Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (CRICOS course code 094262M) is a Certificate III delivered by Technical and Further Education Commission over 23 weeks. This qualification, VET national code HLT33115, is designed for international students seeking entry-level roles in health support within Australia's growing healthcare sector. Delivered across five NSW campuses, the course combines theoretical learning with a compulsory work placement of approximately 80 hours, providing real-world experience in hospitals or aged care facilities. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00591E), it meets Australian standards for international student enrolment, ensuring quality education and student protections under the ESOS Act.
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Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (CRICOS course code 094262M) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) qualification offered by Technical and Further Education Commission, trading as TAFE NSW. This course falls under the field of education 069999 (Health, n.e.c.), providing foundational skills for assisting health professionals in a range of healthcare settings. Students learn about infection control, patient mobility, personal care support, and communication in health environments. The course is single qualification (no dual award) and is delivered in English over 23 weeks. With Australia having over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, this programme is a trusted pathway into health support roles.
Graduates of Certificate III in Health Services Assistance develop practical skills to support nurses and other health workers in delivering patient care. Typical learning areas include assisting with activities of daily living, monitoring patient status, maintaining a safe environment, and applying infection prevention and control policies. Students also gain foundational knowledge of medical terminology and ethical considerations in healthcare. While the exact syllabus is set by TAFE NSW, the course aligns with national competency standards for health services assistants. This level of study is ideal for those looking to work in hospitals, aged care facilities, or community health organisations in Australia.
The course duration on the CRICOS register is 23 weeks. It is delivered in English, with a single qualification outcome (no foundation studies or dual qualification). Students should attend classes full-time as part of their student visa conditions. The 23-week period includes both classroom learning and the work component. Campus-based delivery allows students to engage directly with trainers and peers, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Tuition fees for Certificate III in Health Services Assistance at Technical and Further Education Commission are indicative at A$11,250. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register, but students should confirm directly with the provider for any additional charges such as materials or insurance. The estimated total is A$11,250. Note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Living costs in NSW vary by city: in Sydney, students may need approximately A$500-700 per week for rent, food, and transport, while regional centres like Newcastle or Wollongong are more affordable. Always refer to TAFE NSW's official website for the most current fees before applying.
The CRICOS register indicates an English language requirement of IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent). For Certificate III level, students are typically expected to have completed Year 10 or equivalent. No specific prior health qualification is required, but a genuine interest in healthcare is beneficial. Foundation or pathway options may be available through TAFE NSW's academic support programs; contact the provider for details. Entry requirements are set by the institution and may vary, so always check the official website.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 2 weeks at 40 hours per week, totalling approximately 80 hours. This typically involves an industry placement in a healthcare setting such as a hospital or aged care facility, where students apply their skills under supervision. The placement is arranged by TAFE NSW and provides valuable Australian workplace experience. Students must have valid visa conditions that allow for such work-based training.
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance is delivered at five TAFE NSW campuses across New South Wales: Castle Hill (CASTLE HILL, NSW), Kingswood (KINGSWOOD, NSW), St Leonards (ST LEONARDS, NSW), Tighes Hill (TIGHES HILL, NSW), and Ultimo (ULTIMO, NSW). These locations offer access to Sydney's public transport network, with the Ultimo and St Leonards campuses close to CBD facilities. Students in regional areas like Tighes Hill (Newcastle) benefit from lower living costs and a vibrant student community. NSW hosts over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, making it a top destination for international students.
International students studying this course require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, satisfactory course progress, and adequate health cover (OSHC). Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. The ESOS Act provides legal protections, including tuition fee refunds if the provider fails to deliver. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered MARA agent for visa advice.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Health Services Assistance at Technical and Further Education Commission: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's tools to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Health), and location (NSW) to confirm this course meets your goals. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit TAFE NSW's international website, review entry requirements (including English test scores and academic records), and submit your application before the deadline. Provide all required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once TAFE NSW issues your CoE, apply online for your student visa via the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC, proof of funds, and GTE statement.
Ready to start your health career in Australia? Browse more Certificate III courses in Health on HeadStart Academy and apply through a CRICOS-registered provider.
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Certificate III in Health Services Assistance is a CRICOS-registered programme at Technical and Further Education Commission. 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.