Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 114281E) is a Certificate III delivered by Pacific College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification prepares students to work in the community and residential aged care sectors, providing person-centered support to elderly or disabled individuals. Field of education: Society and Culture (0905 Human Welfare Studies and Services). Offered in Sydney and Auburn, NSW, the course includes a 120-hour work placement. Indicative fees total A$17,050. Pacific College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02668F) is a private registered provider with a focus on vocational training. All data sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). HeadStart Academy provides this free resource to help international students compare courses and plan their Australian study journey.
Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS 114281E) is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 3). Delivered by Pacific College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02668F), this course equips students with foundational skills to support individuals in aged care, disability care, and community settings. The program focuses on human welfare studies and services, covering topics such as individualised support, communication skills, and legal and ethical considerations. With 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering over 26,433 courses across Australia, this qualification is a popular pathway to employment in a growing sector. Graduates may find roles as personal care assistants, support workers, or residential care workers.
The field of education — Society and Culture (0905 Human Welfare Studies and Services) — covers the social and personal care aspects required to assist people with daily living. At Certificate III level, students learn to follow care plans, provide personal care, support community participation, and maintain workplace safety. While the specific syllabus is set by Pacific College, typical units include 'Provide individualised support', 'Support independence and wellbeing', and 'Work with diverse people'. The course emphasises practical skills through simulated and real workplace experiences, preparing students for direct client interaction. Australia's ESOS Act ensures international students receive quality education and consumer protections.
The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation program). Study modes typically include classroom-based learning with practical components. Pacific College offers face-to-face delivery at its Auburn and Sydney City campuses. Students should expect a mix of theory and supervised work placement. For detailed timetables, contact the provider directly.
Tuition fee: A$16,000. Non-tuition fees: A$1,050. Estimated total: A$17,050. Please note: fees are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and subject to change. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — approximately A$500–$700 per year for single cover; living expenses — estimated A$21,041 per year (Department of Home Affairs); and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always confirm current fees with Pacific College Pty Ltd at www.pct.edu.au. HeadStart Academy displays fee data for reference only.
International applicants typically require an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). Prior academic qualifications: completion of Year 12 or equivalent is generally expected. No specific prerequisite subjects are mandated, but a genuine interest in care work is beneficial. Foundation or pathway options may be available through Pacific College — contact the provider for details. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, meeting entry requirements does not guarantee a visa; all applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and provide evidence of financial capacity. Consult a registered MARA agent for immigration advice.
Yes — this course includes a mandatory work component: 40 weeks, 3 hours per week, totalling approximately 120 hours. This is an industry placement (also known as work-integrated learning) where students apply skills in real aged care or disability support settings under supervision. Placements are arranged by Pacific College and may involve direct client contact. Students must obtain relevant clearances (e.g., police check) prior to placement. The experience enhances employability and provides essential hands-on training.
Certificate III in Individual Support is delivered at two Pacific College campuses: (1) Pacific College (Auburn) — RTO Operations, located in AUBURN, NSW; and (2) Pacific College Sydney City Campus, located in SYDNEY, NSW. Auburn is a multicultural suburb of Sydney, approximately 20 km west of the CBD, with good public transport via train and bus. Sydney, the state capital, offers a vibrant international student community with over 150,000 international students enrolled across its many CRICOS-registered providers. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average — indicative weekly expenses: rent (A$250–$450), groceries (A$80–$120), transport (A$30–$50). Both campuses are accessible and provide a supportive learning environment.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Key conditions: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance and academic progress requirements, hold OSHC for the entire stay, and comply with work rights — 48 hours per fortnight while course is in session, unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion must be satisfied. Financial capacity requirements: evidence of funds for travel, tuition, and living costs. For visa application guidance, refer to the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Individual Support at Pacific College Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers — use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. Verify Pacific College's CRICOS registration (02668F). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution — check entry requirements (English test scores, academic qualifications), prepare documents, and submit your application to Pacific College before the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) — once accepted, Pacific College issues a CoE, which is required for your visa application. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
New South Wales (NSW) is Australia's most populous state, with Sydney as its capital. It hosts over 400 CRICOS-registered providers, offering thousands of courses. The state has a strong aged care and disability services sector, with growing demand for qualified support workers. Studying in NSW gives you access to metropolitan and regional placement opportunities, a diverse multicultural environment, and robust public transport. However, living costs in Sydney are relatively high compared to other Australian cities. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences. For those seeking a more affordable option, regional campuses may be available — check with Pacific College. Overall, NSW offers excellent career prospects in human welfare.
Ready to start your career in individual support? Research CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy, compare courses, and apply to Pacific College today.
Certificate III in Individual Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Pacific 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.