Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 114627F) is a Diploma delivered by Technical and Further Education Commission over 1 year 5 months (~74 weeks). This AQF Level 5 qualification is designed for individuals who want to work as community services case managers, support coordinators, or team leaders in Australia's growing human welfare sector. TAFE NSW, trading as Technical and Further Education Commission, is a CRICOS-registered government provider (CRICOS 00591E) with a strong reputation for practical training across New South Wales. The course covers case management, advocacy, and program coordination, with a mandatory 200-hour work placement. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia offering more than 26,000 courses, you can trust that this Diploma meets national quality standards under the ESOS Act. Whether you're in Sydney or regional NSW, this course offers multiple campus options. Read on for full details on fees, entry requirements, and how to apply.
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Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS 114627F) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) in the field of Society and Culture (0905 - Human Welfare Studies and Services). Delivered by Technical and Further Education Commission (TAFE NSW), one of Australia's largest government-owned VET providers, this course is designed for international students seeking a career in community services. The CRICOS register lists this course with duration of 74 weeks (1 year 5 months), taught in English. It is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies) with a VET national code of CHC52021. The course includes a significant work component: 5 weeks of industry placement at 40 hours per week (200 total hours). TAFE NSW delivers this course at five campuses across NSW: Bankstown, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Quakers Hill (Nirimba), and Ultimo. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring compliance with Australian Government standards. As of April 2026, there are 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses.
The Diploma of Community Services falls under the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services, n.e.c. (090599). At AQF Level 5, graduates develop advanced skills in case management, advocacy, community education, and team leadership. While specific unit details are set by TAFE NSW, typical learning outcomes include understanding social policy, managing complex client situations, coordinating service delivery, and promoting community well-being. The course blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills through a mandatory work placement. This qualification prepares you for roles in community health, disability services, aged care, and family support. It also provides a pathway to higher education in social work or human services. All CRICOS-registered courses must meet the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) standards, ensuring consistent quality across providers.
The Diploma of Community Services runs for 1 year 5 months (74 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual awards or foundation studies). Study mode is typically face-to-face classroom delivery at TAFE NSW campuses, with some online components. The course includes 5 weeks of full-time work placement (40 hours per week) as part of the curriculum. International students should consider that a full-time study load (20-25 contact hours per week) is required to maintain student visa compliance. TAFE NSW may offer part-time options, but visa conditions typically require full-time enrolment. Always confirm the exact study schedule with the provider.
Tuition fees for Diploma of Community Services at Technical and Further Education Commission are A$16,500 (indicative, subject to change). Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register, but additional costs such as textbooks, uniforms, or materials may apply. The estimated total fee is A$16,500. This does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. OSHC typically costs around A$600-A$1,200 per year depending on the policy. Living costs in NSW vary: Sydney's indicative weekly rent is A$350-600, while regional areas like Dubbo or Coffs Harbour are generally cheaper (A$200-350 per week). Always check the latest fees on the provider's website at https://www.tafensw.edu.au/international. HeadStart Academy sources all fee data from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026; fees are set by institutions and may change.
International applicants for the Diploma of Community Services typically need an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent) and completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification. Some providers require evidence of prior study in a related field or relevant work experience. Foundation or pathway programs may be available if you do not meet direct entry requirements – contact TAFE NSW for options. English language requirements may be higher for direct entry; always confirm with the institution. As a CRICOS-registered provider, TAFE NSW must assess your qualifications and English proficiency before issuing a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). For specific entry criteria, refer to the provider's website.
This course includes a mandatory work placement of 5 weeks at 40 hours per week (approximately 200 total hours). Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a core part of the Diploma of Community Services, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge in real community service settings. Placements typically occur in community health centres, NGOs, aged care facilities, or disability support organisations. TAFE NSW coordinates or assists with finding suitable placements. International students must ensure their Student visa (Subclass 500) allows this work component as part of the course. Note that work placements are separate from the 48-hours-per-fortnight work rights; placement hours count as course hours, not employment. Always check visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs.
The Diploma of Community Services is delivered at five TAFE NSW campuses: Bankstown in south-western Sydney, Coffs Harbour on the north coast, Dubbo in western NSW, Quakers Hill (Nirimba) in Sydney's north-west, and Ultimo in Sydney's city centre. Each location offers different amenities and living costs. Sydney (Bankstown, Quakers Hill, Ultimo) has a large international student community and excellent public transport. Regional campuses like Coffs Harbour and Dubbo offer lower living costs and a quieter lifestyle. Bankstown is a multicultural hub with easy access to Sydney CBD via train. Ultimo is near Darling Harbour and Chinatown. Nirimba campus is close to Norwest Business Park. Coffs Harbour is popular for its beaches. Dubbo is a regional city with a growing healthcare sector. Consider your preferred lifestyle and budget when choosing a campus.
To study this Diploma of Community Services in Australia, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay for the duration of the course plus a short period after. You must maintain full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, have OSHC, and demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Your OSHC must cover the entire stay. Financial capacity requirements include tuition fees (A$16,500), living costs (approx. A$21,041 per year for a single student), and travel. Dependents may not be allowed unless they apply separately. Always check the latest visa requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare Diploma of Community Services courses at TAFE NSW and other providers. Filter by CRICOS code 114627F to see this exact course. Check entry requirements and fees. 2. Apply directly to Technical and Further Education Commission: Visit https://www.tafensw.edu.au/international to complete an online application. You'll need to provide academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.), and a copy of your passport. Application deadlines vary by intake; start dates are typically February and July. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: If accepted, TAFE NSW will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE and OSHC requirements. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA).
Ready to start your community services career? Explore Diploma of Community Services at TAFE NSW or compare other CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy.
View the full Technical and Further Education Commission profile →
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Technical and Further Education Commission. 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.