Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Human Services

The Graduate Certificate in Human Services from Charles Sturt University is designed for those who have an undergraduate qualification and wish to progress their knowledge or who have many years' relevant work experience and are seeking to formalize that practice.

Key Information

• Study Mode and Sessions: Online
• Next Session Start: March 2, 2026
• Duration: Minimum time - 1 year, Maximum time - 3 years
• Entry Score: TBA
• Indicative Fees:
  • International online: Fee paying overseas - $13,960.00 pa (full-time), $6,980.00 pa (part-time)
• Course Points and Codes: Credit Points - 32, AQF - Level 8, Cricos - G

Why Study with Us?

The Graduate Certificate in Human Services is designed to consolidate and further your expertise in human services through a short program of tertiary-level study.

• Foundation in Human Services: You'll gain an overview of the human services sector in Australia, as well as concepts, issues, and human services standards underpinning previous and current practice.
• Valuable Skill Set: This course gives you the opportunity to develop or refresh your study skills in communication, critical thinking, information literacy, reasoning, and writing by examining issues that are relevant to your profession or workplace.
• Study that Works for You: The Graduate Certificate in Human Services is delivered online part-time, allowing you to combine study with your other commitments.
• Support when You Need It: Charles Sturt University is a well-established provider of human service courses, and our academic staff are highly experienced in social welfare practice.

Career Opportunities

The Graduate Certificate in Human Services is a formal qualification designed to enhance the human services careers of those working in the industry. It is an ideal choice if you wish to pursue a structured program of professional development or boost your credentials for management and leadership.

What You Will Study

For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations.

• Essential Set (8 pts): Core subjects include Social Welfare in Human Services.
• Restricted Electives (24 Credit Points): Select three subjects from a list that includes Vulnerability and the Ethics of Intervention, Health, Wellbeing and Family Care in Later Life, Social Work Practice in Mental Health, Understanding Children from Adversity, Legal Issues in Child and Adolescent Welfare, Advanced Social Inequality, Human Services Research Methods, Working alongside children and young people in Indigenous Australian communities, Disaster Recovery: A Human Services Perspective, and Contemporary Theories for Case Management.

Costs

• Calculate My Fee: The section below is designed to allow you to select the option specific to your circumstances to discover the course fee and course offering information appropriate for you.
• Course Fees:
  • If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, and meet the relevant citizenship and residency requirements, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place.
  • A fee-paying student will pay a tuition fee for each subject in the course without the Australian government contributing any financial support to the university.
• Payment Options:
  1. Pay all of your student contribution up front direct to the university.
  2. Pay part of your student contribution to the university and defer the balance via a HECS-HELP loan through the Australian Government (if eligible).
  3. Defer all of your student contribution via a HECS-HELP loan through the Australian Government (if eligible).

Scholarships

We have scholarships and grants, totaling over $11 million annually, covering various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living, and individuals in unique circumstances.

Entry Requirements

• Selection Rank: TBA
• Academic Entry Requirements:
  • Completed Bachelor (or AQF equivalent) in human services, social work, social welfare, social sciences, nursing, health, or related areas.
  • A completed Bachelor (or AQF equivalent), needing to complete pre-requisite subjects, for the purpose of applying to the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) degree at the Course Director's direction.
  • Five years full-time (or equivalent) relevant work experience in Human Services.
• Language Requirements: Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply.
• Inherent Requirements: Refer to the university's policy on inherent requirements.

Credit and Pathways

If you've completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first.

How to Apply

Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below:

• Apply via UAC: Important dates refer to key dates on the UAC website.
• Apply via VTAC: Important dates refer to key dates on the VTAC website.
• Apply directly to Charles Sturt: Check out our direct application closing dates.
• Recruitment Agent: Have questions about Charles Sturt University or need help with the student visa application process? Find a recruitment agent.