Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 116258K) is a Diploma delivered by Frontier Leadership Pty Ltd over 2 years. This AQF Level 5 qualification prepares international students for roles in community services, case management, and advocacy. Delivered across multiple Australian campuses, the course combines theoretical knowledge with practical work placement. Frontier Leadership Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03520G) is a private provider registered with the Australian Government, ensuring quality standards under the ESOS Act. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets international student visa requirements. Australia offers over 26,000 courses across 1,556 providers, and this Diploma is a pathway to in-demand community welfare roles.
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Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 116258K) is a Diploma delivered by Frontier Leadership Pty Ltd over 2 years. This qualification sits within the field of Society and Culture (0905 - Human Welfare Studies and Services) and carries the VET national code CHC52021. Students develop skills to support diverse individuals and communities, focusing on case work, advocacy, and program coordination. The course is designed for those seeking careers in community welfare, disability services, and social housing. Frontier Leadership Pty Ltd is a CRICOS-registered provider (03520G) with a focus on practical training and industry engagement. All international students are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition assurance and support services.
The Diploma of Community Services covers human welfare studies and services, preparing graduates to work in community support roles. Typical learning areas include case management, community development, legal and ethical frameworks, and communication strategies. Students learn to assess client needs, coordinate services, and advocate for vulnerable populations. The program includes both theoretical coursework and a compulsory work component. While specific unit details are set by the provider, the course aligns with Australian Community Workers Association standards. Graduates may pursue roles such as community services coordinator, case manager, or welfare support worker. This field is growing, with strong demand in regional and metropolitan areas.
The Diploma of Community Services runs for 2 years (104 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. All instruction is in English. This is a single qualification (no dual awards) and is not a foundation studies program. Students attend classes at one of Frontier Leadership's campuses in Hobart, Cairns, Adelaide, Brisbane, or Chermside West. The course may be offered in face-to-face, blended, or online modes depending on the campus. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions. The duration includes both study and the work placement component. No foundation or pathway courses are integrated, but students who do not meet entry requirements may access preparatory English programs.
Course fees for Diploma of Community Services are set by Frontier Leadership Pty Ltd. Indicative tuition is A$24,000 for the full program, with non-tuition fees of A$1,500 (including enrolment, materials, and administration). Estimated total fee is A$25,500. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent, groceries, transport), and the student visa application charge. For example, living costs in Brisbane average A$450–A$600 per week, in Hobart A$350–A$500, and in Adelaide A$350–A$500. Always check the provider's website for current fees and payment plans. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees.
For Diploma of Community Services, Frontier Leadership Pty Ltd typically requires an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent). Applicants should have completed Year 12 or equivalent, and prior experience in community services may be advantageous. As a Diploma-level course, it may have specific prerequisite units or work experience requirements. Students who do not meet English language requirements can undertake ELICOS through the provider or other CRICOS-registered colleges. It is essential to verify exact entry criteria with Frontier Leadership before applying. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and OSHC.
This course includes a compulsory work component: 10 weeks of placement at 20 hours per week (approximately 200 total hours). This work-integrated learning provides practical experience in community services settings such as aged care facilities, disability support services, or non-profit organisations. Placements are arranged by the provider and may be in the same city as the campus. Students are supervised by qualified professionals and integrate classroom theory with real-world practice. The work component counts towards course completion and helps develop industry networks. International students on a Subclass 500 visa must ensure their placement hours do not exceed visa work conditions (48 hours per fortnight during term).
Diploma of Community Services is delivered at six locations across Australia: 188 Collins Street, Hobart TAS; 19 Aplin St, Cairns QLD; Adelaide Campus (specific address not listed); 100 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000; Craigslea State High School, 685 Hamilton Rd, Chermside West QLD; and Hobart Campus - Unit 4 169 Liverpool St, Hobart TAS. Each campus offers access to local community services networks. Hobart has a close-knit student community with lower living costs; Brisbane offers a large international student population and extensive public transport; Adelaide is known for affordability; Cairns provides a tropical lifestyle. All campuses are in cities with multiple CRICOS-registered providers, ensuring a vibrant study environment. Students should consider climate, cost of living, and proximity to placement opportunities when choosing a location.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study in a CRICOS-registered course and includes work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Visa conditions also require students to maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance, hold OSHC for the duration, and comply with the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. The visa application fee is currently A$710 (subject to change). Applicants must demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (at least A$24,505 per year), and OSHC. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. All CRICOS-registered courses meet ESOS Act requirements, providing consumer protection.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Human Welfare Studies), and location (choose from Hobart, Cairns, Adelaide, Brisbane, or Chermside West). Compare providers like Frontier Leadership Pty Ltd. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit your application to Frontier Leadership, meeting entry requirements (academic records, English test scores, and any prerequisite units). Check application deadlines and provide all required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Frontier Leadership issues your CoE. Then lodge your visa application, including proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Ensure you meet all Department of Home Affairs criteria.
Australia offers diverse options for studying community services. Frontier Leadership's campuses are in Hobart, Cairns, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Chermside West. When choosing a location, consider living costs: Hobart is more affordable (weekly rent ~$250–$350), while Brisbane is pricier (~$300–$450). Public transport access varies: Brisbane's network is extensive, while Hobart relies on buses. Each city has a student population and community services job market. For example, Brisbane has over 200 CRICOS providers, while Hobart has around 20. Think about placement opportunities: larger cities may offer more diverse placements. Climate also matters: Cairns is tropical, Hobart temperate. HeadStart Academy's free resources help you compare cities and find the best fit for your studies and lifestyle.
Ready to start your Diploma of Community Services? Explore Frontier Leadership Pty Ltd and other CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy. Compare courses, check fees, and plan your Australian study journey today.
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Frontier Leadership 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.