Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 113980H) is a Diploma delivered by Alana Kaye Group Pty Ltd over 1 year 5 months (~74 weeks). This qualification, classified under the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (0905), equips students with practical skills for supporting individuals and communities. Graduates are prepared for roles in community services, case management, and advocacy. Alana Kaye Group is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 03675K) with campuses in Darwin, NT and Southport, QLD. The course includes a mandatory work component of 200 hours, allowing students to gain real-world experience. Indicative tuition fees are A$14,500, with additional non-tuition fees of A$400, totalling A$14,900. Living costs, OSHC, and visa fees are separate. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, students are protected under the ESOS Act. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) provides this information as a free resource, sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
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The Diploma of Community Services (VET national code CHC52021) is a comprehensive qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 5). It prepares students for professional roles in community services, focusing on human welfare studies and services (field 0905). The course covers essential topics such as case management, community development, advocacy, and ethical practice. Students learn to assess client needs, develop support plans, and coordinate services across agencies. The curriculum also emphasizes cultural competence, working with Indigenous communities, and trauma-informed care. Practical assessments and a 200-hour work placement ensure that graduates are job-ready. This diploma is ideal for those seeking to make a difference in areas like aged care, disability support, mental health, and family services. It also provides a pathway to higher education in social work or human services.
The Diploma of Community Services is delivered over 1 year 5 months (~74 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. The course is taught in English. It is a single qualification, not a dual award or foundation program. Study mode is typically full-time, with a mix of classroom learning and practical placement. Students must complete the required units within the 74-week period. The 200-hour work component is integrated into the program. Campuses in Darwin and Southport offer face-to-face delivery. International students should note that the duration is set to meet student visa requirements. All teaching materials and assessments are in English. As a VET course, it focuses on applied skills. The duration ensures comprehensive coverage of all required competencies. Students are expected to commit to full-time study hours per week.
Indicative fees for the Diploma of Community Services at Alana Kaye Group Pty Ltd are as follows: Tuition: A$14,500, Non-tuition fees: A$400, Estimated total: A$14,900. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register and are set by the provider. They are subject to change, so always confirm with the provider. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approx. A$21,041 per year for a single student), and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600 as at July 2024 — check latest). Living costs vary by city: Darwin and Southport have different rental averages. For example, weekly rent in Darwin mid-2024 was around A$600 for a one-bedroom apartment, while Southport (Gold Coast) was around A$500. These are indicative only. Non-tuition fees typically cover application, enrolment, and resource costs. Always ask for a breakdown from the provider. The total of A$14,900 does not include OSHC, living costs, or visa fees. HeadStart Academy recommends obtaining a detailed quote from Alana Kaye Group before applying. Fees shown are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.
English language requirement: IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall (or equivalent, such as TOEFL or PTE). Academic requirements usually involve completion of Australian Year 12 or a Certificate IV in a related field. Some providers may accept mature-age entry based on work experience. Since this is a diploma level, prior study in a related area is advantageous. Alana Kaye Group Pty Ltd may have specific prerequisites; contact their admissions team for details. For international students, meeting the English requirement is critical for the visa process. If you need to improve English, consider an ELICOS course. The GTE criterion also requires you to demonstrate genuine intent to study. All information is general guidance; always verify with the provider.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks (20 hours per week, approximately 200 total hours). The work placement is an integral part of the curriculum, providing practical experience in community service settings. Students may be placed in aged care facilities, community health centres, or non-profit organisations. The placement allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, develop professional networks, and enhance employability. Under the ESOS framework, work placement hours are considered part of the course and must be completed satisfactorily. Students are typically supported by the provider in finding suitable placement sites. International students should note that work placement hours count as course hours, not employment, so they do not affect the 48-hour per fortnight work limit during term. The work component is a vocational placement designed to meet industry requirements. It is supervised and assessed by the provider. Students may need to obtain a police check or working with children check before placement. The hours are structured to fit within the 74-week program. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building a career in community services.
The Diploma of Community Services is delivered at four campuses: two in Darwin, Northern Territory (3 Searcy Street and 4 Shepherd Street) and two in Southport, Queensland (3 Suter Street and the Southport Campus). Darwin is the capital of the NT, a city with a large student population and a growing community services sector. Southport is part of the Gold Coast, known for its lifestyle and education facilities. Both cities have ample public transport. Darwin's cost of living is relatively high, especially for rent, while Southport offers more affordable options. Students should consider location preferences and lifestyle when choosing a campus. All campuses are registered in CRICOS for this course. Darwin has over 20 CRICOS-registered providers, while the Gold Coast has over 50. Living costs: Darwin weekly rent averages A$600 for a one-bedroom, Southport around A$500. Groceries and transport are comparable. Both cities have good student amenities. The provider may offer different start dates depending on the campus.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, satisfactory course progress, and attendance. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the visa duration; OSHC costs around A$600-800 per year for single cover. Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. However, the work component of the course is separate and should not be counted as employment. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement must be met. Financial capacity must be demonstrated. For detailed visa advice, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only. The student visa application fee is currently A$1,600 (subject to change). Post-study work rights may be available for graduates of this qualification, depending on policy. All visa conditions are set by the Australian Government.
To apply for the Diploma of Community Services at Alana Kaye Group Pty Ltd, follow these three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and providers. Ensure the course (CRICOS 113980H) meets your goals. Check entry requirements and campus locations.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit your application to Alana Kaye Group Pty Ltd via their website or admissions office. Provide academic transcripts, English test results, and other documents. Meet application deadlines. The provider will issue 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 deposit, you will receive a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC and evidence of financial capacity.
HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no referral fees. All providers listed are CRICOS-registered.
Ready to start your study journey? Apply directly to Alana Kaye Group Pty Ltd for the Diploma of Community Services, or explore more courses on HeadStart Academy.
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Alana Kaye Group 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.