Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 114165J) is a Diploma delivered by Bankstown Community College Inc. over 2 years. This course is designed for international students seeking to develop the skills to work in community services, social work, or human welfare. As an AQF Level 5 qualification, it provides a pathway to further study or employment in the growing community services sector in Australia. Bankstown Community College Inc. is a private CRICOS-registered provider (03447M) offering this course at its Bankstown campus in Sydney's south-west. The course includes a work component of 200 hours, giving you practical experience. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) is a free resource to help you find and compare CRICOS-registered courses.
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Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS 114165J) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) in the field of Society and Culture, specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services (090501 Social Work). The course is delivered by Bankstown Community College Inc. (www.bcci.edu.au), a private provider registered with CRICOS since 2020. The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks), taught in English. It is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies) with VET national code CHC52021. The indicative tuition fee is A$20,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,000, totalling approximately A$21,000. This does not include OSHC, living costs, or visa application charges. The course is delivered at the Bankstown Campus: Level 1, 457 Chapel Road, Bankstown NSW 2200.
This diploma covers the principles and practices of community services work, including case management, advocacy, community development, and ethical practice. Students learn to support individuals and groups facing social challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, or disability. The curriculum typically includes units on communication, legal and ethical frameworks, and working with diverse populations. While specific unit outlines should be confirmed with Bankstown Community College Inc., graduates are prepared for roles in community organisations, government agencies, and not-for-profit sectors. The field of Human Welfare Studies and Services is a growing area in Australia, with strong demand for qualified workers in NSW.
The course runs for 2 years (104 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. It is delivered full-time on campus at Bankstown. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual or pathway course). Students should expect a mix of theoretical learning and practical workshops. The study load is designed to meet student visa requirements for full-time study.
Tuition fee: A$20,000 (indicative, sourced from CRICOS register). Non-tuition fees: A$1,000. Estimated total: A$21,000. These fees exclude Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge for a Student visa (Subclass 500). For the latest fees, always check Bankstown Community College Inc.'s website at www.bcci.edu.au. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change. International students should budget for additional costs such as accommodation, transport, and personal expenses. In Sydney, weekly rent for a room can range from A$250–400, groceries around A$80–120, and transport about A$40–60. These are indicative and vary by lifestyle.
For this Diploma level, Bankstown Community College Inc. typically requires completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent. English language proficiency: IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent). Some providers may require a higher score. You should also have relevant work or study experience in community services (if applicable). Foundation studies or pathway programs are not part of this course; however, the college may offer other preparatory options. Always confirm entry requirements directly with the provider. For visa purposes, you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 200 hours (10 weeks at 20 hours per week). This is an industry placement or internship that provides hands-on experience in a community services setting. Work-integrated learning helps you apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, build professional networks, and enhance your employability. The placement is arranged by the college but may require you to meet specific prerequisites such as a police check or working with children check. International students on a Student visa can undertake placements as part of their course, subject to visa conditions.
The course is delivered at Bankstown Community College Inc.'s campus: Level 1, 457 Chapel Road, Bankstown NSW 2200. Bankstown is a vibrant suburb in Sydney's south-west, approximately 20 km from the Sydney CBD. It is well-served by public transport, including trains and buses. The area has a large student population and diverse community. Sydney is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Living in Sydney offers access to world-class amenities, but costs are higher than in other Australian cities. Indicative weekly living expenses in Sydney are around A$600–800 for a single person.
International students enrolling in this course require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting course progress and attendance requirements, holding OSHC for the duration of your stay, and not working more than 48 hours per fortnight during term (unlimited during scheduled breaks). You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. The Department of Home Affairs assesses your intention to genuinely stay in Australia temporarily for study. Financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel must be demonstrated. OSHC is mandatory and costs approximately A$600–800 per year for single cover. Always check the latest visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website.
New South Wales, particularly Sydney, has a strong demand for community services professionals. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, NSW hosts a large share. Sydney's diverse population means you'll gain experience working with multicultural communities. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than in regional areas, but the city offers extensive support services for international students, including language centres and job placement assistance. Bankstown itself has a strong community feel and is close to essential amenities. When choosing this course, consider your long-term goals: this diploma can lead to roles such as case worker, support coordinator, or community development officer, and may also provide credit towards a bachelor's degree in social work.
Follow these three steps to apply for Diploma of Community Services at Bankstown Community College Inc.: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) to filter courses by level, field, and location. Verify that Bankstown Community College Inc. (CRICOS 03447M) offers the course you want. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Visit www.bcci.edu.au for application forms, entry requirements, and deadlines. Prepare your English test results (e.g., IELTS 5.5–6.0) and academic transcripts. Some providers may require a personal statement. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, the college will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC arranged and meet GTE requirements. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA).
Ready to start your community services journey? Explore Bankstown Community College Inc. on HeadStart Academy or apply directly at www.bcci.edu.au.
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Bankstown Community College Inc.. 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.