Certificate IV in Disability Support (CRICOS course code 113252G) is a Certificate IV delivered by Educare Training Institute of Australasia Pty Ltd over 32 weeks (~7 months). This practical qualification prepares students to work with people with disabilities, providing person-centred support in community and residential settings. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 03669G), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. The course includes a 120-hour work placement, ensuring hands-on experience. With campuses in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Hobart, students can choose a location that suits their lifestyle. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy. Whether you're planning to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) or seeking a career change, this page covers everything you need to know about fees, entry requirements, and how to apply.
This qualification falls under the field of 'Care for the Disabled' (090509) within Society and Culture. Students learn to provide individualised support, facilitate community participation, and assist with personal care and daily living tasks. The course covers legal and ethical frameworks, communication strategies, and advocacy for people with disabilities. Graduates are equipped to work as disability support workers, residential care workers, or personal care assistants in settings such as aged care homes, disability services, and community organisations. The national VET code CHC43121 ensures the qualification is recognised across Australia.
The course runs for 32 weeks (approximately 7 months) as listed on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, with no foundation studies or dual qualification component. This is a single Certificate IV qualification designed for direct entry into the workforce or further study. The study mode is typically full-time on campus, with the work component integrated into the schedule.
Tuition fees are A$7,000, with additional non-tuition fees of A$500 (including materials and administration). The estimated total is A$7,500. These figures are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are set by Educare Training Institute of Australasia Pty Ltd. Always confirm current fees on the provider's website (http://www.educare.edu.au). Note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges are not included. International students should budget for these separately. For cost of living guidance, see our city-specific pages.
Prospective students typically need an IELTS score of 5.0 to 5.5 overall (or equivalent) as a minimum English language requirement. Additionally, applicants should have completed an Australian Certificate III or equivalent, or demonstrate relevant work experience. For specific entry conditions and pathway options (such as foundation programs), refer to Educare's admissions team. HeadStart Academy does not set entry requirements; these are general guidelines.
The course includes a mandatory work component: 24 weeks of placement at 5 hours per week, totalling approximately 120 hours. This industry placement (also known as vocational placement or internship) allows students to apply their learning in real disability support settings. It is an integral part of the qualification, supervised by qualified professionals. Students are responsible for arranging their own placement venue, with guidance from the provider.
Educare Training Institute delivers this course at three campuses: 1) Educare at UTAS Sandy Bay Campus in Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania; 2) Gold Coast Campus at 6 Scarborough St, Southport, Queensland; and 3) Head Office in Brisbane, Queensland. Each city offers unique advantages: Hobart has a lower cost of living (approx. A$250–350/week rent) and a tight-knit student community; Brisbane and Southport are part of Queensland's vibrant southeast with larger international student populations (over 50,000 in Brisbane alone). Public transport is accessible to all campuses. For more details, see our state pages.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this CRICOS-registered course. Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Key requirements include: meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, travel, and dependents. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent. For visa advice, consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs. ESOS Act protections guarantee your rights as an international student.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate IV in Disability Support at Educare Training Institute of Australasia Pty Ltd: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution – Check entry requirements, English language tests, and application deadlines. Submit your application through Educare's admissions portal. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once you have the CoE, lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Always ensure your provider is CRICOS-registered to protect your study rights.
Disability support is a growing field with strong demand across Australia. Before enrolling, consider: your interest in person-centred care; the physical and emotional demands of the role; and the location's cost of living and job market. Hobart offers a quieter lifestyle with lower rent, while Brisbane and Gold Coast have warmer climates and more diverse social scenes. All locations have strong public transport networks. The 120-hour placement is a great opportunity to build local experience. Also remember that international students must comply with visa conditions and maintain OSHC. Use HeadStart Academy's resources to compare providers and make an informed choice.
Ready to start your career in disability support? Explore your options with HeadStart Academy's free course search today.
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Certificate IV in Disability Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Educare Training Institute of Australasia 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.