Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS course code 111661F) is a Certificate IV delivered by Australian Health and Horticulture Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year. This nationally recognised qualification (CHC43015) equips you with the skills to provide person-centred care to older people in residential, community, or home settings. As Australia’s population ages, demand for qualified aged care workers continues to grow, making this a rewarding career path. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know: indicative fees, entry requirements, work component details, delivery locations in Parramatta and North Parramatta, NSW, and the steps to apply for a student visa. All information is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy. HeadStart Academy is a free, independent resource — we do not charge referral fees or commission.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS 111661F) is a VET course at AQF Level 4, offered by Australian Health and Horticulture Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03954C). The course falls under the field of Society and Culture (0905 - Human Welfare Studies and Services, specifically 090507 - Care for the Aged). With a duration of 52 weeks (1 year), this single qualification prepares you to work as a support worker, care supervisor, or case worker in aged care. The course includes a mandatory work component of 5 weeks (approximately 120 hours), providing real-world experience. Delivery is in English, and the course is registered on CRICOS — meaning it meets the standards required to enrol international students under the ESOS Act. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is one of them, ensuring quality education and student protections.
In the Certificate IV in Ageing Support, you’ll develop advanced skills in providing individualised support, coordinating services, and promoting independence for older adults. The curriculum typically covers topics such as supporting people with dementia, managing legal and ethical compliance, facilitating empowerment, and leading teams in aged care environments. While the exact syllabus is set by the provider, graduates at this level are trained to assess client needs, develop care plans, and work collaboratively with health professionals. The course also emphasises cultural sensitivity, communication strategies, and workplace health and safety. Because this is a Certificate IV, it builds on foundational knowledge — ideal if you already have some experience in community services or a related field. Practical placements give you hands-on exposure, making you job-ready upon completion.
The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification — not a dual or combined degree. The study mode is typically full-time, with a combination of classroom learning and supervised work placement. The work component (5 weeks, approximately 120 hours) is integrated into the course, allowing you to apply theory in real aged care settings. Classes are likely held at the provider’s campuses in Parramatta or North Parramatta, NSW. For international students, this full-time load meets the student visa requirements for Subclass 500. Always check with Australian Health and Horticulture Institute for exact timetables and study mode options.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$20,000, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, bringing the estimated total to A$20,000. However, this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students and costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year depending on the provider. You should also budget for living expenses: in Parramatta (Sydney), weekly rent for a shared room is around A$250–A$350, groceries A$70–A$100, and public transport A$40–A$60. The student visa application fee is currently A$710 (subject to change). All fees shown are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 — they are set by the institution and may change. Always confirm current fees directly with Australian Health and Horticulture Institute at their website before applying.
For international students, entry into Certificate IV in Ageing Support typically requires an English proficiency of IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). You must also hold an Australian Year 12 certificate or equivalent, or have completed a Certificate III in Individual Support or a related field. Some providers may accept mature age entry or relevant work experience. Foundation or pathway options are available — contact Australian Health and Horticulture Institute for details. Note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are limited. Always refer to the provider’s website for the most up-to-date prerequisites. For visa purposes, you must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 5 weeks, totaling approximately 120 hours (exact weekly hours are not specified on CRICOS). This work-integrated learning typically takes the form of an industry placement or clinical placement in an aged care facility, such as a residential care home or community care organisation. Under supervision, you’ll apply your skills in real client situations, developing competence in care planning, medication assistance, and communication. The placement is an assessed part of the course and is essential for meeting the vocational competencies. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can undertake this placement as part of their course. Ensure you have appropriate insurance (OSHC covers some incidents; check with your provider).
The Certificate IV in Ageing Support is delivered at two campuses: 31/70-74 Phillip St PARRAMATTA NSW 2150 (Parramatta) and AHHI PARRAMATTA — NORTH PARRAMATTA, NSW. Parramatta is a major economic hub in Western Sydney, home to a large student population and excellent transport links (train, bus, ferry). The area has a high demand for aged care workers due to its growing older population. Parramatta offers diverse amenities including libraries, shopping, and affordable accommodation compared to the Sydney CBD. With over 20 CRICOS-registered providers in Parramatta alone, it’s a vibrant study destination. The North Parramatta campus is also well-connected by public transport. Both locations provide access to aged care facilities for work placements.
International students studying this course on a full-time basis are eligible for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to live and study in Australia for the duration of your course. Key conditions include: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance and academic progress requirements, hold OSHC for the entire stay, and not work more than 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session (unlimited during scheduled breaks). You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily. Financial capacity requirements include sufficient funds for tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student, as of 2024), and travel. For full details, visit the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised guidance.
Applying for this course involves three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register to confirm Australian Health and Horticulture Institute (CRICOS 03954C) and the course (111661F) are current. Compare with other aged care courses in NSW if needed. 2. Apply directly to Australian Health and Horticulture Institute: Submit an application for Certificate IV in Ageing Support, including your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and any required documents. Check application deadlines – many providers have multiple intake dates. 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 apply for your visa online through ImmiAccount. Ensure you have OSHC and meet GTE requirements. Visa processing times vary; apply early.
Ready to start your aged care career in Australia? Visit the Australian Health and Horticulture Institute website to confirm current fees and apply for Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS 111661F).
View the full Australian Health and Horticulture Institute Pty Ltd profile →
Certificate IV in Ageing Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Health and Horticulture 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.