Diploma in Youth Work
Course information for - 2025 entry
International
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 1 locations
- Melbourne
- Melbourne
- Duration
- 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 084319D
- Fees (first year)*
- $28728
- Start dates
- February 2025, July 2025, February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027
Overview
This is a one-year introductory program for students interested in a range of entry-level careers in Youth Work.
You will gain an insight into the diverse challenges and needs of young people in a range of public and community-based settings and be prepared for further study in the field.
Careers
On completion of the Diploma in Youth Work, graduates may seek entry level employment opportunities in a variety of public and community organisations.
Roles may include working with young people or assisting with the administration of youth organisations.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Diploma in Youth Work, a student must complete 80 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Exit Points
Students who have completed 40 cp of Youth Work Units may exit with the Non-Award Certificate in Youth Work.
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.
International students must also meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed:
a. Equivalent of year 12 level with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Diploma programs
OR
b. Entry via an alternative pathway as approved by ACU.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.
View transparency admission information
International applicants
If you’re an international applicant you’ll need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate.
Find the equivalent qualification for your country
You’ll also need to comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, including the English Language Proficiency requirements.
If you’re an international student completing one of the following qualifications, you will need to apply for admission through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and be assessed on your performance in these studies (i.e. your ATAR or equivalent):
an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)
an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.
English language requirements
Overall score: 6.0. Individual score of 5.5 in all tests.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Further study
The Diploma in Youth Work is a pathway program into the Bachelor of Youth Work. Students who have successfully completed the Diploma in Youth Work will be able to commence in the second year of the Bachelor of Youth Work
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $3591
- Average first year fee: $28728
- Estimate total cost: $28728
The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.
Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
International applicants
Deferment
Yes. See Defer your offer.
Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.
Staff Profile
Dr Jen Couch
Senior Lecturer, Social Sciences (VIC)
Dr Jen Couch is a senior lecturer in youth work, joining ACU in 2005 with a professional background in international community development, youth work and working with displaced and marginalised communities particularly in refugee contexts and in South Asia. Her youth work practice has involved working with young people in a variety of contexts – homelessness, trauma, resettlement, and family and sexual violence.
Dr Couch is passionate about social resilience and how to strengthen and rebuild following experiences of community upheaval, violence, and trauma. Her experience as a qualitative researcher and practitioner offers a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical challenges facing vulnerable and marginalised communities. Published widely in the area of young people, communities and marginalisation, she is particularly interested in working in hopeful and positive ways to change social inequalities and exclusion, having undertaken the first longitudinal ethnographic study to explore refugee young people and homelessness in Australia.