Planning to study a Diploma of Community Services in Australia? This page covers everything you need to know about CRICOS course code 115475J, delivered by Sunbeam International College Pty Ltd. The Diploma of Community Services is a 2-year vocational qualification that prepares you for frontline roles in community services, case management, and social welfare. It's registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian standards for international students. In this guide, we break down the fees, entry requirements, work component, and delivery locations so you can make an informed decision. HeadStart Academy is a free resource hub for international students — we do not charge referral fees or commission. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 115475J) is a Diploma delivered by Sunbeam International College Pty Ltd over 2 years. This course sits at AQF Level 5 and falls under the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services. It provides the skills needed to design, coordinate, and deliver person-centred services in community, health, and social welfare settings. Sunbeam International College is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 03951F) with campuses in Adelaide and Sydney. The course also incorporates a mandatory work placement of 20 weeks (400 hours), giving you real-world experience in the Australian community sector. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the requirements for a Student visa (Subclass 500) application.
The Diploma of Community Services covers broad competencies in human welfare studies, including case management, advocacy, community development, and ethical practice. While specific units are set by the provider, graduates typically gain the ability to assess client needs, develop support plans, and work across diverse cultural contexts. The qualification aligns with the national VET standard code CHC52021. You will develop supervisory skills and learn to navigate the legal and policy frameworks that govern community services in Australia. This field is ideal if you are passionate about social justice and helping vulnerable populations.
According to the CRICOS register, this course runs for 104 weeks (2 years). It is offered in English only, and it is a single qualification (no dual or combined award). The delivery mode includes face-to-face classroom learning at the provider's campuses. Part-time study may not be available for international students due to visa conditions. Check with Sunbeam International College for specific timetables and study load requirements.
The indicative tuition fee for Diploma of Community Services (115475J) is A$28,000 for the full course. Non-tuition fees (such as enrolment, materials, or administration) are approximately A$3,000, bringing the estimated total to A$31,000. Please note: these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change. You must also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For the most current fees, always visit the provider's website: sunbeam.edu.au. HeadStart Academy does not set fees; we present indicative data for planning purposes.
International students typically need an IELTS score between 5.5 and 6.0 overall (or equivalent English test). You should also have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent. Sunbeam International College may assess prior learning or work experience. Foundation or pathway programs are not listed for this course; if you need to improve your English or academic qualifications, contact the provider directly. All entry requirements are at the institution's discretion. Remember, meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission — always confirm with Sunbeam International College.
Yes — 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, internship, or clinical placement in a community services setting. It gives you hands-on experience in Australian workplaces, enhances your employability, and may count towards the professional hours required for some roles. The work placement is supervised by the provider and may require a police check or working with vulnerable people clearance.
Sunbeam International College delivers this course at three campuses: Adelaide Campus and Young St. Campus, both in Adelaide, South Australia; and Burwood Campus in Burwood, New South Wales (a suburb of Sydney). Adelaide is known for its affordable living costs — weekly rent for a one-bedroom unit is around A$250–A$350, while Sydney is more expensive (A$400–A$600). Both cities have extensive public transport. South Australia has over 80 CRICOS-registered providers, while New South Wales has over 400, giving you ample choice for further study.
To study this course on campus in Australia, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to current government settings). You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity for tuition, travel, and living costs (approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student, plus course fees). The ESOS Act protects your rights as an international student — including tuition assurance and refund policies. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Community Services at Sunbeam International College: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. You can compare Sunbeam International College with other providers offering similar diplomas in community services. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Meet the entry requirements (English test, academic qualifications) and submit your application through Sunbeam's website or via an education agent. Check application deadlines and any required documents. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** — Once you accept the offer, the institution issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs. You'll also need to arrange OSHC and show evidence of funds.
Community services is a growing sector in Australia, with an ageing population and increasing demand for social welfare professionals. Before enrolling, consider: do you have the empathy and resilience for frontline work? Are you comfortable with shift work and varied settings? The qualification can lead to roles such as case worker, community development officer, or disability support coordinator. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses — so you have options. Think about location: Adelaide offers lower living costs, while Sydney has more diverse placement opportunities. Also confirm whether the course includes placement support and if the provider has strong industry links.
View the full Sunbeam International College Pty Ltd profile →
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sunbeam International College 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.