Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 113087D) is a Diploma delivered by Australian National Academy of Education Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This nationally recognised qualification (CHC52021) equips students with the skills to manage community service programs, support clients, and coordinate services. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international students. HeadStart Academy's data, sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), confirms this course is available at two campuses: Melbourne and Parramatta. Whether you're aiming to work in case management, social housing, or community development, this Diploma opens doors. Australia offers over 26,000 CRICOS courses across 1,500+ providers—this one is a strong choice for those passionate about social impact.
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Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS 113087D) is a Diploma-level qualification (AQF Level 5) in the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services. It is designed for international students seeking practical skills in community services management. The course is delivered by Australian National Academy of Education Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03747K), a private provider with campuses in Melbourne and Parramatta. Over 78 weeks, students learn to design and deliver community programs, advocate for clients, and manage teams. The CRICOS register confirms this course has no mandatory work component, but it may include optional placements. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the ESOS Act protects international students, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource—no referral fees, just accurate data.
This Diploma falls under the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (Field of Education 0905). Students explore case management, community development, ethical practice, and working with diverse populations. The curriculum typically covers counselling skills, legal frameworks, program coordination, and advocacy. Graduates often find roles as community services officers, support facilitators, or welfare coordinators. While HeadStart Academy does not specify a detailed syllabus, the AQF Level 5 Diploma expects graduates to apply specialised knowledge in a range of contexts. Australia's community services sector is growing, with demand for qualified workers in both government and non-government organisations. Studying in Melbourne or Parramatta gives you access to vibrant multicultural communities—perfect for hands-on learning.
The Diploma of Community Services runs for 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks), as per the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and the course is a single qualification (no dual or foundation component). Full-time study is expected, with approximately 20 contact hours per week. Both campuses offer face-to-face learning, with modern facilities. As an international student, you must maintain attendance and academic progress to comply with student visa conditions. Planning your schedule is key—Melbourne and Parramatta both have excellent public transport, making daily commute manageable.
Tuition for this course is A$24,000, with non-tuition fees of A$750, totalling an estimated A$24,750. These are indicative figures from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and are subject to change. Always confirm with the provider. Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included. For Melbourne, average weekly rent is around A$300–A$450; Parramatta (Sydney) is A$250–A$400. Budget for food (A$80/week) and transport (A$40/week). The total cost of living for a year could be A$15,000–A$20,000. HeadStart Academy recommends visiting the Australian National Academy of Education website for the most current fee schedule.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent) and successful completion of an Australian Year 12 or equivalent. Prior experience in community services may be beneficial but not mandatory. Foundation or pathway options may be available—contact the provider directly. The Department of Home Affairs also requires evidence of financial capacity and genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a registered MARA agent for personalised advice.
This course has no mandatory work component according to the CRICOS register. However, some practical placements may be offered as part of the curriculum—check with the provider. If you want hands-on experience, you can undertake voluntary work during your studies, subject to visa conditions. Student visa (Subclass 500) holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
The Diploma of Community Services is delivered at two campuses: Melbourne Campus in Victoria and Parramatta Campus in New South Wales. Melbourne is home to over 50 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community. Parramatta, a major hub in Sydney, offers similar diversity with around 40 providers. Both cities have strong public transport networks—Melbourne's trams and trains, Parramatta's trains and buses—making campus access easy. Living costs vary: Melbourne's average weekly rent is A$350, while Parramatta is slightly lower at A$300. Each location provides unique opportunities for networking and cultural immersion.
To study this course, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance and progress, arrange OSHC, and stay in Australia for the duration. Work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited in breaks. You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion—showing you intend to stay temporarily. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance, but visa applications require official information from the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) or a registered migration agent. All CRICOS courses come with ESOS Act protections, ensuring refunds and support in case of provider closure.
Follow these three steps to start your Diploma of Community Services at Australian National Academy of Education: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and locations. Filter by Diploma level, Society and Culture field, and your preferred city (Melbourne or Parramatta). 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit the Australian National Academy of Education website (linked from their CRICOS profile on our site) to check entry requirements, submit documents, and meet English language requirements. Application deadlines vary. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, your provider issues a CoE. Then submit a visa application to the Department of Home Affairs, including proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. HeadStart Academy reminds you to double-check visa conditions before travel.
Choosing between Melbourne and Parramatta depends on your lifestyle. Melbourne offers a bustling arts scene, diverse suburbs, and a cooler climate. It's more expensive but has strong community services networks. Parramatta, in western Sydney, is more affordable and family-friendly, with quick train access to Sydney CBD. Both cities have large international student populations—Melbourne has over 150,000 international students, Parramatta around 50,000. Consider your budget, preferred climate, and career goals. This Diploma in Community Services will prepare you to work in either city's vibrant community sector.
Ready to apply? Start by exploring all CRICOS-registered community services courses on HeadStart Academy. Our free resource helps you compare providers, fees, and locations—all from the official CRICOS register.
View the full Australian National Academy of Education Pty Ltd profile →
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian National Academy of 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.