Are you looking to build a career in chaplaincy or pastoral care? Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (CRICOS course code 0101660) is a Certificate IV (AQF Level 4) delivered by Iona Columba College Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This course is designed to equip you with counselling and support skills for community, healthcare, or educational settings. It is registered under field of education 090513 Counselling and is taught in English. The indicative total fee is A$12,000, with a work component of approximately 360 hours. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource helping international students find CRICOS-registered courses and providers.
Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (CRICOS course code 0101660) is a Certificate IV delivered by Iona Columba College Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This qualification is at AQF Level 4, focusing on counselling skills and pastoral care practices. It is part of the Society and Culture field (090513 Counselling) and is taught entirely in English. The course includes a significant work component of 60 weeks at 6 hours per week (approximately 360 total hours), giving you practical experience. Iona Columba College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03411A) is a private provider registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the standards required for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act.
This program covers the core competencies of counselling and pastoral care at Certificate IV level. You will learn to provide person-centred support, use effective communication strategies, and apply ethical and legal frameworks. The curriculum typically includes units on interpersonal skills, grief and loss support, and facilitating group sessions. Because it is a VET qualification (CHC42315), the training is practical and industry-focused. Graduates are prepared for roles such as chaplaincy assistants, pastoral care workers, or community support workers. Always check the provider's website for the exact syllabus and unit list.
The course runs for 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks) according to the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). The study mode is likely full-time, but you should confirm with Iona Columba College Pty Ltd. As an international student, you must maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress to meet your visa conditions.
Tuition fee: A$12,000 (indicative). Non-tuition fees: A$0. Estimated total: A$12,000. Please note: Course fees shown are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change — always confirm directly with the provider before applying. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the Student visa application charge. For up-to-date fee information, visit Iona Columba College's website at www.iona.edu.au.
International students typically need an English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall. Additionally, you should have completed Year 12 or equivalent. Some providers may require relevant experience or a pre-training interview. This is a Certificate IV level course, so prior qualifications like a Certificate III or senior secondary are usually expected. For precise entry criteria, contact Iona Columba College directly. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet the requirements.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component of 60 weeks at 6 hours per week (~360 total hours). This work-integrated learning can take the form of an industry placement, internship, or clinical placement in a chaplaincy or pastoral care setting. It provides real-world experience under supervision, helping you develop practical skills and professional networks. The work component is structured as part of the course and must be successfully completed to graduate.
The course is delivered at Iona Columba College Pty Ltd's campus located at 15-17 Blaxland Rd, NSW 2138 — Rhodes, New South Wales. Rhodes is a suburb in Sydney's inner-west, well-connected by public transport (train and bus) and close to Rhodes Shopping Centre and the Parramatta River. Sydney hosts over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a vibrant student community. Indicative living costs in Sydney: weekly rent $250-$400, groceries $80-$150, transport $30-$50. These are estimates only.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. You must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and travel. Student visa work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for current conditions. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice – consult a registered MARA agent for visa applications.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care at Iona Columba College Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm the course (CRICOS 0101660) is offered by Iona Columba College (CRICOS 03411A).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Check entry requirements, arrange an English language test (e.g., IELTS), and submit your application online via Iona Columba College's website or through an education agent. Note application deadlines.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Then lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs, including evidence of OSHC, finances, and GTE.
This qualification is ideal if you are passionate about helping others and want to work in community services, aged care, schools, or religious organisations. Before choosing, consider your career goals and whether you have the empathy and communication skills needed. Also factor in the work component commitment (360 hours) and the English proficiency required. Sydney offers a multicultural environment with many placement opportunities. HeadStart Academy lists over 26,000 courses across Australia – compare other counselling courses at similar levels to find the best fit.
Ready to take the next step? Research CRICOS-registered providers, apply directly to Iona Columba College Pty Ltd, and start your journey in chaplaincy and pastoral care.
Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Iona Columba College Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.