Diploma of Community Services (Care for the Aged) at Cairns Business College Limited, Cairns College of Education | TopAustraliaUniversities
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Diploma Social Sciences & Psychology Full Time

Diploma of Community Services (Care for the Aged)

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

CRICOS course code

115361H

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

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$16,000 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 on the Gold Coast is a practical course aimed at those wanting to work directly with individuals, families, and communities. Over two years of full-time study, students take a series of units focused on areas like case management, community development, and client advocacy. These units are structured to give students an understanding of how to assess and respond to client needs, implement community programs, and support people facing a range of challenges.

The diploma is set up around Australian qualifications standards, where students study units of competency each worth a set number of credit points. Practical placement is usually a key part of this qualification, with most courses offering work-integrated learning or professional placements in community organisations, non-government groups, or local services on the Gold Coast and beyond. This time in the field helps students build real skills and industry connections before graduating.

In this course, students strengthen their communication, problem-solving, and documentation skills, all of which are valued in Australian community service settings. The program covers topics like working with diversity, supporting clients experiencing crisis, and understanding legislation that affects practice. It suits people who care about social justice, enjoy helping others, and are comfortable in fast-paced environments.

International students will need to show evidence of English proficiency, usually an IELTS Academic score between 6.0 and 6.5. While enrolled, students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight and may be eligible for post-study work rights through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). As always, students should check specific course details and entry requirements on the official course page or CRICOS register.

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 services worker
  • Case manager
  • Youth worker
  • Disability support worker
  • Mental health support worker
  • Family services officer
  • Refugee or settlement support worker
  • Roles in not-for-profit organisations, government agencies, and community health services 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 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$16,000 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Community services workerCase managerYouth workerDisability support workerMental health support workerFamily services officerRefugee or settlement support workerRoles in not-for-profit organisations, government agencies, and community health services across Australia

Guides for this subject and the application

All guides →

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