Graduate Diploma of Disability (CRICOS course code 116237D) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Excelsia University College over 1 year. This qualification is registered at AQF Level 8 and falls under the field of Society and Culture, specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services (Care for the Disabled). It is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in supporting individuals with disabilities. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 02664K), it meets the standards required for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. The course is delivered at Pennant Hills, a suburb of Sydney, NSW, providing access to a vibrant city with a large international student community. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness.
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Graduate Diploma of Disability (CRICOS course code 116237D) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Excelsia University College over 1 year. This course is classified under AQF Level 8 and falls within the field of Society and Culture (09), specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services (0905) and Care for the Disabled (090509). It is a single qualification with no dual award or foundation studies component. The course is taught in English and does not include a mandatory work component. International students benefit from ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. Excelsia University College is a private higher education provider registered with CRICOS (02664K), and this course is one of over 26,000 courses available across Australia's 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers.
At the Graduate Diploma level, students build on prior knowledge in human welfare and disability services. The curriculum typically covers advanced theories of disability support, policy frameworks, ethical practice, and person-centred care. Students explore evidence-based approaches to assessment, intervention, and advocacy for people with disabilities. The program aims to prepare graduates for leadership roles in disability services, community organisations, or government agencies. While specific syllabus details are set by the provider, general learning outcomes include critical analysis of disability models, understanding of legal and regulatory contexts, and development of inclusive practices. This field of education is growing in Australia, with strong demand for qualified professionals in disability support and management.
The Graduate Diploma of Disability is a full-time course lasting 1 year, equivalent to 52 weeks on the CRICOS register. Instruction is exclusively in English, and the course is delivered on-campus at Excelsia University College's Pennant Hills site. There is no online or blended mode for this course. It is a single qualification, meaning students complete one award without concurrent enrolment in another program. No foundation studies or VET components are included. This duration is standard for AQF Level 8 Graduate Diplomas, allowing students to gain advanced knowledge efficiently. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to satisfy visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for the Graduate Diploma of Disability is A$18,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,000, giving an estimated total of A$19,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by Excelsia University College. The total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For current fees, always check the provider's website at excelsia.edu.au. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average: indicative weekly rent is A$300–$500, groceries A$80–$150, and transport A$30–$50. Budget accordingly for the full duration of your studies.
International students typically require an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent) for admission to this Graduate Diploma. A recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field is expected. Specific prerequisite subjects may apply, so you should check with Excelsia University College for detailed requirements. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet the academic or English prerequisites. Always consult the provider's admissions team for the most accurate and up-to-date entry criteria.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This work right provides an opportunity to gain local experience and offset living costs. Note that work must not interfere with course requirements. Visa conditions also require students to maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress.
The Graduate Diploma of Disability is delivered on-campus at Excelsia University College, located at 1 City View Road, Pennant Hills, NSW 2120. Pennant Hills is a suburb in Sydney's Upper North Shore, approximately 20 km from the Sydney CBD. The campus is accessible via Pennant Hills railway station on the Sydney Trains Northern Line, with frequent services to the city. The area has a range of student accommodation options, including apartments and shared housing. Sydney is home to over 200,000 international students and offers a vibrant multicultural environment with extensive public transport, shopping, and recreational facilities.
To study this course, international students must obtain a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, satisfying the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It is essential to adhere to visa conditions, including maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and achieving satisfactory course progress. For specific visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Apply in 3 simple steps: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers – use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. 2) Apply directly to Excelsia University College – submit your application along with required documents (transcripts, English test scores, etc.), meet entry requirements, and adhere to application deadlines. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – once you have your CoE, lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have all supporting documents ready. HeadStart Academy provides free resources to guide you through each step.
Sydney is Australia's largest city and a top destination for international students, with over 200,000 students from around the world. It offers world-class education institutions, diverse cultural experiences, and a strong job market, particularly in the disability services sector. However, living costs are higher than other Australian cities. Indicative weekly expenses: rent A$300–$500, groceries A$80–$150, transport A$30–$50. The Pennant Hills campus is in a quieter suburban area with easy train access to the city centre. Consider your budget, study preferences, and career goals when choosing Sydney as your study destination. All CRICOS-registered courses, including this one, are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights as an international student.
Ready to take the next step? Apply to Excelsia University College for the Graduate Diploma of Disability. Use HeadStart Academy to prepare your student visa application and ensure you have all the information you need.
Graduate Diploma of Disability is a CRICOS-registered programme at Excelsia University College. 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.