Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 115220K) is a Diploma delivered by Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited over 2 years. This qualification at AQF Level 5 prepares you for roles in community services, focusing on case management, advocacy, and program coordination. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this course is one of them. At HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au), we help you navigate the CRICOS register to make informed study decisions. All data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 115220K) is a Diploma delivered by Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited over 2 years. This qualification is classified under the field of education '09 - Society and Culture' and specifically '0905 - Human Welfare Studies and Services'. It carries the VET national code CHC52021. The course is taught in English and does not offer a dual qualification or foundation studies component. Work-integrated learning is included: a 20-week placement with 20 hours per week, totaling approximately 400 hours. This practical component gives you real-world experience in community service settings, such as aged care, disability support, or family services. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the ESOS Act protects your rights as an international student.
This diploma covers the knowledge and skills required for professional community service work. Typical learning areas include case management, developing and implementing programs, working with diverse clients, advocacy, referral services, and managing legal and ethical compliance. Graduates often pursue roles as community service workers, case managers, or program coordinators. While we do not provide a specific syllabus, the CRICOS register confirms this course focuses on Human Welfare Studies and Services. As a student, you will develop competencies aligned with the national training package CHC52021, which sets the standard for community services qualifications in Australia.
The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification, meaning you earn one diploma upon completion. Full-time study is expected, and the course is delivered face-to-face at multiple locations. For international students, maintaining satisfactory course progress is a condition of your Student visa (Subclass 500). Always check the provider's website for the most current information about study modes, as CRICOS data may not reflect part-time options.
The indicative tuition fee for Diploma of Community Services at Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited is A$24,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,000, bringing the estimated total to A$25,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For a single international student, the Australian Government recommends an annual living cost of A$21,041 (as of 2025), plus OSHC (around A$600–A$800 per year) and visa application fee (currently A$1,600). Always confirm current fees directly with Mercury Colleges by visiting www.mercurycolleges.nsw.edu.au. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees — we are a free resource.
For this diploma level, Mercury Colleges typically requires completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent. An English language proficiency of IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent) is expected. Some providers may accept alternative English tests like TOEFL or PTE. Prior study in a related field may be beneficial but is not always required. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet the direct entry requirements — contact the provider for details. Note that entry requirements can vary, so always verify directly with Mercury Colleges. HeadStart Academy does not set these requirements; they are set by the institution.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 20 weeks at 20 hours per week, approximately 400 total hours. This is typically an industry placement or internship in a community service organisation. It provides hands-on experience applying theory to practice, building professional networks, and enhancing your employability. The work component is structured to meet the requirements of the CHC52021 training package. During placement, you are still covered by ESOS protections. Your Student visa (Subclass 500) allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, but placement hours are part of the course, not counted under work limits.
Mercury Colleges delivers this Diploma at four CRICOS-registered locations: Level 5, 245 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW; Lvl 1, 12 Butler Road, Hurstville NSW; Lvls 1 & 2, 245-247 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW; and Suite 1, Lvl 4, 68 Grenfell St, Adelaide SA. Two are in Sydney's central business district, one in Hurstville (a southern suburb of Sydney), and one in Adelaide's CBD. Sydney has over 100 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community (about 200,000). Adelaide has around 50 providers and a lower cost of living (indicative weekly rent A$200–A$300 compared to Sydney's A$350–$500). All campuses are accessible by public transport. When choosing a location, consider your lifestyle preferences and living costs.
To study this course as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include being enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (like this one), meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, having adequate health insurance (OSHC), and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity. As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Your visa duration will generally cover the 2-year course plus additional time. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a registered MARA agent for visa advice.
Follow these three steps to apply: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field (Society and Culture), and city. Verify Mercury Colleges' registration (CRICOS 00172B) and this course (115220K). 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution: Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.5-6.0), and any other required documents. Check application deadlines on Mercury Colleges' website. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you receive the CoE, lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC and evidence of funds. Good luck!
Start your journey today — explore more Diploma courses in Society and Culture on HeadStart Academy.
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited. 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.