until your visa is granted.
Australia has a strong community services sector with growing demand for qualified workers. This course is available in multiple cities, each offering unique advantages. Parramatta, Sydney, Adelaide, and Darwin all have registered providers offering this qualification. Before choosing, consider factors such as cost of living: Sydney is the most expensive, while Adelaide and Darwin offer more affordable options. Also, think about career opportunities: larger cities like Sydney have more job openings but also more graduates. Parramatta has a strong community services network due to its diverse population. HeadStart Academy helps you compare all options using official CRICOS data. Remember that all listed providers are CRICOS-registered and protected by the ESOS Act. Take advantage of your student visa work rights to gain local experience while studying.
Ready to start your application? Follow the above steps or contact Sydney City College of Management Pty Ltd directly for the latest fee and intake information.
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Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sydney City College of Management 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.