Are you looking to advance your career in human services? The Graduate Certificate in Human Services (CRICOS course code 119187G) is a 1-year graduate certificate (AQF Level 8) offered by Charles Sturt University (CSU), a government-funded CRICOS-registered provider (00005F). This course falls under the field of Society and Culture (0905 Human Welfare Studies and Services, specifically Welfare Studies 090515). Designed for international students, it equips graduates with foundational knowledge in welfare theory and practice. Delivered at CSU's campuses in North Sydney and Melbourne, this program is taught entirely in English and does not include a mandatory work component. Indicative tuition is A$17,250, with additional non-tuition fees of A$368, totalling approximately A$17,618. Please note that fees are indicative and subject to change; always confirm with the provider. Below, you'll find detailed information on study content, entry requirements, student visa obligations, and how to apply. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that aggregates data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), covering 26,433 courses across 1,556 providers. Use this page as your starting point to evaluate this course and take the next step toward studying in Australia.
The Graduate Certificate in Human Services (CRICOS course code 119187G) is a Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8) delivered by Charles Sturt University (CSU), a government university with CRICOS provider code 00005F. Registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), this course is specifically designed for international students who wish to develop skills in welfare studies. The course focuses on human welfare studies and services, with a particular emphasis on welfare studies (field of education code 090515). As an AQF Level 8 qualification, it sits above bachelor degrees and below postgraduate diplomas, providing advanced knowledge and skills for professional practice. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy and reliability. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000 courses available in Australia, this course is one of many options you can compare on HeadStart Academy – a free resource with no referral fees or commissions.
While the specific curriculum is set by Charles Sturt University (CSU), a Graduate Certificate in this field typically covers the foundations of human welfare theory, social policy analysis, case management principles, and ethical practice in welfare settings. Students develop skills in assessing client needs, understanding the Australian welfare system, and applying evidence-based interventions. The course aligns with the field of education 090515 Welfare Studies, which encompasses the study of social welfare, social work foundations, and human services delivery. Graduates may gain competencies relevant to roles in community services, non-government organisations, and government departments. For detailed subject descriptions and learning outcomes, you should refer to the provider's official course page. Remember that all CRICOS-registered courses must meet the ESOS Act requirements, ensuring quality education and consumer protection for international students.
According to the CRICOS register, this Graduate Certificate in Human Services has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks). The course is delivered in English and is a single qualification (not part of a dual award or foundation studies). Students typically study full-time to complete within the registered duration, but part-time options may be available – check with Charles Sturt University (CSU). The course does not include a mandatory work component, but students may seek voluntary placements or part-time work under their student visa conditions (48 hours per fortnight during term). As an international student, you must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with your Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements. The language of instruction is English, and you will need to demonstrate English proficiency as part of the entry requirements.
The indicative fees for this course, sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026), are as follows: tuition fee A$17,250, non-tuition fee A$368, total estimated cost A$17,618. These fees are set by Charles Sturt University (CSU) and are subject to change without notice. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the Student visa application charge. For a single student, OSHC typically costs between A$500 and A$700 per year, and living costs in Sydney or Melbourne are approximately A$20,000–A$25,000 per year (including rent, groceries, and transport). Always confirm the current fees directly with the provider before applying. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a guide only; we recommend using the provider's official website for the most up-to-date costs. All fees listed are indicative and not guaranteed.
Entry requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Human Services vary by provider, but for this level (AQF Level 8), you typically need a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field. English language proficiency is required – the standard range is IELTS 5.5 to 7.0 overall (or equivalent) depending on the provider and course level. Charles Sturt University (CSU) may have specific requirements, so you should check their website or contact their international admissions team. Foundation or pathway programs may be available if you do not meet the academic or English requirements, but this is not specified for this course – refer to the provider for details. All CRICOS-registered institutions must assess your qualifications and English proficiency transparently. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the provider directly for the most accurate and personalised entry criteria.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. According to the CRICOS register, there is no work component attached to this program. However, as an international student holding a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Voluntary work or internships not required by the course may be undertaken, but they should not interfere with your studies. If you are looking for courses with compulsory work placements, you can filter by 'work component' on HeadStart Academy. For this specific course, the focus is purely on academic learning without integrated workplace experience.
The Graduate Certificate in Human Services is delivered at two locations: 77 Berry St, North Sydney, NSW 2060 (North Sydney campus) and Level 3, 222 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 (Melbourne campus). North Sydney is a major commercial centre just north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, well-connected by train and bus. Melbourne's campus is in the CBD, close to Flinders Street Station and public transport. Both cities have large international student populations – Sydney hosts over 200,000 international students and Melbourne over 180,000, with thousands of CRICOS-registered providers. The cost of living is higher in Sydney (average weekly rent ~A$500–A$700) compared to Melbourne (A$400–A$600), but both offer vibrant lifestyles. Public transport is accessible from both campuses, with Opal cards in Sydney and Myki cards in Melbourne. For more location-specific advice, see our guides for New South Wales and Melbourne.
International students on this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel), and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. You must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks (visa conditions apply). The ESOS Act 2000 protects your rights, including tuition assurance and refunds if your provider fails to deliver. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa advice. Always ensure your institution and course are CRICOS-registered – use the CRICOS register to verify.
To apply for the Graduate Certificate in Human Services at Charles Sturt University (CSU), follow these three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Graduate Certificate), field (Society and Culture), and location (NSW or VIC). Confirm that CRICOS course code 119187G meets your interests.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Charles Sturt University's website (www.csu.edu.au) to review entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application along with supporting documents (transcripts, English test results, and a statement of purpose). Some providers may charge an application fee.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, CSU will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE compliance. Visa processing times vary – apply as early as possible.
Ready to apply? Visit Charles Sturt University's website to start your application, or use HeadStart Academy to compare similar courses across Australia.
Graduate Certificate in Human Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Charles Sturt University (CSU). 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.