Diploma of Community Service to Bachelor of Social Work
Secure your pathway from Community Services to Professional Social Work
- Diploma of Community Services: $18,000Bachelor of Social Work: $60,000
- Package Program Total Fees: $78,000
Introdction
The Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA) and the Institute of Health & Management (IHM) have partnered to offer a seamless academic pathway for students passionate about making a meaningful impact in the community.
Through this integrated pathway, students can begin their journey with the CHC52021 – Diploma of Community Services at IHNA and progress directly into the Bachelor of Social Work at IHM, receiving full credit transfer for the first year of study. This streamlined pathway allows students to advance efficiently toward a rewarding career in social work while gaining both practical and academic expertise.

Join the course to achieve your dreams
Details about the Course
Guaranteed Pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree
Secure your place in the Bachelor of Social Work at IHM from the moment you commence the CHC52021 – Diploma of Community Services at IHNA. This guaranteed pathway provides a clear and confident transition into higher education.
Save Time and Reduce Costs
Benefit from up to 12 months of credit transfer, allowing you to complete your degree faster while significantly reducing overall study costs.
Comprehensive Student Support
From your first day, you’ll receive dedicated academic guidance, personalised career support, and wellbeing assistance to ensure your success throughout your study journey.
Hands-On Learning Experience
Gain practical, real-world experience in community services while completing your diploma, helping you build confidence and industry-ready skills before progressing into your degree.
Step 1: CHC52021-Diploma of Community Services (IHNA)
- Duration: 12 months (Full-time)
- Tuition Fee: AUD 18,000
- Minimum English Requirement: IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent)
- Location: IHNA campuses across Australia
Step 2: Bachelor of Social Work (IHM)
- Duration: 3 years (after credit transfer)
- Tuition Fee: AUD 60,000 for the full course
- English Requirement: Students who have completed DCS with IHNA are eligible for English waiver*
- Location: IHM – North Melbourne campus.
Total Packaged Fee: AUD 78,000
To be eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Social Work, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Completion of Year 12 or an equivalent qualification, or
Completion of a Certificate IV or higher qualification, or equivalent
Relevant work or volunteer experience in the human services sector may be considered as part of the entry assessment
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following English language proficiency criteria:
IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.0, with no band less than 6.0, or
PTE Academic: Equivalent overall score, or
Completion of an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course with a minimum overall result of 70%, or
As otherwise specified or accepted by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Upon successful completion of the CHC52021 – Diploma of Community Services at IHNA, students are granted credit equivalent to the first year of the Bachelor of Social Work at IHM. This allows students to enter directly into the second year of the degree, enabling them to graduate sooner while gaining two recognised qualifications.
This pathway prepares you for a broad range of careers in the health, welfare and community sectors, such as:
- Case worker
- Welfare and community support officer
- Family or youth support worker
- Social worker (upon Bachelor completion)
- Community development officer
- Policy and advocacy roles
- Application: Submit your application online by clicking “Apply Online” in the top right corner of the course page.
- Pre-Training Review / Interview: Once you meet the eligibility criteria, our admissions team will contact you for an interview with an admissions consultant.
- Offer Letter: If you are successful in the interview, you will be issued an offer letter for the course/program based on intake availability.
- Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance, an invoice for the course fee will be issued.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Once your payment is received, we will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment.
- Visa Application (International Students): With your CoE, you may apply for a subclass 500 student visa to study on campus in Australia.