Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 114745M) is a Diploma delivered by Department of Training and Workforce Development over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 qualification prepares students for roles in community services, case management, and client advocacy. With a strong work-integrated learning component, you'll gain practical experience across Western Australia's diverse communities. The course is registered under field 0905 - Human Welfare Studies and Services, part of the Society and Culture broad field. Department of Training and Workforce Development is a government provider (CRICOS 00020G) with multiple campuses in WA. Whether you're aiming to support vulnerable populations or lead community programs, this diploma offers a solid foundation. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian standards for international students, and all ESOS Act protections apply. HeadStart Academy provides this free resource to help you explore your options—no referral fees, just accurate data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
The Diploma of Community Services falls under the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services. Students typically explore topics such as case management, community development, advocacy, and legal and ethical frameworks. While specific syllabi vary by provider, graduates at this level are equipped to design and deliver person-centred services, work with diverse populations, and manage complex cases. The course emphasises practical skills aligned with Australia's community services sector, including communication, cultural competence, and crisis intervention. At Department of Training and Workforce Development, the curriculum is informed by industry needs, ensuring relevance to roles in government, non-profits, and private agencies. This is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies), allowing focused study on core community services competencies.
The Diploma of Community Services (114745M) is delivered over 1 year, or 52 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English. This is a standalone qualification—not a dual award or foundation program—enabling direct entry into the workforce or further study. The course includes a mandatory work component, detailed below. Students attend classes at one of four WA campuses, with full-time study typical for international students. The structured timeline ensures you meet graduate outcomes efficiently while balancing study and work rights under the Student visa (Subclass 500).
Tuition: A$13,752. Non-tuition fees: A$1,000. Estimated total: A$14,752. These fees are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. They are set by the institution and subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with Department of Training and Workforce Development at http://www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au/. Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included. For a single student, OSHC may cost around A$500–A$700 per year, and living expenses in Perth metro area are estimated at A$21,041 annually (Department of Home Affairs indicative figure). We provide this as a guide only.
For the Diploma of Community Services, you must meet both academic and English language requirements. As a guide, an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall is typically expected. Equivalent English test results (e.g., TOEFL, PTE) are also accepted—confirm with the provider. Academic entry usually requires completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification. Some providers may also require relevant work experience or prerequisite subjects. No foundation or pathway program is built into this course, but alternatives may be available through the provider. Always check specific entry criteria directly with Department of Training and Workforce Development. HeadStart Academy does not assess individual eligibility; consult a registered migration agent for advice.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 40 weeks of placement at 6 hours per week, totalling approximately 240 hours. This industry placement (also called clinical placement or internship) allows you to apply classroom theory in real community service settings. You may work in aged care, disability support, family services, or community health organisations under supervision. This practical experience is invaluable for building professional networks and meeting competency requirements for graduation. The placement schedule is integrated into the academic year, typically during term time. Ensure you meet any prerequisite checks (e.g., police clearance, working with children check) required by placement sites.
The Diploma of Community Services (114745M) is delivered at four campuses across Western Australia. Metropolitan campuses: North Metropolitan TAFE Leederville Campus (Leederville, WA), South Metropolitan TAFE Bentley Campus (Bentley, WA), and South Metropolitan TAFE Murdoch Campus (Murdoch, WA). Regional campus: Central Regional TAFE Geraldton Campus (Geraldton, WA). Perth metro campuses are well-served by public transport (bus and train), while Geraldton offers a regional lifestyle. Western Australia has over 20 CRICOS-registered providers offering hundreds of courses. Living costs in Perth are moderate: indicative weekly rent A$200–$400, groceries A$80–$150, and transport A$30–$50. Regional areas like Geraldton may have lower costs. ESOS protections apply at all locations.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, proof of financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC), and sufficient English proficiency. Your student visa allows work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. All CRICOS-registered courses are covered by the ESOS Act, ensuring consumer protection. For personalised visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide immigration assistance.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Diploma of Community Services at Department of Training and Workforce Development: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy's free search to filter by course level, field, and city. Ensure the provider and course are CRICOS-registered (this course is CRICOS 114745M). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Visit http://www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au/ to submit your application. Check entry requirements, arrange English language testing, and note application deadlines. Prepare academic transcripts and any required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online via the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Visa processing times vary—apply early.
Start your application for Diploma of Community Services (114745M) today by visiting the Department of Training and Workforce Development website. Use HeadStart Academy's free resources to compare other courses and plan your Australian study journey.
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Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Department of Training and Workforce Development. 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.