Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 112171E) is a Certificate III delivered by ALIF Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is designed for international students seeking to work in the community and aged care sectors. Graduates are equipped to provide person-centered support to individuals in residential, home, or community settings, aligning with Australian care standards. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 03173K), it meets all regulatory requirements for international student enrolment. ALIF Australia Pty Ltd, operating as The Australian Institute, offers this course at four campuses: Brisbane, Southport, Parramatta, and Cairns. With a strong focus on practical skills and a mandatory work placement, this course prepares students for rewarding careers in a high-demand industry across Australia.
Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 112171E) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) qualification delivered by ALIF Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03173K) over a duration of 1 year (52 weeks). The course falls under the field of Society and Culture (0905 – Human Welfare Studies and Services, specialising in Care for the Aged). It includes a mandatory work component of 6 weeks at 20 hours per week (approximately 120 total hours) to provide real-world experience in aged care or community support settings. The course is delivered in English and leads to a single qualification with no foundation or dual study options. Upon completion, graduates can pursue roles such as personal care assistant, disability support worker, or residential care worker, or further their studies in nursing or community services.
The Certificate III in Individual Support curriculum covers core competencies in providing person-centered care, supporting independence and wellbeing, and working legally and ethically. Students learn to assist with daily living activities, mobility, and medication support, as well as to communicate effectively with clients and their families. The field of education (Human Welfare Studies and Services) emphasises practical skills for care settings, including aged care assessment tools, infection control, and dementia support. Graduates are trained to respect cultural diversity and uphold the rights of individuals under the Aged Care Quality Standards. While specific unit lists are set by the provider, typical topics include 'Support individual health and emotional wellbeing', 'Follow safe work practices for direct client care', and 'Work with diverse people'. This AQF Level 3 qualification prepares students for frontline care roles with a strong foundation in ethical practice.
The Certificate III in Individual Support is delivered over 52 weeks (1 year) on a full-time basis, as registered on the CRICOS register. All instruction is conducted in English. The course is structured as a single qualification with no dual or foundation study options, meaning students focus entirely on core individual support competencies. Delivery modes vary by location but typically include face-to-face classroom learning, simulated lab environments, and supervised work placement. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. The 52-week duration includes scheduled breaks, during which students may work unlimited hours (subject to visa conditions). For specific class timetables and term dates, prospective students should contact ALIF Australia Pty Ltd directly.
Course fees for Certificate III in Individual Support at ALIF Australia Pty Ltd are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. The tuition fee is A$15,000, with non-tuition fees (including enrolment, materials, and administration) of A$1,000, making an estimated total of A$16,000. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the student visa application charge are not included in this estimate. International students should budget for additional expenses such as accommodation (e.g., weekly rent of A$250–400 in Brisbane, A$300–500 in Parramatta), groceries (approx. A$80–150 per week), and public transport (e.g., A$50–70 per week). For the most current fees, always confirm directly with ALIF Australia Pty Ltd via their website (www.australisinstitute.nsw.edu.au) or admissions office. Fees are subject to change and may vary by campus.
To enrol in Certificate III in Individual Support, international students typically need to meet English language proficiency requirements. Based on the course level, an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) is commonly expected. Applicants should also have completed Australian Year 10 (or equivalent) to satisfy the AQF Level 3 entry prerequisites. Prior work experience in care is not mandatory but may be considered. ALIF Australia Pty Ltd may also offer foundation or pathway programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements – check with the provider for details. For applicants under 18 years, a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) or welfare arrangements may be required. All international students must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and provide evidence of financial capacity. HeadStart Academy strongly recommends consulting the provider for precise entry criteria before applying.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 6 weeks at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 120 hours of industry placement. This work-integrated learning (WIL) component is designed to give students hands-on experience in real care settings, such as aged care homes, community centres, or disability support services. Under supervision, students apply their theoretical knowledge to support clients with daily activities, mobility, and emotional wellbeing. The placement is an integral part of the qualification and must be successfully completed to graduate. ALIF Australia Pty Ltd coordinates placements at approved workplaces, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Students should be aware that placements may require background checks, immunisations, and a valid Working with Children Check. This practical exposure greatly enhances employability and is often counted as course credit.
