Certificate IV in Disability Support (CRICOS course code 114283C) is a Certificate IV delivered by Pacific College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification equips students with the skills to provide person-centred support to people with disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence and community participation. Graduates often work as disability support workers, senior support workers, or team leaders in residential group homes, day respite centres, community organisations, or in-home support settings. The course is registered under field 090509 - Care for the Disabled and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 4). As a CRICOS-registered course at Pacific College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02668F), international students are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) and benefit from ESOS Act protections. The College offers two Sydney campuses: Auburn and the City, providing students with accessible locations for study. This page provides a comprehensive guide to the course, including fees, entry requirements, work component, and how to apply.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Certificate IV in Disability Support (CRICOS course code 114283C) is a Certificate IV delivered by Pacific College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course is designed for individuals who wish to develop specialised skills in the disability sector, focusing on empowering clients through person-centred, strengths-based approaches. The field of education is Society and Culture, specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services (0905), with a focus on Care for the Disabled (090509). Upon completion, graduates may pursue roles such as disability support worker, lifestyle support officer, or community development officer. The course includes a work component to provide practical experience, and it is delivered at two campuses in New South Wales. All international students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition assurance and quality standards.
The Certificate IV in Disability Support covers a range of core and elective units that address contemporary practices in disability support. Students learn about legal and ethical frameworks, person-centred planning, communication strategies, and how to promote independence and social inclusion. The curriculum typically includes topics such as supporting people with complex needs, working with families and carers, and implementing behaviour support plans. Graduates gain competencies to assess client needs, design individualised support plans, and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. This qualification meets the national training package CHC43121 and aligns with industry standards. While the exact unit list is determined by the provider, students can expect a blend of theory and practical skills relevant to the Australian disability sector.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual qualification) and does not include foundation studies. Study modes may include face-to-face classes, workshops, and practical placements. Pacific College Pty Ltd delivers the program at its two Sydney campuses, with full-time study schedules typical for international students. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. The 52-week duration includes holidays and scheduled breaks, but the effective study period is structured to meet the required 1200 hours of delivery (including work component).
The indicative fees for Certificate IV in Disability Support at Pacific College Pty Ltd are as follows: Tuition fee: A$16,000; Non-tuition fees: A$1,050; Estimated total: A$17,050. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included in the above are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$500–600 per week for shared accommodation in Sydney), and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600). We strongly recommend confirming current fees directly with Pacific College Pty Ltd by visiting their website at www.pct.edu.au. HeadStart Academy provides this fee information as a guide only.
International students applying for Certificate IV in Disability Support must meet the following general entry requirements: an overall IELTS score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent English language proficiency), and successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification. Some providers may also require a police check or working with children check, given the nature of the work. For applicants who do not yet meet the English language requirement, Pacific College may offer pathway options such as ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). Students should contact Pacific College directly for detailed and up-to-date entry requirements, including any specific academic prerequisites for the CHC43121 package.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 40 weeks of supervised industry placement, typically 3 hours per week, totalling approximately 120 hours. The work component is designed to give students hands-on experience in disability support settings, such as residential care facilities, community centres, or in-home care. This practical training allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, develop professional networks, and meet the assessment requirements of the qualification. The placement is arranged by the provider and is an integral part of the course. International students should note that the work component is part of their study program and does not affect their student visa work rights, which remain at 48 hours per fortnight during term.
Certificate IV in Disability Support is delivered at two Pacific College campuses in New South Wales: Pacific College (Auburn) – RTO Operations, located in AUBURN, NSW; and Pacific College Sydney City Campus, situated in SYDNEY, NSW. Both campuses are well-connected by public transport, with Auburn station providing regular train services to central Sydney and the City campus accessible via multiple bus routes and train stations. Sydney is a vibrant, multicultural city with a large international student community. The city offers a high standard of living, with many student services, accommodation options, and part-time work opportunities. As of 2026, there are over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, with a significant concentration in NSW, particularly in Sydney.
International students who enrol in this CRICOS-registered course are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study, and holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. To apply for a student visa, students must provide evidence of Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) status, sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and meet health requirements. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of the visa. The Department of Home Affairs provides full details on visa conditions. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; applicants should consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department's website. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
Sydney is one of Australia's most popular study destinations, home to over 250,000 international students and hundreds of CRICOS-registered providers. The city offers a strong network of disability service organisations and aged care facilities, providing ample opportunity for practical placements and future employment. Living costs in Sydney are higher than other Australian cities; indicative weekly expenses include rent (A$400–600 for shared accommodation), groceries (A$80–150), and public transport (A$40–60). However, the multicultural environment, excellent public transport, and access to world-class healthcare make it an attractive choice. When choosing a location for disability support studies, consider proximity to placement sites, campus facilities, and student support services. Sydney's diverse population also provides rich, cross-cultural learning experiences in the community services sector.
Applying for Certificate IV in Disability Support at Pacific College Pty Ltd involves three straightforward steps: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use the official CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy's search tools to filter by course level, field, and city. Verify that Pacific College (CRICOS 02668F) is listed and that the course code 114283C is current. Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution. Submit your application through Pacific College's website, including evidence of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.0-5.5), academic transcripts, and any other required documents. Check application deadlines and any additional requirements specific to this qualification. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once the college issues your CoE, lodge your visa application online with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have arranged OSHC and can demonstrate sufficient funds. Disclaimer: HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; seek professional advice for visa matters.
Ready to start your journey? Apply for Certificate IV in Disability Support at Pacific College Pty Ltd today. Visit their website at www.pct.edu.au for application details.
Certificate IV in Disability 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.