Federation University of Australia
Graduate Certificate in Social and Community Services
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
Study online to become a reflective and ethical practitioner who makes a lasting impact on those in need.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Social and Community Services is designed for community and human services professionals looking to advance their careers or those seeking a new job in this growing sector. Many social problems, including poverty, conflict, family violence and growing social and economic disparities in health, education and mental health, are challenges confronting the welfare sector in Australia and around the globe. You will learn theories and practice frameworks that underpin community service work and develop skills to undertake complex case work, group work and social advocacy.
This course provides you with the skills to work in a broad range of human services settings, including government, non-government welfare organisations and community groups.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
20th July, 2026
What you will study
To complete the Graduate Certificate in Social and Community Services, you must fulfil 60 credits or four units.
- Theoretical Models for Practice: Assessment and Intervention
- Historical and Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare
- Ethics for Professional Practice
- Conflict Management
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non-year 12)
- Completed a Bachelor’s Degree AQF Level 7 in any discipline. OR Completed a Diploma VET/TAFE or Associate Degree qualification in a related discipline AND a minimum of three years full-time professional experience in the related community and human service fields, such as disability studies, community development, youth work, child protection, family violence, homelessness, housing, humanitarian organisations.
English language requirements
- Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.5 or equivalent.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies might count towards this course (which means you could finish it sooner). Use our credit search to find out if that’s the case.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
- Community Development Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Disability Support Worker
- Residential Care Worker
- Welfare Worker
- Youth Worker
Fees and CSP
Indicative fee in 2025: $8,496 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
