Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 089967J) is a Certificate III delivered by Iascend Polytechnic Pty Ltd over 50 weeks (~12 months). This qualification, in the field of Care for the Aged (090507), equips students with skills to support older people in residential and community settings. The course includes 18 weeks of industry placement (270 hours) to build real-world competence. Indicative tuition fees are A$9,885, with no additional non-tuition fees. Delivered at the Spencer St campus in West Melbourne, Victoria, the course requires English proficiency at IELTS 5.0–5.5. As a CRICOS-registered course (institution CRICOS 02961A), it is covered by the ESOS Act, ensuring quality and consumer protection. For the most current fee and admission details, visit the provider's website at www.mcfe.com.au. HeadStart Academy is a free resource—no referral fees—backed by official CRICOS data. This page provides a comprehensive overview to help you decide if this course aligns with your study and career goals in Australia.
Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS 089967J) is a nationally recognised VET qualification at AQF Level 3. It is delivered by Iascend Polytechnic Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 02961A). The course runs for 50 weeks (approximately 12 months) and is conducted in English. It does not lead to a dual qualification nor serve as a foundation program. The field of education is 090507 - Care for the Aged, under the broader Society and Culture discipline. This course is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level roles in aged care and disability support. According to the official CRICOS register (April 2026), the indicative tuition fee is A$9,885 with no non-tuition fees, resulting in a total indicative cost of A$9,885. Students should note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges are not included. The course includes a mandatory work component of 18 weeks (270 hours). This page provides all essential information for international students considering this program.
Students in this field learn to provide personal care, emotional support, and assistance with daily living activities for elderly individuals and those with disabilities. The curriculum covers topics such as individualised support plans, communication strategies, safety procedures, and legal and ethical considerations. At Certificate III level, graduates develop foundational skills for working under supervision in residential aged care facilities, community care settings, or home care. The course emphasises person-centred care and cultural sensitivity, preparing students to work in diverse environments. The qualification is aligned with the national VET competency standards (CHC33015) and includes both theoretical and practical components. Graduates may progress to further study such as Certificate IV in Ageing Support or Diploma of Community Services. This general guidance is based on the qualification's field of education; specific syllabus details should be obtained from Iascend Polytechnic Pty Ltd.
The course is delivered over 50 calendar weeks, as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time program, and international students on a Student visa must maintain full-time enrolment. The language of instruction is English, so proficiency is required. This is a single qualification — it does not combine with another course. For comparison, many Certificate III courses in Australia range from 6 to 12 months; this 50-week duration allows for the integrated work placement. All duration data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. Students should be prepared for a structured schedule that balances class-based learning with practical placement hours.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$9,885, with no non-tuition fees, making the estimated total A$9,885. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees with the provider at www.mcfe.com.au. Important: This total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students (approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover), nor does it include living costs or the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 as of 2026). For budgeting, students in Melbourne typically need A$21,000–A$25,000 per year for living expenses, according to Department of Home Affairs estimates.
International students must demonstrate English proficiency. Iascend Polytechnic Pty Ltd requires an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) for this course. Additionally, applicants should have completed at least Year 10 or equivalent. Some students may need to complete a foundation or pathway program; check with Iascend Polytechnic directly for available options. It is essential to meet both academic and English requirements to obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Other requirements may include a police check or immunisation for placement. Always confirm the full entry criteria with the provider before applying.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component. Students will undertake an industry placement or clinical placement in an aged care or community care setting. The placement totals approximately 270 hours over 18 weeks, typically requiring 15 hours per week. This practical experience is supervised and allows students to apply classroom learning in real-world environments. Placements are arranged by the provider and may require a police check, vaccination, or other clearances. Successful completion of the work component is necessary to achieve the qualification. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building confidence and employability in the Australian care sector.
The course is delivered at Iascend Polytechnic's campus in West Melbourne, Victoria. The address is Unit 39, 617-643 Spencer St, West Melbourne VIC 3003. West Melbourne is an inner-city suburb adjacent to Melbourne CBD, with excellent public transport connections including tram and train. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, home to over 40 CRICOS-registered providers and a vibrant international student community. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate, with average weekly rent for a studio around $350–$500. The campus is located on Spencer Street, a major thoroughfare, providing easy access to amenities and accommodation.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time and work up to 48 hours per fortnight when your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Additionally, you must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily for study. You will also need to show sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Always check the latest visa requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a MARA-registered agent for advice.
To apply for Certificate III in Individual Support at Iascend Polytechnic Pty Ltd, follow these steps: 1. Research: Use HeadStart Academy's database to find this course and confirm it matches your goals. Ensure Iascend Polytechnic is CRICOS-registered (02961A). 2. Apply: Contact Iascend Polytechnic directly via their website (www.mcfe.com.au) or through your education agent. Provide your academic transcripts, English test results, and any other required documents. Adhere to application deadlines. 3. Enrol and Visa: Once accepted, you will receive a Letter of Offer and then a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) after paying the deposit. Use the CoE to apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs.
For application details and the most current fees, visit the Iascend Polytechnic website at www.mcfe.com.au.
Certificate III in Individual Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Iascend Polytechnic 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.