Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS course code 109318F) is a Certificate IV delivered by Australian College of Vocational Education and Training Pty Ltd over 1 year. This nationally accredited qualification (CHC43015) prepares students to provide person-centred support to older people in residential, home, and community settings. Graduates develop skills in holistic care, dementia support, legal and ethical practice, and working with diverse clients. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 04008D), international students can study this program in Melbourne, Victoria, and gain eligibility for a Student visa (Subclass 500). HeadStart Academy sources all course data from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring you access accurate, up-to-date information. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, Australia offers extensive opportunities in health and community services. This page covers everything you need to know: fees, entry requirements, locations, work components, and visa pathways.
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The Certificate IV in Ageing Support falls under the field of education '09 - Society and Culture' and specifically '090507 - Care for the Aged'. At AQF Level 4, this course builds on foundational knowledge to develop advanced practical skills in aged care. Students typically learn to coordinate services, support independence, manage complex care needs, and lead teams in aged care settings. The curriculum covers topics such as individualised support, palliative care, dementia management, and legal and ethical frameworks. While specific unit outlines are set by Australian College of Vocational Education and Training, graduates are equipped to work as care team leaders, community support workers, or residential care officers. The program includes a mandatory work placement to apply skills in real-world environments. All CRICOS-registered courses must meet Australian quality standards, ensuring your qualification is recognised nationally and internationally.
According to the CRICOS register, this course runs for 52 weeks (1 year) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English, so you will need to demonstrate proficiency through an approved test. This is a single qualification (no dual awards) and does not include foundation studies. Most providers structure the year with a mix of classroom learning and supervised work placement. The course is designed for on-campus delivery at ACVET's Melbourne campuses. As an international student, you must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with your Student visa conditions. The CRICOS duration is a reliable guide, but always confirm the exact academic calendar and break periods with the provider.
Course fees shown are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change — always confirm directly with the provider before applying. For Certificate IV in Ageing Support at Australian College of Vocational Education and Training Pty Ltd, the indicative fees are: - Tuition fee: A$12,000 - Non-tuition fees (materials, administration, etc.): A$450 - Estimated total course cost: A$12,450 These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For current fees and any additional costs (uniforms, resources), visit the provider's website at https://www.acvet.edu.au/. Melbourne's cost of living for a single student is approximately A$1,500–A$2,000 per month, covering rent (A$250–A$400/week), groceries, transport, and personal expenses. This is a guide only — actual costs vary.
To enrol in Certificate IV in Ageing Support, you will typically need: - IELTS overall band score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent English test) - Completion of Australian Year 11 or equivalent qualification - Previous study or experience in aged care or community services may be beneficial but is not always required. Since the course is at Certificate IV level, providers usually expect students to have completed a Certificate III in Individual Support or have equivalent knowledge. However, ACVET may offer pathway options for those without formal prerequisites. Always check directly with the provider for precise entry criteria. International applicants may also need to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their Student visa. For English waivers or alternative tests, contact ACVET's admissions team.
This course includes a compulsory work component: 4 weeks of industry placement, with an estimated total of 120 hours (hours per week not specified, likely 30 hours/week). This placement is integral to the qualification, allowing you to apply theory in a real aged care setting under supervision. You will gain hands-on experience in residential aged care homes, community care organisations, or day centres. Placements are arranged by the provider, but you may need to meet certain requirements (e.g., police check, immunisations, NDIS worker screening). The work component is not paid but provides invaluable practical skills and networking opportunities. It also counts towards the 48 hours per fortnight work limit allowed on your Student visa during term time.
Australian College of Vocational Education and Training Pty Ltd delivers this course at two Melbourne locations: - Melbourne Campus — MELBOURNE, VIC - Melbourne CBD — DOCKLANDS, VIC Melbourne is Victoria's capital, home to over 180,000 international students and more than 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering society and culture courses. The city boasts excellent public transport, with both campuses accessible via train, tram, and bus. Docklands is a vibrant waterfront precinct close to theCBD, while the Melbourne campus is in the city centre. Living costs in Melbourne are moderately high, but quality of life is exceptional with diverse cultural events, dining, and entertainment. Studying in Melbourne also gives you access to the city's strong aged care sector, with many aged care facilities offering potential employment after graduation.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key visa conditions include: - Maintain full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course - Meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements - Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay - Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks You must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As a CRICOS-registered course, you are protected by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which ensures quality education, refund protections, and support services. Always confirm your visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs and consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the official CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to find courses like this one. Filter by course level (Certificate IV), field (Society and Culture — Care for the Aged), and location (Melbourne). Compare providers and read their course details. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the Australian College of Vocational Education and Training website (https://www.acvet.edu.au/) to obtain the application form, check entry requirements, arrange your English test (IELTS 5.0–5.5), and submit all required documents before the deadline. The provider will advise on any prerequisites or pathway options. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: If your application is successful, ACVET will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you also arrange OSHC and demonstrate financial capacity. Our student visa guide has more details.
Melbourne offers a strong aged care sector with growing demand for qualified workers. However, before enrolling, consider: - The cost of living: Melbourne is one of Australia's more expensive cities. Budget carefully for rent, transport, and other expenses. - The work component: Your placement may require travel to suburban facilities — ensure you have reliable transport. - Career outcomes: Certificate IV in Ageing Support can lead to roles such as aged care team leader, support coordinator, or community care worker. Many graduates also pursue further study in nursing or allied health. - Language and cultural support: ACVET offers student support services, but it's important to feel comfortable in an English-speaking environment. - Provider reputation: ACVET is a private college; ask about graduation rates, placement support, and student satisfaction.
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Certificate IV in Ageing Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian College of Vocational Education and Training 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.