
Diploma in International Volunteering
Are you planning a volunteer abroad trip but would like to add academic recognition? Or would a formal qualification in international volunteering help you pursue a career in this field?
International Volunteer HQ offers a Diploma in International Volunteering, developed in partnership with the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies. This is an accredited international credit-bearing qualification that combines volunteering with academic study for an immersive service learning experience abroad.
At just $850 USD for the entire course, this is the most affordable, exciting and immersive way to gain additional college credits! See below on how you can enroll today and make a greater impact on communities while also gaining academic credits.

Download the course brochure
Review the course content, how long it takes to complete, and the number of academic credits you'll receive.
Download BrochureKey benefits
Gain internationally recognized academic credits while you volunteer abroad
Stand out to employers with an accredited diploma qualification on your resume
Understand the cultural, social, political and religious impacts of volunteering
Understand the implications and responsibilities of local laws, and the rights of the individuals in the country of your volunteer placement
Identify relationship issues due to workplace culture, language, workload and cultural norms
Study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world while following your volunteering journey
Course overview
Diploma in International VolunteeringThis is a UK accredited level 3 qualification that offers:
|
US$850 |
Module |
Learning outcome |
Duration |
Complete by |
---|---|---|---|
Module 1 | Learn about how to prepare for an international volunteering placement | 6 hours | Online before your volunteer trip |
Module 2 | Explore how to plan for selection as an international volunteer | 8 hours | Online before your volunteer trip |
Module 3 | Focus on fundraising | 8 hours | Online before your volunteer trip |
Module 4 | Undertake and complete your volunteering abroad placement | 26 hours | 6 hours online study plus minimum 20 hours volunteering experience |
Module 5 | Reflect on your placement | 8 hours | Online after you've returned |
Academic credits in other countries will vary according to the local system - contact your educational institution for guidance. Read more on academic credits here.

How to enroll
Anyone can enroll in this Diploma in International Volunteering and we can get you started on the course within a few days. However, you must be registered onto an IVHQ volunteer abroad program before you can begin. Please follow these steps to get enrolled:
1. Apply for an IVHQ program
Choose the IVHQ volunteer program you’d like to join and apply online for free
Apply now2. Register for your IVHQ program
Once you have been accepted onto your IVHQ program, secure your place by paying the Registration Fee
Register now3. Add the Diploma from the add-ons section of your your MyIVHQ checklist
Log into your MyIVHQ account and add the Diploma to your package from the 'Book recommended tours and add-ons' section of your MyIVHQ checklist
Log into MyIVHQ4. Pay
Pay the $850 enrollment fee when prompted
5. Get started
Once we have received payment, the team at CGCS will be in contact within 2 days to get you started on the course
Why get a Diploma in International Volunteering
A Diploma in International volunteering is a great way to give back to local communities while getting academic recognition for the personal development and service learning journey you’ll go through as a volunteer with IVHQ.
Gaining academic credit is always beneficial, but doing this while volunteering can deepen your service learning experience on many levels. The diploma combines academia, travel, sustainability, global citizenship, project management and life experience - a unique combination of skills that will not only impress, but be formally recognized by universities and employers alike.
Regardless of your age and stage in life, a Diploma in International Volunteering is a globally-recognized and valuable asset you’ll have on your resume for the rest of your life.
How do I earn an International Volunteering Diploma?
The Diploma in International Volunteering is an online course any IVHQ volunteer can complete virtually. The course will assist you before, during and after your volunteering journey with IVHQ. Upon completion, you’ll be able to gain academic credit and an accredited diploma-level qualification.
The course is comprises five modules:
- Learn about how to prepare for an international volunteering placement (6 hours)
- Explore how to plan for selection as an international volunteer (8 hours)
- Focus on fundraising (8 hours)
- Undertake and complete your volunteering abroad placement (6 hours online content + 20 hours minimum work placement)
- Reflect on your placement (8 hours)
The course requires students to volunteer abroad for a minimum of 2 weeks, and takes approximately 36 hours of additional study time to complete. It is designed to be flexible, meaning you can start and finish each module at your own pace, on your own schedule.
Each module has a combination of course notes, videos, recommended readings and compulsory assignments. Ideally the first 3 modules should be completed before you leave for your volunteering trip. The 4th module is completed during your volunteering abroad trip, and the 5th is done when you return. All five must be completed to receive course credit. Check out the course details summary above.

How can I transfer my academic credit?
Around the world, academic course credits are measured in different ways.
The International Volunteering Diploma is a level 3 diploma, accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN). While the course is based out of the UK, all credits are transferable internationally regardless of where you are from and what university or college you attend.
The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in International Volunteering is a 41 credit (TQT) qualification, including 173 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
In Europe, this qualification would equal 20-21 academic credits*.
In the US, this qualification would equal 10 academic credits*.
For the rest of the world, the number of academic credits you’ll earn will vary across countries but the academic value of the diploma should still be recognized and accepted by your university.
*For US and European students, please check with your home university’s credit system to determine the credit transfer. The calculations above have been based on industry averages, but every institution is different and may have its own credit matching criteria.