Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 118876A) is a Diploma delivered by Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited over 2 years. This AQF Level 5 qualification prepares students for roles in community services, case management, and social welfare. Mercury Colleges is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 00172B) with campuses in Sydney, Hurstville, and Adelaide. The course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks (20 hrs/week), giving students real-world experience in the Australian community sector. Indicative total fees are A$25,000, with tuition at A$24,000 and non-tuition fees of A$1,000 (OSH C, living costs, and visa fees extra). As with all CRICOS-registered courses, students are protected under the ESOS Act. HeadStart Academy provides this information directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — a free resource with no referral fees.
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The Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS 118876A) is a diploma-level qualification (AQF 5) in the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (090599). It is designed for individuals seeking to work as community service workers, case coordinators, or welfare support officers. Graduates typically develop skills in case management, advocacy, community development, and client assessment. The course is delivered over 104 weeks (2 years) with English as the language of instruction. It is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The VET national code is CHC52025.
The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English. Students attend classes at one of Mercury Colleges' four delivery locations: Level 5 245 Castlereagh St, Sydney; Lvl 1, 12 Butler Road, Hurstville; Lvls 1 & 2, 245-247 Castlereagh Street, Sydney; and Suite 1, Lvl 4, 68 Grenfell St, Adelaide. The program includes face-to-face learning and a mandatory work component. There is no online-only option; attendance is required. Full-time study typically involves 20 hours per week of classes, plus self-study.
Tuition fees for the entire course are A$24,000, with additional non-tuition fees of A$1,000, giving an estimated total of A$25,000. This is indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by Mercury Colleges and subject to change — always confirm directly with the provider before enrolling. Not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the Student visa application charge. As a guide, living costs in Sydney are around A$500–700 per week (rent, groceries, transport), while Adelaide is more affordable at A$400–600 per week. OSHC for a single student costs approximately A$600–A$800 per year. For current fees, visit the Mercury Colleges website: www.mercurycolleges.nsw.edu.au.
Entry requirements for diploma-level courses typically include completion of an Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and an English language proficiency of IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent). Some providers may require relevant work experience or a prerequisite qualification. For this specific course, refer to Mercury Colleges' admissions policy. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you don't meet the academic or English requirements — contact the provider directly. All CRICOS-registered providers assess international student applications against standard criteria including the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 20 weeks at 20 hours per week, totaling approximately 400 hours. This work-integrated learning is typically a supervised industry placement, internship, or clinical placement in a community services setting such as a welfare agency, aged care facility, or community health centre. It gives students practical experience under the guidance of qualified professionals. Placements are arranged by Mercury Colleges, but students may need to meet workplace requirements (e.g., police check, vaccinations). The work component is an assessed part of the course and is essential for graduation.
Mercury Colleges delivers the Diploma of Community Services at four locations: two in Sydney's CBD (Level 5 245 Castlereagh St and Lvls 1 & 2, 245-247 Castlereagh St), one in Hurstville (Lvl 1, 12 Butler Road), and one in Adelaide (Suite 1, Lvl 4, 68 Grenfell St). Sydney, Australia's largest city, has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student population of around 200,000. Public transport is excellent, with trains and buses serving the CBD campuses. Hurstville is a southern suburb with a large Asian community, accessible by train from Central Station (30 mins). Adelaide has a more relaxed lifestyle, with lower living costs (weekly rent ~A$250–A$400) and around 40,000 international students. The Adelaide campus is on Grenfell Street, a short walk from Rundle Mall and tram stops.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Key requirements: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Mercury Colleges, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient funds (tuition + living costs + OSHC + travel), and English proficiency. OSHC is mandatory for the visa duration — it covers medical and hospital costs. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Visa conditions also include maintaining enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and not engaging in work that compromises study. For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.
Both cities offer strong community services sectors, but differ in lifestyle and cost. Sydney has higher wages but also higher cost of living (rent ~A$350–A$600/week for a room). It's a global hub with diverse placement opportunities. Adelaide is more affordable (rent ~A$200–A$400/week) and has a growing community services industry, especially in aged care and disability support. Consider your budget, climate preference, and career goals. Mercury Colleges' campuses in both cities allow you to choose your study location.
Applying for the Diploma of Community Services at Mercury Colleges is straightforward. Follow these three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register to verify that Mercury Colleges (00172B) is registered to deliver course 118876A. HeadStart Academy lists only CRICOS-registered providers — all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Mercury Colleges to check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application with supporting documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy). The provider will assess your eligibility and issue a Letter of Offer if successful.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you accept the offer and pay any required deposit, Mercury Colleges will issue a CoE. Use this CoE to lodge your visa application online. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. Wait for visa grant before travelling to Australia.
Ready to start your community services career? Contact Mercury Colleges directly to apply or learn more about the Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS 118876A).
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited. 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.