Build on your current skills and studies in youth work with a diploma.
Not applicable
Build on your current skills and studies in youth work with the Diploma of Youth Work.
This course will enable you to:
A major strength of this course is its flexible delivery and an industry approach that recognises your current level of skills and the opportunity to apply knowledge learned in this course to your workplace.
Students not already employed within the sector will be required to complete a work placement as part of your studies.
Integrate theoretical learning with practical application through 200 hours of work placement.
The community services sector is involved in design, development, delivery and assessment.
This qualification has been validated by the community services and health industry.
*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Please note: this diploma is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.
This course will incorporate one-on-one mentoring, weekly classes, workshops and team and individual projects.
You will learn from current practicing youth workers, who are well connected within the industry. Guest lecturers will provide relevant and up-to-date information about current practice within industry.
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.
This course promotes workplace learning, and projects undertaken are directly related to improving work practice and skills development.
By showing how you can apply all of the required competencies while on the job, this course enables you to gain skills and knowledge directly applicable to your workplace and encourages you to share current work practices with your fellow students.
RMIT works closely with its industry partners to ensure that this course prepares you to meet industry needs. This course maintains strong links with the community services sector through course design, development, delivery and assessment.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
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.
If you have completed a Certificate IV in Youth Worth or another relevant certificate, this diploma includes two days per week on-campus (six hours per day).
If you have not completed a Certificate IV in Youth Work or another relevant certificate, can expect to attend three days per week on-campus (six hours per day).
In addition, you will complete 200 hours of work placement outside classroom time, and you can anticipate up to 10 hours of additional study time per week to complete assessments.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
You will study the knowledge and principles underpinning holistic, strength-based practice.
Themes include case management, community development, effective communication, mental health, crisis intervention, legal and ethical issues, government and organisational structure and outreach work.
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.
The role of a youth worker offers many exciting and challenging career opportunities.
RMIT graduates are highly sought after for a wide range of positions including those in psycho-social support services, recreational programs, juvenile justice, housing, schools and local government.
Graduates have also taken their careers overseas, working with agencies such as Oxfam.
Possible careers include:
This nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualification has been validated by the community services and health industry.
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.
You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date of the program.
AND
You must be able to demonstrate at least one of the following minimum academic requirements:
Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Youth Work or related field.
OR
At least one year of full-time professional or volunteer experience in a related field (or part-time equivalent).
OR
A sufficient combination of experience and post-secondary studies in a related field.
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.
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check (valid for 5 years) prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.
Note: For placements undertaken interstate a valid WWC Check is required for that state.
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, formerly known as a Police Check, for professional placements as part of this program. Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks must be current and have no disclosable outcomes.
Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using the student’s name and the RMIT issued student email address, once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.
*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student.
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
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
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.
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.
