Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS course code 097496B) is a Certificate IV delivered by Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited over 1 year. This course is designed for international students seeking to develop the skills and knowledge required to provide person-centred support to older people. As a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 00172B), Mercury Colleges ensures this program meets Australian quality standards for international education. The course sits within the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services, focusing on care for the aged. Graduates are prepared for roles such as aged care workers, support workers, or personal care assistants in residential aged care, home care, and community settings. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), part of HeadStart Academy's free resource covering 26,433 courses across Australia.
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Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS course code 097496B) is a Certificate IV (AQF Level 4) qualification delivered by Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited. The provider is a private institution (CRICOS 00172B) with its website at www.mercurycolleges.nsw.edu.au. The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks), with instruction in English. It is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). The VET national code is CHC43015. An 8-week work component is included, totalling approximately 120 hours (15 hrs/week). Indicative tuition is A$8,000 with no additional non-tuition fees, making the estimated total A$8,000. However, this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Always confirm current fees directly with Mercury Colleges, as fees are subject to change. HeadStart Academy displays indicative fees from the CRICOS register; ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses.
This course belongs to the field of Society and Culture (09), specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services (0905) and Care for the Aged (090507). At Certificate IV level, students typically learn to deliver support that empowers older people to maintain independence, dignity, and wellbeing. Core areas include: understanding the aged care system, supporting older people with complex needs, promoting healthy ageing, and working within legal and ethical frameworks. Students develop skills in communication, teamwork, and person-centred care planning. The course includes practical placements (the work component) to apply learning in real aged care environments. While specific syllabi may vary, graduates are expected to meet the competencies required for roles in aged care facilities, community care, and in-home support. For exact units of study, refer to the provider or the CHC43015 training package.
The Certificate IV in Ageing Support is delivered over 1 year (52 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English, and the course is a single qualification—no combined double degrees or foundation studies. International students are required to hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) for the duration of study. Campus-based delivery is available at multiple locations (see delivery locations below). Students should expect a blend of face-to-face classes, self-directed study, and supervised work placement. The 8-week work component is integrated into the 52-week duration. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for detailed timetables and study mode options (e.g., full-time only). As a CRICOS-registered course, it adheres to the ESOS Act, ensuring quality and consumer protection.
Indicative fees for Certificate IV in Ageing Support at Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited are as follows: tuition fee A$8,000, non-tuition fees A$0, estimated total A$8,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. You must confirm current fees directly with Mercury Colleges before applying. The total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders (see OSHC guide), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Living costs vary by location—for example, in Sydney, weekly rent averages A$250–A$400, groceries A$70–A$100, and transport A$30–A$50. In Adelaide, costs are lower. Use the Department of Home Affairs financial capacity guidelines as a reference. HeadStart Academy is a free resource and does not charge referral fees.
Entry requirements for Certificate IV in Ageing Support typically include: English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or approved alternative), and successful completion of Australian Year 11 or equivalent. Some providers may require prior study in a related field or work experience. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet direct entry—contact Mercury Colleges. Always verify exact requirements with the institution, as they set their own policies. For visa purposes, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion applies. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the visa.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks, totalling approximately 120 hours (15 hours per week). This is an industry placement or clinical placement in an aged care setting, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in a supervised, real-world environment. Work-integrated learning is a key feature of VET courses in Australia, enhancing employability and practical skills. The placement may be in residential aged care facilities, community care organisations, or home care services. You will be expected to demonstrate person-centred care, communication skills, and adherence to workplace policies. Your provider will assist in arranging placements and ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). This work component contributes to meeting course outcomes.
Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited delivers Certificate IV in Ageing Support at multiple campuses across Australia, giving you flexibility to choose a location that suits your lifestyle and budget. Delivery locations include: Level 5 245 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW; Level 7, 245-247 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW; Lvl 1, 12 Butler Road, Hurstville NSW; Lvls 1 & 2, 245-247 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW; and Suite 1, Lvl 4, 68 Grenfell St, Adelaide SA. Sydney and Adelaide are major study destinations with strong public transport access: Sydney's train and bus network connects to Castlereagh St and Hurstville, while Adelaide's tram and bus lines serve Grenfell St. Sydney has over 200,000 international students and hundreds of CRICOS-registered providers, while Adelaide offers a more affordable cost of living with a vibrant student community. Living costs in Sydney are higher (weekly rent ~A$300–A$450) than in Adelaide (~A$200–A$350). Choose a campus based on your preferences.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Key requirements: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Mercury Colleges, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition (A$8,000) plus living costs (A$21,041/year for a single student) and OSHC (approx A$550–A$700/year for a single student), and English proficiency (IELTS 5.0–5.5 or equivalent). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain OSHC for the entire visa period. ESOS Act protections ensure your rights as an international student. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent—for visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au).
Apply for Certificate IV in Ageing Support at Mercury Colleges in 3 steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate IV), field (Care for the Aged), and city (e.g., Sydney or Adelaide). Mercury Colleges (CRICOS 00172B) is your provider. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (English test, academic qualifications) and application deadlines on the Mercury Colleges website. Submit your application with required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Mercury Colleges will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online, including GTE statement, OSHC evidence, and financial documents. Attend a visa interview if required. For more details, refer to the Student visa (Subclass 500) page on HeadStart Academy.
Choosing between Sydney and Adelaide for your Certificate IV in Ageing Support depends on your preferences. Sydney is Australia's largest city with a diverse population, extensive public transport, and a high lifestyle cost. It has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses, making it a hub for international students. The Sydney campuses (Castlereagh St and Hurstville) are well-connected by train and bus. Adelaide, in contrast, offers a more relaxed pace with lower living costs—weekly rent can be A$200–A$350, and public transport is affordable. Adelaide has a growing student population and a strong aged care sector. Both cities have aged care facilities suitable for work placements. Consider your budget, lifestyle, and career goals when choosing. HeadStart Academy's state guides (e.g., NSW) provide more context.
Ready to start your journey in aged care? Explore your study options and apply directly to Mercury Colleges. Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and providers across Australia.
Certificate IV in Ageing 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.