Certificate IV in Disability Support (CRICOS course code 114736A) is a Certificate IV delivered by FEDERATION ACADEMY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD over 36 weeks (~8 months). This qualification is designed for individuals who wish to work in the disability support sector, providing person-centred support to people with disabilities. The course covers areas such as legal and ethical frameworks, individualised support, and facilitating community participation. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03980A), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. With delivery locations in Cairns (Cairns City and Parramatta Park) and Brisbane, students can choose a setting that suits their lifestyle. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, and data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). This free resource provides accurate, up-to-date information without commission or referral fees.
The Certificate IV in Disability Support (CHC43121) falls under the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (0905), specifically Care for the Disabled (090509). At this AQF Level 4, students learn to apply specialised knowledge and skills to support people with disabilities in a range of settings. Typical learning outcomes include developing individualised support plans, implementing behaviour support strategies, and promoting independence and community inclusion. While the exact curriculum is set by FEDERATION ACADEMY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, graduates are prepared for roles such as disability support worker, personal care assistant, or community support worker. This level builds on Certificate III qualifications and provides a pathway to higher-level study in community services or allied health. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, ensuring a wide range of options.
The course duration on the CRICOS register is 36 weeks (~8 months). Instruction is in English only. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Students should expect a full-time study load, typically 20-25 contact hours per week. The provider may offer blended or on-campus delivery. International students must maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress to comply with student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate IV in Disability Support is A$9,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,000, making an estimated total of A$10,000. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For current fees, please refer to the provider's website. International students should budget for living costs: in Cairns, weekly rent for a room is typically A$150-250; in Brisbane, A$200-350. Groceries and transport add approximately A$100-150 per week. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring fee refunds in certain circumstances.
For this Certificate IV, a typical English language requirement is IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent). Prior qualifications such as a Certificate III in Individual Support or relevant experience may be expected. Foundation or pathway options are not part of this course; students who do not meet entry requirements should contact the provider directly. All international applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and provide evidence of financial capacity. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; we recommend consulting a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
This course includes a work component of 1 week (20 hours total, at 20 hours per week). Work-integrated learning typically involves an industry placement or internship in a disability support setting. This provides practical experience, helping students apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. The placement is supervised and may require a police check or working with children clearance. International students should note that work as part of the course is separate from standard student work rights.
The course is delivered at three locations in Queensland: Cairns Campus - 58-70 Lake St CAIRNS CITY QLD 4870 (Cairns City), Cairns Campus - Parramatta Park (a suburb of Cairns), and Level 2 160 Edward Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 (Brisbane CBD). Cairns has a vibrant student community with several CRICOS-registered providers and lower living costs compared to Brisbane. Brisbane, the state capital, offers extensive public transport and a larger job market. Both cities have access to healthcare and student support services. When choosing a location, consider climate (tropical in Cairns, subtropical in Brisbane), proximity to placement facilities, and lifestyle preferences.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. The visa allows work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs provides detailed guidance. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. Always consult a MARA-registered agent or homeaffairs.gov.au for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate IV in Disability Support at FEDERATION ACADEMY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and providers. Confirm FEDERATION ACADEMY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD is CRICOS-registered (03980A) and that this course (114736A) meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit an application to FEDERATION ACADEMY, meeting entry requirements (English test scores, prior qualifications). Check application deadlines and submit all required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use it to apply for your visa online. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
Queensland is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, with major student hubs in Brisbane and Cairns. Brisbane offers a bustling city lifestyle with a large international student population, excellent public transport, and proximity to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, provides a tropical setting and a close-knit community. Living costs are generally lower in Cairns: weekly rent A$150-250 vs Brisbane A$200-350. Both cities have affordable public transport and ample part-time work opportunities. When choosing, consider your preferred climate, placement location, and career goals. The ESOS Act ensures your rights as an international student regardless of where you study.
Ready to start your journey in disability support? Explore more courses and providers on HeadStart Academy, the free CRICOS-registered resource for international students.
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Certificate IV in Disability Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at FEDERATION ACADEMY AUSTRALIA 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.