Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS course code 090552M) is a Certificate IV delivered by Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year 2 months (~60 weeks). This qualification belongs to the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (090507) and equips students with skills to support older people in residential, home, and community settings. The course includes a mandatory 160-hour work placement, providing hands-on experience. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards and allows international students to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02934D) is a private provider with campuses in Adelaide (SA) and North Melbourne (VIC). Indicative tuition is A$12,000, with additional fees of A$850, totalling A$12,850. International students also need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application costs. Australia's aged care industry is growing, with high demand for qualified workers. This course provides a pathway to roles such as personal care assistant, support worker, or care team leader. All information on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) and is indicative. For current details, contact the provider or visit www.scei.com.au.
This course covers person-centred care, support for older people with complex needs, communication skills, legal and ethical considerations, and teamwork in aged care. Students learn to provide physical, emotional, and social support. The curriculum aligns with national competency standards for the CHC43015 qualification. While specific subjects vary, graduates typically develop skills to assist with daily living activities, implement care plans, and promote independence. The course also emphasizes cultural safety and working with diverse populations. As a VET qualification at AQF Level 4, it prepares students for supervisory roles in aged care, such as team leader or care coordinator. The work placement component ensures graduates are job-ready and familiar with real-world aged care environments.
The course duration is 1 year and 2 months (60 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to study full-time, combining classroom learning with practical placements. The provider may offer flexible study options; check with Southern Cross Education Institute for timetables. As a VET course, it focuses on applied skills and meets Australian quality standards. The 60-week period includes the 8-week work placement, which is integrated into the study schedule.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$12,000, as listed on the CRICOS register. Non-tuition fees are A$850, making the estimated total A$12,850. Important: This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, nor does it include living costs or the visa application charge. Living costs vary by location: in Adelaide, average weekly rent is around A$250-350, while in Melbourne it is higher (A$300-450). Students should budget for groceries, transport, and other expenses. Fees are set by Southern Cross Education Institute and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees with the provider at www.scei.com.au.
International students typically need to demonstrate English proficiency of IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent). Prior qualifications: as a Certificate IV, it usually requires completion of Year 12 or equivalent, or a Certificate III in a related field. Some providers may consider relevant work experience. Foundation or pathway options: if you don't meet entry requirements, contact Southern Cross Education Institute for possible bridging courses or alternative entry. Note: These are general guidelines; specific requirements are set by the provider. Always verify with the institution.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 8 weeks (160 hours) at 20 hours per week. This is a work-integrated learning placement, typically in aged care facilities such as nursing homes or community care settings. Students gain supervised practical experience, applying classroom knowledge to real client interactions. Placements may be arranged by the provider or self-sourced with approval. This component is essential for developing competency and meeting industry requirements. International students must ensure their visa conditions allow for work placements; Student visa (Subclass 500) permits work placements as part of the course.
Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd delivers this course at two campuses: - 14-16 Grote Street, Adelaide, SA 5000 - 155-161 Boundary Road, North Melbourne, VIC 3051 Adelaide is South Australia's capital, home to over 1.3 million people and a growing international student community. The city offers affordable living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne. Public transport via buses, trains, and trams provides easy access to the Grote Street campus. North Melbourne is close to Melbourne's CBD, with excellent public transport. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, known for its cultural diversity and strong aged care sector. Both locations provide access to health services and student support. When choosing, consider your lifestyle and career goals. Adelaide offers a quieter, more affordable option; Melbourne offers bigger city amenities.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, have valid OSHC, and demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and expenses. Students on a Student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). The work component of this course is part of the study and not subject to work hour limits. ESOS Act protections ensure your rights as an international student, including refund policies and provider obligations. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
This course is offered in two distinct Australian cities. Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, has a lower cost of living with average rent A$250-350/week for a share house. It has a small but vibrant international student population. North Melbourne is part of greater Melbourne, where living costs are higher (rent A$300-450/week) but offers more job opportunities and cultural activities. Both cities have strong aged care sectors with demand for qualified workers. Consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and career goals. Adelaide may suit those seeking affordability; Melbourne offers larger city amenities. Regardless, both campuses are well-connected by public transport. Other factors: climate, student support services, and proximity to family or friends.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate IV in Ageing Support at Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that Southern Cross Education Institute (CRICOS 02934D) is registered to deliver this course. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Check entry requirements (English test scores, prior qualifications) and application deadlines. Submit your application through the provider's website or admissions office. You may need to provide certified documents. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to submit a visa application to the Department of Home Affairs, including evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE requirements.
Explore this course on the provider's website: www.scei.com.au
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Certificate IV in Ageing Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Southern Cross Education Institute 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.