Diploma of Community Services – Cairns College

Diploma Social Work Full Time

Diploma of Community Services

at Cairns Business College Limited, Cairns College of Education · Gold Coast, Queensland

CRICOS course code

107159K

CRICOS provider code

00202A

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1.5 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$12,000 total

Per year

A$8,000/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Diploma of Community Services at Cairns Business College Limited and Cairns College of Education prepares students for practical roles supporting individuals, families, and communities. Over 1.5 years, students complete units focused on areas like case management, counselling skills, community development, and advocacy, building specialised abilities to support vulnerable populations and address issues such as homelessness, family violence, and youth services.

This diploma operates on a unit-based structure, with each unit carrying defined credit points toward the qualification. Many Australian diplomas include practical work placement hours in community organisations or agencies, giving students direct experience under supervision. It's best to confirm the specific placement details and total units on the college website.

Throughout the course, students learn how to conduct needs assessments, deliver client support, act ethically, and understand legal requirements relevant to Australian community services work. Graduates leave ready to communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and apply critical thinking in real-world scenarios.

This course suits those seeking to start or upskill in social services, aiming to work hands-on to make a difference in local communities. It's also chosen by those considering pathways to further study, such as a bachelor degree in social work or human services. Applicants will need to evidence English proficiency, and should check the latest details on admission and work placement via the official page.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Community support worker in NGOs and not-for-profit organisations
Case manager for youth or family services
Residential care or support staff
Support officer in aged care or disability services
Client services coordinator for local councils or community centres
Assisting roles in government agencies or advocacy groups across Australia

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Diploma of Community Services at Cairns Business College Limited, Cairns College of Education?

It typically takes 1.5 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$12,000 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Community support worker in NGOs and not-for-profit organisationsCase manager for youth or family servicesResidential care or support staffSupport officer in aged care or disability servicesClient services coordinator for local councils or community centresAssisting roles in gove...

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