Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS course code 114282D) is a Certificate IV delivered by Pacific College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course is designed for international students seeking to work in Australia's aged care sector, preparing graduates to support older people in residential or community settings. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 02668F), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. HeadStart Academy provides this guide to help you understand the course, costs, and visa requirements before applying. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy. Whether you are in Sydney or considering other states, this course offers a pathway to a rewarding career in aged care.
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Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS course code 114282D) is a Certificate IV delivered by Pacific College Pty Ltd over 1 year. It sits at AQF Level 4 and is classified under field of education 090507 - Care for the Aged. The course is designed to equip students with skills to provide person-centred support to older people, including those with complex needs and dementia. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 02668F), it is quality assured under the ESOS Act, giving international students legal rights such as tuition protection. Pacific College is a private provider with campuses in New South Wales. According to the CRICOS register (April 2026), Australia has 1,556 providers offering 26,433 courses; this course is one of many in the Society and Culture field.
This course covers human welfare studies and services focused on aged care. Students learn about supporting physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of older people, including communication strategies, legal and ethical considerations, and working within a team. Typical outcomes include skills to develop individualised support plans, assist with personal care, and manage complex care situations. While HeadStart Academy does not deliver the syllabus, we note that the course aligns with the national qualification CHC43015. Graduates may pursue roles as aged care workers, support workers, or personal care assistants in Australia and globally.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks on the CRICOS register). Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification (VET national code CHC43015) with no dual or foundation studies component. Pacific College may offer full-time face-to-face classes at its campuses. Students should confirm the exact study timetable with the provider.
Tuition fees for Certificate IV in Ageing Support (114282D) at Pacific College are indicative: A$16,000. Non-tuition fees (enrolment, materials, etc.) are approximately A$1,050, bringing the estimated total to A$17,050. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and are subject to change. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (around A$21,041 per year for a single student as per Department of Home Affairs requirements), and the Student visa application charge (currently A$710). Always confirm current fees directly with Pacific College at www.pct.edu.au.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent) for this level. Prior qualifications expected include completion of Year 12 or equivalent. While not a foundation course, applicants without a Certificate III in Individual Support may need to demonstrate relevant skills. For specific academic and English requirements, refer to Pacific College's website. Note: English requirements can vary by provider; always check the latest entry criteria.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 40 weeks, 6 hours per week, totalling approximately 240 hours. This is a work-integrated learning experience such as industry placement or clinical practicum in an aged care setting. It allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments, which is common for VET courses in human welfare. The work component is a requirement for course completion and provides valuable hands-on experience for future employment.
Pacific College delivers this course at: (1) Pacific College (Auburn) (RTO Operations) – AUBURN, NSW; (2) Pacific College Sydney City Campus – SYDNEY, NSW. Both locations are in New South Wales, with strong public transport access. Auburn is a suburban area west of Sydney, while Sydney CBD offers proximity to industry networks. Australia's most populated state, NSW has over 500 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Students should consider living costs: in Sydney, weekly rent averages A$500-700, groceries A$150, and public transport A$40-60 per week.
To study this course, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC. Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). OSHC is mandatory for health cover. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; for visa applications, consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses.
Follow these three steps specific to Certificate IV in Ageing Support at Pacific College: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – use HeadStart Academy to compare Pacific College with other aged care courses in Australia. 2. Apply directly to Pacific College – submit your application with proof of English (IELTS 5.0-5.5) and academic qualifications. Check their deadlines and entry requirements. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once Pacific College issues your CoE, apply for the visa online via Department of Home Affairs, including OSHC and financial evidence.
NSW offers a vibrant international student community with over 250,000 enrolled students. Sydney has extensive public transport and a multicultural environment, while regional centres like Newcastle and Wollongong provide lower cost of living. For ageing support, Australia's aging population means strong demand for skilled workers. However, consider that living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average. HeadStart Academy recommends factoring in location preferences and budget when choosing where to study.
Ready to apply? Follow our 3-step guide above to start your journey with Pacific College.
Certificate IV in Ageing 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.