Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS course code 119026B) is a Diploma delivered by Acknowledge Education Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), meaning it is approved for enrolment by international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500). The course sits within the field of Society and Culture (Human Welfare Studies and Services) and includes a mandatory work component of 200 hours, giving students practical experience in the community services sector. With multiple delivery locations across Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane, this diploma offers flexibility for students who want to study and live in different cities. Acknowledge Education is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 00197D) with a long history of delivering vocational education. Tuition fees for this course are indicative at A$15,000, with additional non-tuition costs of A$600. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students are protected under the ESOS Act and have access to work rights and post-study pathways. Whether you are planning to work in community support, case management, or advocacy, this diploma provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in Australia's growing community services sector.
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This Diploma of Community Services (CHC52025) covers the skills and knowledge required to work in roles that support individuals, families, and communities. Students learn about case management, advocacy, community development, and ethical practice. The field of education is Human Welfare Studies and Services (0905), which encompasses counselling, social work, and community service coordination. Graduates typically develop competencies in assessing client needs, planning and delivering services, working within legal and ethical frameworks, and managing community projects. While specific syllabi are set by Acknowledge Education, the Australian Government's Training Package ensures that all diploma-level qualifications meet industry standards. This course is ideal for those seeking to make a positive impact in areas such as aged care, disability support, mental health, or family services.
The Diploma of Community Services is scheduled over 52 weeks (1 year) on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes and complete supervised work placements. Acknowledge Education may offer full-time study modes, and the course duration is designed to meet student visa requirements for full-time study. The CRICOS registration ensures the course length is appropriate for international students.
The indicative tuition fee for Diploma of Community Services at Acknowledge Education is A$15,000. Non-tuition fees (such as enrolment, materials, and administration) are approximately A$600, making the estimated total A$15,600. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with Acknowledge Education. The following costs are NOT included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge. You can find the latest fee information on the provider's official website. For more details on health cover, visit our OSHC guide.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent) for admission to this diploma. Prior qualifications expected include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent. Some providers may also require relevant work experience or a certificate-level qualification. Acknowledge Education may offer pathway programs if you do not meet the direct entry requirements. For the most accurate entry requirements, refer to the provider's website or contact their admissions team. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the specific entry criteria before applying.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 200 hours of supervised placement. This work-integrated learning (WIL) typically involves industry placement in community service organisations, such as aged care facilities, disability support centres, or non-profit agencies. The placement allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, develop professional networks, and gain Australian work experience. The work component is a core part of the curriculum and must be completed to graduate. It also helps students meet the vocational requirements for this qualification.
Acknowledge Education delivers the Diploma of Community Services at six campuses across Australia: 107 Brunswick Road, Brunswick VIC; 166-172 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC; 647 Wellington St, Perth WA; Brisbane Campus, 225 St Pauls Tce, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006; Kent St/Hickson Rd, Sydney NSW; and Level 4, 222 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000. These locations give students the option to study in major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. Each city has a vibrant international student community, with Melbourne hosting over 150,000 international students and Perth around 50,000. Living costs vary: Melbourne's weekly rent averages A$300-500, while Perth is slightly lower at A$250-400. All campuses are accessible via public transport.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. The visa allows work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement assesses your intention to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity evidence (tuition, living costs, OSHC) is required. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses. For detailed visa guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA migration agent.
Before choosing a Diploma of Community Services, consider your career goals and the demand for community service workers in Australia. The sector is growing, with strong job prospects in aged care, disability, and mental health. This diploma can lead to roles such as welfare worker, case manager, or community development officer. Accreditation with Acknowledge Education ensures the qualification is nationally recognised. You should also reflect on whether you prefer a practical, hands-on learning environment and are comfortable with work placements. The course is offered in multiple states, so consider which city suits your lifestyle and budget. HeadStart Academy's free resources can help you compare providers and locations.
Apply for Diploma of Community Services at Acknowledge Education in three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Filter by course level, field, and city to find suitable options. Check that Acknowledge Education is registered (CRICOS 00197D). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Meet entry requirements (English test score, prior qualifications) and submit your application before deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once enrolled, use your CoE to lodge a visa application. Remember to arrange OSHC and show financial capacity. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; seek professional advice if needed.
Ready to apply? Follow the three-step application process above. For more course comparisons, explore HeadStart Academy's free resource.
Diploma of Community Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Acknowledge Education 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.