Associate Degree of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs (CRICOS course code 117207B) is an Associate Degree (AQF Level 6) delivered by Chisholm Institute over 2 years. This course is designed for international students seeking a pathway into community mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) support roles. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in public health, mental health first aid, case management, and AOD interventions. Chisholm Institute, a government-owned TAFE with CRICOS code 00881F, offers this program at its Berwick Campus in Victoria. As a CRICOS-registered course, all ESOS Act protections apply. Australia has 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses, ensuring you have a wide range of choices. HeadStart Academy provides free, unbiased data from the official CRICOS register to help you compare courses and providers.
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The Associate Degree of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs is a 2-year (104 weeks) degree at AQF Level 6. It falls under the field of Public Health (0613) with a specialisation in Community Health (061309). This course is not a VET qualification (no VET national code) and is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. It is delivered in English and includes a mandatory work component of 5 weeks (40 hours per week, approximately 200 total hours) to provide real-world experience. Tuition is indicative at A$47,088 with no additional non-tuition fees, giving an estimated total of A$47,088. Please note this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or visa application charges. Always confirm current fees directly with Chisholm Institute on their website.
Students in this Associate Degree gain foundational knowledge in community mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues. The curriculum typically covers subjects such as mental health assessment, case management, AOD interventions, trauma-informed care, group facilitation, and public health promotion. Graduates develop skills to support individuals with mental health challenges and substance use disorders in community settings. This level of study (AQF Level 6) emphasises both theoretical understanding and practical application, preparing students for roles such as community support worker, AOD counsellor, or mental health outreach officer. Note: This is a general description; for the specific syllabus, contact Chisholm Institute.
The course duration is 2 years or 104 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered in English and is a single qualification (no double degrees or foundation year). Study mode is typically on-campus at Berwick, with full-time enrolment expected. The program includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 5 weeks at 40 hours per week (200 hours total), which may take place as an industry placement, internship, or clinical placement depending on provider arrangements.
Tuition fees for this course are indicative at A$47,088 for the full 2 years, with non-tuition fees listed as A$0. The estimated total fee is A$47,088. This does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders, nor does it include living costs (rent, food, transport) or the visa application charge (currently AUD 1,600 for Subclass 500). Living costs in Berwick, a suburb of Melbourne, are around AUD 450–600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport combined. Always check Chisholm Institute's official website for the most current fees and payment schedules. HeadStart Academy sources all fee data from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and does not guarantee fee amounts.
Entry requirements for Associate Degree programs at Chisholm Institute typically include successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification. English language proficiency is required; while specific scores vary by provider, most courses at this level ask for IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5) or equivalent. Some pathways via foundation studies may be available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Contact Chisholm Institute for detailed entry criteria as they may change.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 5 weeks, totalling approximately 200 hours (40 hours per week). This work-integrated learning (WIL) is designed to give students practical experience in community mental health or AOD settings. Placements may be in community health centres, NGOs, or residential rehabilitation facilities. It is an integral part of the course assessed by the provider.
The course is delivered at Chisholm Institute's Berwick Campus, located at 25 Kangan Drive, Berwick, Victoria 3806. Berwick is a southeastern suburb of Melbourne with a growing student population. The campus is accessible by public transport (train and bus) from Melbourne CBD (approx. 45-60 minutes). Melbourne has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Living costs in Berwick are slightly lower than the city centre, with weekly rents for shared accommodation around AUD 180–250. The city offers a multicultural environment with excellent public services and student support.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). To be eligible, you need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Chisholm Institute, demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intent, have sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC), and meet English requirements (typically IELTS 6.0). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory for the entire visa duration. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Associate Degree of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs at Chisholm Institute: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Filter by course level (Associate Degree), field (Health), and city (Melbourne/Berwick) to find your options. Chisholm Institute is CRICOS 00881F. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.), and any other documents. Submit your application through Chisholm Institute's online portal before the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, Chisholm Institute will issue your CoE. Use it to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Remember to arrange OSHC and have evidence of funds.
Berwick is a family-friendly suburb with a strong sense of community. It offers a quieter lifestyle compared to central Melbourne but still has easy access to city amenities via public transport. The area has several parks, shopping centres, and healthcare facilities, making it suitable for students focused on health studies. However, nightlife and entertainment options are limited compared to the city. If you prefer a vibrant city atmosphere, you may consider campuses in Melbourne's CBD, but Berwick's lower living costs can be a significant advantage. Always weigh your personal preferences against budget and academic goals.
Ready to pursue a career in community mental health? Apply directly to Chisholm Institute for the Associate Degree of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs (117207B). Before applying, review visa requirements and consult a registered migration agent if needed. HeadStart Academy is here to support your journey with trusted CRICOS data.
Associate Degree of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs is a CRICOS-registered programme at Chisholm Institute. 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.