Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 118825A) is a Diploma delivered by Australian College of Vocational Education and Training Pty Ltd over 2 years. This course is designed for international students who want to pursue a career in community services, including case management, advocacy, and program coordination. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian government standards and allows students to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). The course is offered at two locations in Victoria: Melbourne Campus in the city centre and Melbourne CBD in Docklands. With a focus on practical skills and work-integrated learning, graduates are prepared to support individuals and communities in diverse settings. The indicative tuition fee is A$30,000, with non-tuition fees of A$6,500, totalling approximately A$36,500. Students should also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges. All information is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
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Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 118825A) is a Diploma level qualification (AQF Level 5) delivered by Australian College of Vocational Education and Training Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04008D). The course falls under the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (0905). It is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to work in community service organisations, focusing on case management, advocacy, community development, and program coordination. The course is delivered over 2 years (104 weeks) in English, with a mandatory work component of 10 weeks (20 hours per week) to provide real-world experience. This CRICOS-registered course ensures international students can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) and access ESOS Act protections.
The Diploma of Community Services covers a broad range of topics within the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services. Students learn about human behaviour, social welfare systems, case management, community development, and legal and ethical frameworks. The curriculum typically includes units on counselling, advocacy, group work, and program evaluation. While specific syllabi are set by the provider, graduates at this level are expected to develop advanced skills in assessment, referral, and support planning. The course emphasises practical application through work-integrated learning, preparing students for roles such as community services worker, case coordinator, or welfare officer.
The Diploma of Community Services is a full-time course with a duration of 2 years (104 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (not a dual qualification) and does not include foundation studies. The course may include both on-campus and online components, but delivery locations are in Melbourne. Students should expect a combination of classroom learning, practical workshops, and industry placement. The course structure is designed to meet the requirements of the Student visa (Subclass 500), including sufficient scheduled contact hours.
The indicative tuition fee for the Diploma of Community Services is A$30,000. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$6,500, bringing the total indicative cost to A$36,500. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Students must also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (accommodation, food, transport), and the visa application charge for the Student visa (Subclass 500). Always confirm current fees directly with Australian College of Vocational Education and Training Pty Ltd via their website: https://www.acvet.edu.au/.
International students typically need an English proficiency of IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall (or equivalent). Prior qualifications expected for this level usually include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, or a relevant Certificate IV. Some providers may also require relevant work experience or a demonstrated interest in community services. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements — refer to Australian College of Vocational Education and Training Pty Ltd for specific entry criteria. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 10 weeks of placement at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 200 hours. This is designed to provide real-world experience in community service settings such as aged care facilities, disability support organisations, or community health centres. Students gain practical skills in client assessment, case management, and program delivery under supervision. The work component is a critical part of the qualification, helping students build professional networks and apply theoretical knowledge. Placement arrangements are coordinated by the provider.
The Diploma of Community Services is delivered at two locations in Victoria: Melbourne Campus in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, and Melbourne CBD in Docklands. Melbourne is a vibrant, multicultural city with over 180,000 international students enrolled across more than 200 CRICOS-registered providers. The city offers excellent public transport (trams, trains, buses) connecting campuses to accommodation and services. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$400–A$600 per week for rent, A$150–A$200 for groceries, and A$40–A$60 for public transport. Both campuses are well-serviced by cafes, libraries, and student support facilities.
International students enrolling in the Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS 118825A) must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study in a CRICOS-registered course and permits work of up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, with unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. ESOS Act protections apply, including tuition fee protection and complaint mechanisms. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Community Services at Australian College of Vocational Education and Training Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Diploma), field (Society and Culture), and location (Victoria). Verify the provider's CRICOS registration (04008D) and course code (118825A).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Contact Australian College of Vocational Education and Training Pty Ltd to confirm entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your academic transcripts, English test results, and any required documents.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use that to apply for your student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE, OSHC, and financial capacity requirements.
Ready to start your journey? Explore more Diploma courses in Victoria or directly apply to Australian College of Vocational Education and Training Pty Ltd.
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Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian College of Vocational Education and Training 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.