Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 112585E) is a Certificate III delivered by Blue Lotus Academy Pty Ltd over 38 weeks (~9 months). This qualification is designed for those seeking to work in aged care, disability support, or home and community care. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 03790G), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. The course includes a mandatory 120-hour work placement, giving you hands-on experience in real care settings. Blue Lotus Academy delivers this course in Melbourne, Victoria, a city with over 200,000 international students and a strong demand for qualified aged care workers. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, and our data comes directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
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This qualification falls under the field of Care for the Aged (ANZSCO 090507). You'll learn to provide person-centred support to older individuals, assisting with daily living activities, promoting independence, and maintaining dignity. Graduates typically develop skills in communication, safety procedures, and understanding the legal and ethical frameworks that govern aged care in Australia. The course covers topics such as supporting individual health and emotional well-being, working with diverse clients, and collaborating with healthcare teams. While the specific syllabus is set by Blue Lotus Academy, this level of study (AQF Level 3) prepares you for roles like personal care assistant or support worker. Australia has 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering over 26,000 courses, ensuring a wide choice for your career pathway.
The Certificate III in Individual Support is delivered over 38 weeks (approximately 9 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and the course is a single qualification—not part of a dual award or foundation program. The study mode is typically full-time, with a mix of classroom learning and supervised work placement. Melbourne's public transport network makes it easy to commute to Blue Lotus Academy's CBD campuses (both at Level 2, 158 Swanston St and Level 2, 540 Elizabeth St). International students should plan their accommodation accordingly, with average weekly rent in Melbourne around A$300–A$450 for a one-bedroom unit.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$10,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,000, bringing the estimated total to A$11,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register and are set by Blue Lotus Academy. Please note that fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (accommodation, food, transport), or the visa application charge for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Always confirm current fees directly with Blue Lotus Academy via their website before applying. As a HeadStart Academy user, you can access fee information for all 26,433 registered courses—free, with no referral fees.
Entry requirements for Certificate III in Individual Support typically include an IELTS overall band score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent English proficiency) and completion of Year 12 or equivalent. Some providers may require relevant life experience or a pre-training assessment. Foundation or pathway programs may be available if you don't meet the direct entry criteria—contact Blue Lotus Academy for details. Remember, all admissions criteria are set by the institution, and HeadStart Academy recommends liaising directly with the provider to confirm your eligibility. The ESOS Act ensures that CRICOS-registered courses maintain consistent quality and student protections.
This course includes a compulsory work component of 3 weeks (40 hours per week, totalling approximately 120 hours). This is a supervised industry placement or internship in an aged care or community care setting. It provides real-world experience in providing individual support, building your confidence and employability skills. The placement is integrated into the course schedule and may be arranged by Blue Lotus Academy or self-sourced with their approval. This work-integrated learning is a hallmark of vocational education in Australia and helps you meet the requirements of the national qualification CHC33021.
Blue Lotus Academy delivers this course at two locations in Melbourne's CBD: Level 2, 158 Swanston St, and Level 2, 540 Elizabeth St, both in Melbourne, VIC. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, home to over 5 million people and a vibrant international student community of more than 200,000. The city's public transport system (trams, trains, buses) makes both campuses easily accessible. Studying in Melbourne gives you exposure to a diverse care sector, with many aged care facilities and community organisations. Victoria has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering courses across all fields, including 49 registered for Society and Culture courses.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, maintain adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and travel. As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work rights allow you to gain valuable local experience in the aged care sector. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; for visa-specific advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Melbourne is a top choice for international students, consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities. For those pursuing a Certificate III in Individual Support, Melbourne offers a large and growing aged care sector due to its ageing population. The city has numerous residential aged care facilities and community support organisations that provide placement opportunities. Weekly living costs in Melbourne (excluding tuition) are approximately A$300–A$500 for rent, A$80–A$150 for groceries, and A$30–A$50 for public transport. Victoria has over 50 providers offering aged care-related courses, giving you options to compare. Consider your career goals and lifestyle preferences before deciding—Melbourne's cultural diversity and job market make it an attractive destination for care workers.
Follow these three steps to begin your study journey at Blue Lotus Academy: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to compare Certificate III in Individual Support courses across different institutions. Filter by course level, field (Society and Culture), and city (Melbourne) to find your ideal match. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution. Contact Blue Lotus Academy to confirm entry requirements, submit your English test scores (e.g., IELTS), and meet any application deadlines. You can apply online or through an authorised education agent. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa. Once Blue Lotus Academy issues your CoE, lodge a Student visa (Subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs. Include your CoE, OSHC policy, and evidence of financial capacity. This process is standard for all CRICOS-registered courses.
Apply now to secure your place in the Certificate III in Individual Support at Blue Lotus Academy. Use HeadStart Academy to compare and choose the best CRICOS-registered course for your goals.
Certificate III in Individual Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Blue Lotus Academy 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.