Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies (CRICOS course code 111816C) is a Certificate IV delivered by Department of Training and Workforce Development over 26 weeks (~6 months). This foundation course is designed for international students aiming to pursue further studies in nursing, nursing support, or health-related fields. It provides foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, communication, and healthcare practices. As an AQF Level 4 qualification, it equips students with competencies to enter the workforce or transition into diploma programs. The course is registered on CRICOS and delivered across three campuses in Western Australia: Mt Lawley, Bentley, and Murdoch. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality education under the ESOS Act protections. The indicative tuition fee is A$9,403, with non-tuition fees of A$654, making it an affordable entry point. Note that fees are indicative and subject to change — always confirm with the provider.
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This course falls under the field of General Nursing (060301) and focuses on foundational knowledge and skills for health and nursing careers. Students typically learn about human body systems, infection control, patient care basics, communication techniques, ethical considerations, and teamwork in healthcare settings. While this is not a clinical qualification, it provides a solid base for further study in nursing or health sciences. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of international students, with English as the language of instruction. Graduates may proceed to higher-level courses such as Diploma of Nursing or other health-related qualifications. The course is VET national code 52895WA and is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component.
The course runs for 26 weeks (approximately 6 months) on a full-time basis. All instruction is delivered in English. It is a single qualification (Certificate IV) and is not offered as a dual qualification or foundation studies program. The study mode is face-to-face at one of the three campus locations in Perth, Western Australia. Students should plan for a commitment of around 20-25 hours per week including classes and self-study. This duration is ideal for students who want to quickly build a foundation before advancing to higher-level health courses.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$9,403, with non-tuition fees of A$654, bringing the estimated total to A$10,057. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by the Department of Training and Workforce Development. Additional costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (average rent in Perth AUD 300-400 per week for shared accommodation, groceries AUD 80-120 per week, transport AUD 40-60 per week), and visa application charges are not included. Fees are indicative and subject to change. Always check the provider's website at http://www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au/ for the most current fee schedule.
International students must demonstrate English proficiency with an IELTS score of 5.0 to 5.5 overall (or equivalent). Academic requirement is typically completion of Year 12 or equivalent qualification in the student's home country. Some prior study in science or mathematics may be beneficial but not mandatory. No foundation studies component is attached to this course. For specific prerequisite subjects or alternative English tests (e.g., TOEFL, PTE), students should consult the provider's admissions team. Entry requirements are subject to change; always verify with the institution before applying.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This provides an opportunity to gain part-time work experience in Australia while studying.
Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies is delivered at three TAFE campuses in the Perth metropolitan area: North Metropolitan TAFE, Mt Lawley Campus (Mt Lawley, WA); South Metropolitan TAFE, Bentley Campus (Bentley, WA); and South Metropolitan TAFE, Murdoch Campus (Murdoch, WA). Perth is home to over 50,000 international students and has excellent public transport networks including trains and buses connecting to these campuses. The city offers a high quality of life with a mild climate, vibrant cultural scene, and strong healthcare job market. Living costs in Perth are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent for shared accommodation around AUD 300-400.
International students must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Key requirements include: being enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (this course is registered), maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa, demonstrating genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria, and showing sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. All conditions are subject to change; check the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). The ESOS Act provides consumer protection for international students.
Western Australia offers a unique study environment with a strong economy, high demand for healthcare workers, and a multicultural society. Perth, the state capital, has multiple CRICOS-registered TAFE and university campuses, including Curtin University, University of Western Australia, and Murdoch University. The state's lifestyle combines urban amenities with natural attractions such as beaches and national parks. For students pursuing health careers, WA has a growing aged care and hospital sector, providing future employment opportunities. The cost of living is competitive, and the public transport system makes commuting to campus convenient. Studying at a government provider like Department of Training and Workforce Development ensures quality education under the ESOS Act.
Follow these three steps to enrol:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and providers. Filter by course level (Certificate IV), field (Health), and location (Western Australia) to find this course.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Contact Department of Training and Workforce Development via their website (http://www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au/) to submit your application. Prepare academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.0-5.5 or equivalent), and any other required documents. Check application deadlines.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds for living costs during your stay in Australia.
Apply now through the provider's website at http://www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au/ or explore more courses on HeadStart Academy.
View the full Department of Training and Workforce Development profile →
Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies is a CRICOS-registered programme at Department of Training and Workforce Development. 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.