Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 117462J) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Elite Education Group PTY. LTD. over 2 years (104 weeks). This course sits within the field of Society and Culture, specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services, preparing graduates to work in community support roles. Based in Sydney, NSW, Elite Education Group is a private CRICOS-registered provider (03546G) offering this diploma at two campuses: Petersham and Haymarket. The indicative total cost is A$24,350 (tuition A$24,000 plus non-tuition fees A$350), not including OSHC, living expenses, or visa fees. On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about this course, from entry requirements and study locations to student visa guidelines and how to apply.
The Diploma of Community Services is a Non AQF Award designed for students seeking foundational knowledge in community support, human welfare, and social work principles. As a Non AQF level course, it may serve as a stepping stone to higher qualifications or provide targeted skills for entry-level roles in the community services sector. Elite Education Group PTY. LTD., a private institution in Sydney, delivers this course in English over two years (104 weeks). The course is registered on CRICOS under code 117462J, ensuring it meets Australian standards for international students. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, meaning you have the same legal rights as domestic students regarding course quality, refunds, and support services. Australia offers over 26,000 courses across 1,500+ providers, and this diploma is one of many options for students interested in making a difference in people's lives.
This course falls under the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (0905), with specific focus on Social Work (090501). While the exact curriculum is set by Elite Education Group, typical content at this level covers: understanding social issues, case management principles, communication and advocacy skills, community development strategies, and ethical practice in welfare settings. You'll develop practical skills to support individuals and groups facing challenges such as poverty, disability, mental health, or social exclusion. The program combines theoretical knowledge with applied learning, often through projects, simulations, or supervised practice. As a Non AQF Award, it may not lead to a nationally recognised qualification in Australia's VET framework, but it can prepare you for further study or entry-level positions in community organisations, non-profits, and government agencies.
The Diploma of Community Services has a CRICOS-registered duration of 104 weeks (2 years). This is a full-time course with English as the language of instruction. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include a foundation studies component. Students are expected to attend classes at one of the two Sydney campuses. The two-year structure allows for in-depth exploration of community services topics and sufficient time to develop practical competencies. If you are considering part-time study, note that student visa conditions usually require full-time enrolment, so you should plan for the full 2-year commitment.
The indicative fees for this course, as recorded on the CRICOS register (April 2026), are as follows: - Tuition fee: A$24,000 (total for 2 years) - Non-tuition fee: A$350 - Estimated total: A$24,350
These fees are set by Elite Education Group PTY. LTD. and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider before applying. The amount shown does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For international students, OSHC is mandatory and typically costs A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Sydney are estimated at around A$30,000–A$40,000 per year, including accommodation (approximately A$600–A$800 per week for rent), food, transport, and other expenses. The visa application fee for Subclass 500 is currently A$1,600 (subject to change). For the most up-to-date fee information, visit the Elite Education Group website.
Entry requirements for international students vary by provider. For this Diploma of Community Services, Elite Education Group will specify academic and English language prerequisites. Generally, at this level, you may need to have completed Year 12 or equivalent, and demonstrate English proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. English language requirements typically range from IELTS 5.5 to 7.0 overall, depending on the course level and provider. For Non AQF Awards, the provider may have additional requirements such as relevant work experience or a statement of intent. If you do not meet the direct entry requirements, some providers offer foundation or pathway programs, but you should check with Elite Education Group for specific options. Remember, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission – the institution will assess each application holistically.
This course has no work component. That means it does not include a mandatory work placement, internship, or vocational placement as part of the curriculum. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. While the course itself doesn't require work experience, you may choose to seek part-time employment to gain practical exposure in community services settings. Always check visa conditions before starting any work.
Elite Education Group delivers this course at two campuses in Sydney, New South Wales: - Petersham Campus: Located in PETERSHAM, NSW - Quay Street Campus: Located in HAYMARKET, NSW
Sydney is Australia's largest city with over 200,000 international students and more than 300 CRICOS-registered providers. Both campuses are well-connected by public transport, with buses and trains serving the area. Petersham is a inner-west suburb about 7 km from the CBD, while Haymarket is in the heart of Chinatown near Central Station. Living costs in Sydney are among the highest in Australia – expect weekly rent between A$600 and A$800 for a one-bedroom apartment, with groceries around A$80–A$120 per week. The city offers a vibrant multicultural environment, excellent public transport, and access to community services organisations for networking and volunteering.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). To apply, you must: - Have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Elite Education Group - Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement - Demonstrate sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + dependents if applicable) - Hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay - Meet English language requirements (unless exempt)
Visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during planned breaks. Dependents on a Student Dependent visa may have work restrictions. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent for personalised visa advice. Under the ESOS Act, your education provider must meet strict standards, and you have access to a complaint-handling process. For more on student visas, see our guide at /visa/student-visa-subclass-500.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Community Services at Elite Education Group PTY. LTD.:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy's provider directory to compare courses and institutions. Filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (Society and Culture), and location (Sydney, NSW). Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered – Elite Education Group's code is 03546G.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit Elite Education Group's website (https://vocational.ee.edu.au/) or contact their admissions team. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and any other required documents. Pay attention to application deadlines, as some courses have intake dates throughout the year.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once you accept an offer and pay the required deposit (if any), the institution will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and your GTE statement. Visa processing times vary, so apply well before your course starts.
For more guidance, refer to our student visa resource at /visa/student-visa-subclass-500 and learn about CRICOS at /glossary/cricos.
Start your journey — explore more courses at Elite Education Group or contact their admissions team directly.
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Elite Education Group 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.