Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Australia offers 60 working with children with disabilities courses courses in 2026, ranging from Short Courses to Master's Degree. You can study working with children with disabilities courses fully online or on-campus through registered RTOs, TAFEs, and universities. Courses typically take 4 months to 4 years to complete. Graduates commonly move into roles such as Child Social Worker, Child Welfare Worker, Housing Officer and Outreach Worker.


Displaying 20 of 20 courses
These courses train you to support children with physical, intellectual, sensory or developmental disabilities in education, community and home settings. Study options span short workshops through to Certificate III, Diploma, Bachelor and even Master’s-level qualifications. Core topics cover inclusion, behaviour support, communication strategies, safeguarding and working with families. Many programs sit within the broader Community Services industry.
Across Australia, programmes in this area range from about 4 months for a targeted short course to 4 years for a full Bachelor degree. Certificate III and IV courses typically take 6–12 months, while Diplomas often run for 12–24 months. Part-time, blended and self-paced study can extend these timelines, especially for working students or carers.
Yes, many providers offer fully online delivery, while others use a mix of online theory and on-campus or workplace placements. Students can choose between registered RTOs, TAFEs and universities, depending on the AQF level required. Online learning may suit regional students or those juggling work and family. A wide range of options can be compared through dedicated Online Courses listings.
Fees vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for short professional development through to tens of thousands for a university Bachelor or Master’s degree. VET-level Certificate and Diploma courses are sometimes supported by VET Student Loans, fee-free TAFE initiatives, JobTrainer or state-subsidised training in selected states. Some higher education students may also access HELP loans via StudyAssist. Exact costs depend on the provider, level and study load.
A completed qualification can lead to roles such as Child Social Worker, Child Welfare Worker, Housing Officer, Outreach Worker and Disability Support Worker. Higher-level study can open pathways into case management or specialist inclusion roles in schools and community organisations. Some graduates progress into NDIS coordination or advocacy positions. Career overviews such as the Child Social Worker career guide can help with planning next steps.