Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS course code 112428G) is a Certificate IV delivered by Pace Business College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification sits within the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services and is designed for individuals who wish to work in the ageing support sector, providing person-centred care to older people. Taught in English, the course combines theoretical knowledge with practical placement experience. Pace Business College is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 04046J) with campuses in Melbourne's CBD. As an AQF Level 4 qualification, this Certificate IV prepares graduates for roles such as aged care support worker or personal care assistant. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026, ensuring you have accurate, up-to-date information for your study abroad planning.
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This course belongs to the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services, focusing on the skills and knowledge required to support older people in residential or home care settings. Students learn about aged care principles, communication strategies, legal and ethical considerations, and how to provide holistic care. At the Certificate IV level, graduates gain supervisory and leadership capabilities, enabling them to coordinate services and mentor junior staff. The curriculum also covers health and safety, individualised support planning, and working with diverse populations. While specific syllabi vary, this qualification equips students with the competencies needed to deliver quality aged care services in Australia.
The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification, not a dual or package program. Pace Business College offers face-to-face classes at its Melbourne campuses. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to meet student visa conditions. With 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering over 26,000 courses in Australia, this course is a structured pathway into the aged care sector.
Tuition fee: A$13,750. Non-tuition fees: A$2,312 (includes application, material, and administrative charges). Estimated total: A$16,062. These figures are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register, and subject to change. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges. For current fees, always check the provider's website (allied.edu.au). Living costs in Melbourne average A$400–500 per week for rent, food, and transport. Remember, all CRICOS-registered courses are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring your fees are safeguarded.
Typical English language requirement: IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). Applicants are expected to have completed Year 12 or equivalent. No prior aged care experience is mandatory, but a genuine interest in caring for older people is important. If you need to improve your English, pathway options may be available — contact Pace Business College directly. For visa purposes, you must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work placement of 6 weeks, totaling approximately 120 hours. This provides hands-on experience in real aged care settings, such as residential facilities or community centres. Under supervision, you'll develop practical skills in personal care, communication, and teamwork. Work-integrated learning is a valuable part of VET courses in Australia, helping you apply classroom theory to real-world scenarios. Placement arrangements are coordinated by the college, and you must complete this component to graduate.
Pace Business College delivers this course at two Melbourne locations: 311 Flinders Lane and Collins Street Campus. Both are in the central business district, easily accessible by train, tram, and bus. Melbourne has over 100 CRICOS-registered providers offering a wide range of courses, making it a popular study destination with a large international student community. The city offers diverse cultural experiences, part-time work opportunities, and excellent public transport. Living costs here are moderate compared to Sydney, with weekly rent averaging A$250–350 for shared accommodation.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. With this visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. You must maintain enrolment and attendance, and have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion applies — you must show you intend to study genuinely and return home after. Financial capacity evidence is required. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for advice.
Melbourne is consistently ranked one of the world's most liveable cities. Its multicultural environment, thriving arts scene, and strong job market make it attractive for international students. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers nationally, Melbourne alone hosts many offering health and community services courses. The city's public transport network connects campuses easily. However, consider cost of living: indicative weekly expenses include rent (A$250–450), groceries (A$80–150), and transport (A$30–50). Victoria's aged care sector offers good employment prospects for graduates, with many providers seeking skilled workers.
Explore more aged care courses in Melbourne on HeadStart Academy to compare your options.
Certificate IV in Ageing Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Pace Business College 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.