Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 114025K) is a Certificate III delivered by Canberra Institute of Technology over 26 weeks (~6 months). This qualification (VET code CHC33021) prepares you for work in aged care, disability support, and home and community care. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00001K), it meets Australian standards for international students. Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is a government-owned TAFE institute with a strong reputation for vocational training. Studying in Canberra, Australia's capital, offers access to a growing aged care sector and a multicultural student community. This course includes a mandatory work placement, giving you hands-on experience in real care settings. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, HeadStart Academy helps you find your fit. Here's everything you need to know about Certificate III in Individual Support at CIT.
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Certificate III in Individual Support falls under the field of Society and Culture (09), specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services (0905) with a focus on Care for the Aged (090507). You'll learn how to provide person-centred support to elderly clients, assist with daily living activities, promote independence, and work effectively in a care team. The course covers communication strategies, legal and ethical considerations, and infection control. Graduates are prepared for roles such as personal care assistant, residential care worker, or community support worker. While this is a general description, CIT's specific curriculum aligns with national competency standards for CHC33021. The course is delivered in English and includes both classroom theory and practical placement.
The course runs for 26 weeks (approximately 6 months) on a full-time basis. Language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation program). The CRICOS register lists 26 weeks as the standard duration. Classes are typically held on-campus at CIT's Bruce campus, with a combination of lectures, tutorials, and simulation labs. As an international student, you must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with your Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
Tuition fees are A$8,490, plus non-tuition fees of A$802, for an estimated total of A$9,292. These fees are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and set by Canberra Institute of Technology. Always confirm current fees on the provider's website. Not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (rent, food, transport), and the visa application charge. For a student in Canberra, weekly living costs are approximately A$400–A$550 (rent A$250–A$350, groceries A$80–A$120, transport A$50–A$70). Budget accordingly. OSHC costs around A$600–A$700 per year for single cover.
International applicants typically need an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) as a guide. Prior qualifications expected include completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent. No specific prerequisite subjects are required, but a genuine interest in caring for others is important. Foundation or pathway options may be available through CIT's English language programs or other preparatory courses – check with CIT directly. As with all CRICOS courses, you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for your Student visa. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent for visa-specific advice.
This course includes a mandatory work placement of 5 weeks at 24 hours per week (approximately 120 total hours). This work-integrated learning component is an industry placement, often in aged care facilities or community care settings in Canberra. You'll gain supervised practical experience applying your skills with real clients. The placement is arranged by CIT, but you must meet any workplace requirements (e.g., police check, vaccinations). This hands-on experience is invaluable for employment after graduation and is a key feature of VET courses in Australia.
The course is delivered at Canberra Institute of Technology - Vowels Crescent, BRUCE, ACT. Bruce is a suburb of Canberra, approximately 10 km north-west of the city centre. Canberra is home to over 40,000 international students and has several CRICOS-registered providers. The campus is accessible by public bus from central Canberra and nearby suburbs. Living in Canberra offers a high quality of life, with ample green spaces, a safe environment, and a strong job market in government and health services. The city's cost of living is moderate compared to Sydney or Melbourne.
To study this course as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course, plus a period after. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay. Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from CIT is required for the visa application. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion assesses your intention to stay temporarily. Financial capacity evidence (tuition fees, living costs, OSHC) is also needed. For detailed guidance, visit the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent (MARA).
Apply for Certificate III in Individual Support at Canberra Institute of Technology in three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Individual Support), and location (Canberra). Ensure the provider and course are CRICOS-registered.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Meet entry requirements (English test, academic records) and submit your application through CIT's international admissions portal. Check application deadlines and required documents.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, CIT issues your CoE. Then apply for your visa online, including OSHC, financial evidence, and GTE statement. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; seek professional advice if needed.
Ready to start your journey? Apply now to Canberra Institute of Technology for Certificate III in Individual Support.
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Certificate III in Individual Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Canberra Institute of Technology. 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.