Passionate about working with young people? Pursue a career that will make a real difference in their lives.
Not applicable
The role of a youth worker is diverse, with many exciting and challenging career opportunities.
The Certificate IV in Youth Work will prepare you to engage with vulnerable and disadvantaged people aged from 10-25. You will learn skills and knowledge relating to young people and approaches addressing their needs in social and behavioral areas.
This qualification reflects the role of workers who develop and facilitate projects for young people through a range of community-based programs designed to address their social, behavioural, health, wellbeing, developmental and protection needs.
The certificate will build the capacity to develop self-esteem and self-confidence in young people, so they can manage personal and social relationships, take advantage of learning opportunities and evolve new skills.
Learn from highly skilled professionals currently active in the youth work sector.
Build experience and skills with workshops, field trips and guest speakers from the sector.
This qualification has been validated by the community services and health industries.
*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Changes to Free TAFE
*Free TAFE numbers are now capped with limited places for this course.
Free TAFE opportunities in the Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40421) are limited, your free place is only guaranteed once you have enrolled. We encourage all prospective students to enrol as soon as possible to secure a Free TAFE place.
Many teaching staff work in industry, so students are exposed to the real world of youth work from their very first day.
This access and connection to the community services sector paves the way for placement and employment opportunities for students.
Classes include a combination of:
Assessment occurs through a variety of methods including:
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with hands-on vocational practice.
We work closely with our industry partners to ensure this certificate is aligned with industry needs. This certificate maintains strong links with the community youth work sector through course design, development, delivery and assessment.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
Full time study of this certificate includes three days per week on-campus (six hours per day).
Students should expect approximately five hours of additional study time per week.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
This certificate consists of 15 core subjects and 2 elective subjects.
You'll study:
Electives allow you to develop additional skills in:
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Our graduates are highly sought after for a wide range of positions including those in:
Graduates have also taken their careers overseas, working with agencies such as Oxfam.
Graduates of this certificate have a range of possible career options and may be employed in roles such as:
Jobs and Skills Australia projects that work opportunities for social workers are set to increase by 15.9% to 2028, and by 14.7% for welfare, recreation and community arts workers.
This nationally recognised vocational education qualification has been validated by the community services and health industries.
The Certificate IV in Youth Work is the industry requirement to qualify you for work with youth services in community settings throughout Australia.
You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
There are no minimum academic requirements for entry into this qualification. You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date of the program.
You must submit a personal statement with your application outlining:
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.
For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.
The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.
Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.
If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.
The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
