Diploma Social Work Full Time

Diploma of Community Services

at Key 2 Learning Pty Ltd · Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

CRICOS course code

118769D

CRICOS provider code

03644F

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$32,000 total

Per year

A$18,909/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Diploma of Community Services is a vocational qualification for people who want to work directly with individuals, families and communities in Australia. It covers case management, community development, counselling skills, advocacy, and legal and ethical requirements. You study how to assess client needs, develop and review service plans, work with people in crisis, and link them to housing, health, income support and family services. The course also includes units on working with cultural diversity, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and people with mental health issues. Some providers include a work placement so you can practise under supervision in a real service.

How the qualification is structured

This diploma is delivered over 1.5 years. Australian vocational qualifications are built from units of competency, each with a set number of credit points or nominal hours. You might study full time or part time, with semesters or trimesters depending on the provider. Assessment is usually a mix of written tasks, case studies, role plays, projects and practical placement. There is no research thesis at diploma level. Instead, you build a portfolio of skills that show you can work safely and effectively in a community services role.

What you will learn

You will learn to conduct assessments, manage case files, run group programmes, and advocate for clients within the Australian service system. Communication skills are central: interviewing, report writing, de-escalation and working with interpreters. You also cover workplace safety, professional boundaries, and the legal frameworks that govern community services in Australia, such as privacy and mandatory reporting. The diploma includes a work placement component, which many employers look for when hiring.

Who it suits

This course suits people already working in community services who want a formal qualification, career changers who want to enter the sector, and international students seeking a practical Australian qualification. It is also a pathway to further study, such as a bachelor's degree in social work or community development. International students should check the official CRICOS page for the exact English requirement, tuition and start dates. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Confirm all details with the provider.

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
Support worker
Client services officer
Community development officer
Family support worker
Housing officer
Youth worker
Mental health support worker
Aged care coordinator

These roles are found in not-for-profit organisations, government departments, community health centres, housing services, family support agencies and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations across Australia.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Diploma of Community Services at Key 2 Learning Pty Ltd?

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$32,000 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Community services workerCase managerSupport workerClient services officerCommunity development officerFamily support workerHousing officerYouth workerMental health support workerAged care coordinatorThese roles are found in not-for-profit organisations, government departments, c...

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