Certificate III in Individual Support is delivered at four campuses of ALIF Australia Pty Ltd, each offering a distinct student experience: - **Albert St Brisbane, QLD**: Located in Brisbane's central business district, this campus benefits from proximity to major hospitals and aged care facilities. Brisbane is home to over 100,000 international students and over 300 CRICOS-registered providers. The city offers a relatively affordable cost of living (average rent A$250–400/week) and extensive public transport. - **Bay Street, Southport, QLD**: Situated in the Gold Coast suburb of Southport, near the Griffith University campus. Southport is a hub for health and education, with a growing student population. Living costs on the Gold Coast are similar to Brisbane, with rent averaging A$300–450/week. - **George Street, Parramatta, NSW**: In Sydney's major western centre, Parramatta has a large multicultural community and is a key location for aged care services. Sydney's living costs are higher (rent A$300–500/week), but Parramatta offers a more affordable option within the Sydney region. Over 200 CRICOS providers operate in the area. - **Lake Street, Cairns, QLD**: Located in tropical Far North Queensland, Cairns has a smaller but vibrant student community. The region has a high demand for aged care workers. Living costs are moderate (rent A$200–350/week), and the campus provides access to diverse clinical placement opportunities.
All locations are accessible by public transport and offer student support services.
International students enrolling in this full-time CRICOS-registered course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study in Australia for the duration of your course and includes work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Key requirements for the visa include: - **Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)**: You must demonstrate a genuine intention to temporarily stay in Australia for study. - **Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)**: Mandatory health insurance for the entire visa duration – not included in course fees. - **Financial capacity**: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041/year for a single student as per 2024–25 rates), OSHC, and travel expenses. - **English proficiency**: Typically IELTS 5.5 or equivalent, though some providers offer packaged ELICOS. - **Visa conditions**: Must maintain enrolment, satisfactory attendance, and course progress.
For dependent family members, a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) may apply. All visa applications are assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent for visa assistance.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Individual Support at ALIF Australia Pty Ltd:
**Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Society and Culture), and preferred city (Brisbane, Southport, Parramatta, or Cairns). Verify provider registration on the CRICOS register (cricos.teqsa.gov.au). ALIF Australia Pty Ltd’s CRICOS code is 03173K.
**Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Contact ALIF Australia Pty Ltd’s admissions office or apply online via their website (www.australisinstitute.nsw.edu.au). You will need to submit academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE), a valid passport, and evidence of meeting entry requirements. Check application deadlines – intake dates may vary by campus.
**Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE via the Provider Registration and International Student Management System (PRISMS). Use this CoE to lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and a valid GTE statement. For visa guidance, consult a MARA-registered agent or the Home Affairs website.
Before enrolling, consider the following: - **Demand for aged care workers**: Australia’s ageing population drives high demand for qualified individual support workers, especially in regional areas like Cairns and outer suburbs of Sydney and Brisbane. - **Placement requirements**: The 120-hour work component is unpaid but essential for gaining practical skills. You may need to arrange your own transport and ensure you have required checks (e.g., police clearance, vaccinations). - **Career pathways**: This qualification can lead to roles in residential aged care, home and community care, or disability support. It also articulates into higher qualifications such as Diploma of Nursing (EN) or Bachelor of Nursing. - **Cost of living by city**: Brisbane and Southport are relatively affordable; Parramatta is more expensive but offers proximity to Sydney’s job market; Cairns is cheaper but may have limited placement options. - **Provider reputation**: ALIF Australia Pty Ltd (The Australian Institute) is a private provider with multiple campuses. Check student reviews, teacher qualifications, and placement support before committing. - **ESOS protections**: All CRICOS-registered courses are covered by the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition protection and refund policies if the provider fails. Always confirm provider compliance.
Explore this course on the CRICOS register or contact ALIF Australia Pty Ltd for the latest fee structure and intake dates. Visit their website at www.australisinstitute.nsw.edu.au.
Certificate III in Individual Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at ALIF Australia 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.