Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 097495C) is a Certificate III delivered by Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited over 1 year. This qualification is designed for those who wish to pursue a career in the community services sector, particularly in aged care, disability support, or home and community care. The course provides foundational skills to support individuals with daily living activities, personal care, and social participation. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is available to international students seeking to study in Australia and gain hands-on experience through a mandatory work component. Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited (CRICOS 00172B) is a private provider with multiple campus locations across New South Wales and South Australia. This page offers an overview of the course structure, fees, entry requirements, and delivery locations to help you make an informed decision.
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Certificate III in Individual Support falls under the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (090500). At AQF Level 3, this course prepares graduates to provide person-centred support to individuals who may require assistance due to ageing, disability, or other circumstances. Students learn about ethical practices, communication strategies, health and safety, and how to empower clients to maintain independence. Typical study areas include personal care support, community participation, and working with diverse populations. While the CRICOS register does not provide a detailed syllabus, graduates are generally equipped to work as support workers or personal care assistants in residential aged care, community care, or disability services.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation studies program). Students attend classes on campus and also complete a compulsory work component. Study mode is typically full-time, with contact hours and self-directed study. The provider may offer flexible timetables; check with Mercury Colleges for specific scheduling.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Individual Support is A$10,000. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, so the estimated total is A$10,000. Please note: These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the student visa application charge. Living costs in Australia vary by city — for example, weekly rent in Sydney averages around A$300-500 for shared accommodation, while Adelaide is slightly lower at A$250-400. Always check the current fees on the provider's website: www.mercurycolleges.nsw.edu.au. Course fees are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and subject to change.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.0 to 5.5 overall (or equivalent) for entry into Certificate III courses. Prior academic qualifications expected include completion of Year 10 or equivalent. Some providers may require a police check or working with children check due to the nature of the work. Foundation or pathway options are not listed for this course — refer to Mercury Colleges for any preparatory programs. As always, meet all entry requirements before applying. English language proficiency can also be demonstrated through other tests like PTE or TOEFL.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component: 6 weeks (120 hours total, 20 hours per week) of industry placement. Work-integrated learning is designed to give students real-world experience in aged care facilities, disability support services, or community care settings. This placement helps develop practical skills and can improve employability. Students are typically supervised by qualified professionals. It is important to arrange your own transport to placement sites, which may be located near your campus or in surrounding areas.
Mercury Colleges delivers this course at multiple locations: Level 5 245 Castlereagh St — SYDNEY, NSW; Level 7, 245-247 Castlereagh St Sydney NSW 2000 — Sydney, NSW; Lvl 1, 12 Butler Road - Hurstville — Hurstville, NSW; Lvls 1 & 2, 245-247 Castlereagh Street - Sydney — SYDNEY, NSW; and Suite 1, Lvl 4, 68 Grenfell St - Adelaide — ADELAIDE, SA. These campuses are situated in major urban centres with excellent public transport access. Sydney and Adelaide are vibrant student cities with numerous amenities. Sydney has over 130 registered providers, while Adelaide has about 50. Living costs in Sydney are higher than Adelaide, but both offer a rich student experience.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. With this visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement means you must demonstrate a genuine intention to study in Australia. Financial capacity evidence is also required. For detailed visa guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
Ready to start your journey? Apply for Certificate III in Individual Support at Mercury Colleges. Visit the provider's website or contact us for more information.
Certificate III in Individual Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited. 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.