Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS course code 088983F) is a Certificate IV delivered by Australian Academy of Vocational Education and Trades Pty Ltd over 1 year 2 months (~62 weeks). This nationally recognised qualification (AQF Level 4) is designed for individuals who want to provide person-centred support to older people in residential, home, and community care settings. Graduates develop skills in care planning, case management, palliative approaches, and leadership in aged care teams. The course falls under the field of 'Care for the Aged' (090507), part of Australia's growing human welfare sector. With a dedicated work component of 120 hours and delivery in Brisbane and Melbourne, this course offers practical training aligned with industry standards. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy. Australian Academy of Vocational Education and Trades Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02634E) is a private provider committed to quality vocational education. If you're an international student aiming to build a career in aged care in Australia, this page covers everything from fees and entry requirements to visa steps.
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS course code 088983F) is a VET qualification registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). It is delivered by Australian Academy of Vocational Education and Trades Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02634E), a private education provider with campuses in Brisbane and Melbourne. The course duration is 1 year and 2 months (62 weeks), with full-time study in English. This is a single qualification, not part of a dual award or foundation program. The national VET code is CHC43015. Indicative tuition fees are A$12,500, with non-tuition fees of A$930, totalling approximately A$13,430. Fees are set by the provider and may change — always confirm directly. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are not included. As a CRICOS-registered course, students benefit from ESOS Act protections, ensuring your rights as an international student. With over 1,500 CRICOS providers offering 26,000+ courses, this qualification stands out as a pathway to Australia's in-demand aged care sector.
This qualification focuses on the field of Care for the Aged (090507), which is part of the broader Society and Culture field (09). Students learn to provide holistic, person-centred support that promotes independence and quality of life for older people. Core areas include developing care plans, managing complex care situations, supporting clients with dementia, and coordinating services. The course also covers leadership skills, workplace health and safety, and cultural awareness. Graduates are prepared for roles such as care team leader, case coordinator, or support worker in aged care facilities, community care, or respite services. While the exact syllabus is set by Australian Academy of Vocational Education and Trades Pty Ltd, typical Certificate IV level training involves applied knowledge and practical skills, with a focus on ethical practice and effective communication. The work component allows you to apply learning in real aged care settings.
The course is taught over 62 weeks (approximately 1 year and 2 months) on a full-time basis. All instruction is in English. It is a single qualification (not a dual qualification or foundation studies). Study mode is likely face-to-face on campus, though students should check with the provider for any blended learning options. The CRICOS register lists the duration as 62 weeks, which includes course delivery and any scheduled holidays. International students are expected to maintain a full-time study load as per student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The course is structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical work experience, with the work component integrated into the program.
Tuition fees for this course are A$12,500, with non-tuition fees (such as enrolment, materials, or administration) of A$930. The estimated total cost is A$13,430. These figures are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by the provider and subject to change. Always check the provider's official website at www.academia21.com for the most current fee schedule. Additionally, international students must budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living expenses vary by city: in Brisbane, weekly costs for rent, food, and transport average A$400–A$600; in Melbourne, A$450–A$700. The Department of Home Affairs also requires evidence of financial capacity (e.g., A$21,041 for living costs for a single student). A student visa application fee of A$710 (as of 2026) also applies. No government assistance or scholarships are included in these figures.
To enrol in this Certificate IV, international students typically need to meet academic and English language requirements. The provider requires an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent). Prior qualifications expected include completion of Australian Year 11 or equivalent, and possibly a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community) or relevant work experience. Some providers may accept foundation or pathway programs if you do not meet the direct entry requirements. Always refer to Australian Academy of Vocational Education and Trades Pty Ltd for specific entry criteria. Each CRICOS-registered provider sets its own admission standards, so contact them directly to verify your eligibility. HeadStart Academy does not assess applications; we provide guidance only.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 4 weeks at 30 hours per week, totalling approximately 120 hours. This is a structured work-integrated learning placement, typically in a residential aged care facility or community care setting. It allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real client interactions under supervision. The placement may involve assisting with personal care, observing care plans, and supporting social activities. It is an assessed part of the course, and students must complete it to graduate. The provider coordinates placement arrangements, but students may need to meet specific prerequisites (e.g., police check, immunisation). This practical experience is invaluable for building confidence and industry connections in Australia's aged care sector.
Australian Academy of Vocational Education and Trades Pty Ltd delivers this course at two locations: Academia Brisbane (41 Raff Street, Spring Hill QLD) and Academia Melbourne (Levels 8 & 9, 399 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC). Spring Hill in Brisbane is a central suburb close to the CBD, with excellent public transport (buses, trains, ferries). Brisbane is home to over 100,000 international students, with a relatively lower cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne. Melbourne's campus is in the heart of the city, near Queen Victoria Market and Flagstaff station. Melbourne has the largest international student population in Australia (over 250,000), with a vibrant multicultural scene and robust public transport network. Both cities offer access to aged care facilities for placement, and each has a high number of CRICOS providers (Brisbane: ~200; Melbourne: ~400) – but this specific course is only offered at these two locations by this provider.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Key requirements include: enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (you have it here!), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) declaration, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents if applicable, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. As of 2026, Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Your course's work component also counts toward this limit. Always check current visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for tailored advice, consult a registered MARA agent or the Department.
Choosing between Brisbane and Melbourne depends on your lifestyle and budget. Brisbane offers a subtropical climate, lower rent (average A$200–$300 per week for a share house), and a growing job market in aged care. The city's public transport is reliable, and the Spring Hill campus is walkable from the CBD. Melbourne has cooler weather, higher living costs (rent A$250–$400 per week), but a larger student community and more cultural amenities. The Lonsdale Street campus is in the education precinct near other providers and libraries. Both cities have strong aged care sectors, but Melbourne's older population density may offer more placement opportunities. When comparing courses, remember that this qualification is identical at both locations – your choice comes down to personal preference. HeadStart Academy's search tools let you filter by city to see all options.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate IV in Ageing Support (088983F) at Australian Academy of Vocational Education and Trades Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy's course search to confirm that this course meets your study goals, budget, and preferred location. You can filter by course level, field (090507), and city (Brisbane or Melbourne). Always verify the provider's CRICOS status on the official register at cricos.teqsa.gov.au.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Submit your application online via Australian Academy of Vocational Education and Trades Pty Ltd's website (www.academia21.com). Ensure you meet the entry requirements (e.g., IELTS 5.0–5.5, academic qualifications). Provide certified documents and pay any application fee. The institution will assess your eligibility and issue a Letter of Offer if successful.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once you accept the offer and pay the deposit, the provider will issue a CoE. You then apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. You'll need to provide the CoE, evidence of financial capacity, OSHC, and a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement. After visa grant, you can plan your travel to Australia.
Ready to start your aged care career in Australia? Apply now for Certificate IV in Ageing Support at Australian Academy of Vocational Education and Trades and take the first step toward your Student visa.
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Certificate IV in Ageing Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Academy of Vocational Education and Trades 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.