What is the Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 115150H)? It is a Certificate III level course delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust, a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 03024A) in Melbourne, Victoria. This course is designed for international students seeking to enter the aged care sector in Australia. Over 38 weeks (~9 months), you'll gain foundational skills in individual support, focusing on care for the aged (field 090507). With a work component of 120 hours, you'll get hands-on experience. Indicative fees: A$12,400 total (tuition A$11,400 + non-tuition A$1,000). English requirement: IELTS 5.0–5.5. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act. HeadStart Academy helps you navigate your study options from CRICOS data as at April 2026.
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Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 115150H) is a Certificate III delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust over 38 weeks (~9 months). This course is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), meaning it meets Australian standards for international education. Graduates will be qualified to work in aged care facilities, community care, or in-home support roles. The course covers both theoretical and practical components, preparing students for the workforce. As an international student, you'll study alongside other learners in a multicultural environment at the institution's Melbourne campus.
This course belongs to the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (090507 - Care for the Aged), part of the broader Society and Culture discipline. At Certificate III level (AQF Level 3), students develop foundational skills and knowledge to provide person-centered support to the elderly. Typical learning outcomes include understanding aged care principles, communication techniques, assisting with daily living activities, and maintaining safety and dignity. While HeadStart Academy does not provide the specific syllabus, graduates of this level are prepared for entry-level roles in the aged care sector. The course also emphasises cultural sensitivity and ethical practice, which are essential in Australia's diverse care environment.
The duration of this course is exactly 38 weeks (~9 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English, and the course is a single qualification (no dual award). Students typically attend classes or undertake supervised study for the full duration. The mode of delivery may include classroom-based learning, online components, and the required work placement. Check with Melbourne City Institute of Education for the specific timetable and whether part-time study is available (note: student visa holders generally need to maintain full-time enrolment).
The indicative fees for Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS 115150H) are set by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. Tuition is A$11,400, non-tuition fees (e.g., materials, administration) are A$1,000, giving an estimated total of A$12,400. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider at www.mcie.edu.au. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (rent, food, transport), and the visa application charge. For reference, living costs in Melbourne are approximately A$500–700 per week. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses – compare your options on HeadStart Academy.
International applicants typically need an English proficiency of IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). In addition, you should have completed Australian Year 11 or equivalent overseas secondary schooling. As this is a Certificate III course, prior qualifications at Certificate II level or relevant work experience may be considered. Some providers may also require a police check or working with children check for the work placement. For the most precise entry requirements, contact Melbourne City Institute of Education directly. If you do not meet the English level, pathway options such as English language courses may be available. Always verify with the provider.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 6 weeks, 20 hours per week (approximately 120 total hours). This industry placement is designed to give you real-world experience in aged care settings such as nursing homes or community centres. You will apply the skills learned in class under supervision. Work-integrated learning is a valuable part of Australian vocational education, helping you build confidence and professional networks. Note that work placements are usually arranged by the institution, but you may need to meet specific requirements (e.g., immunisations). The work component is integral to the course and must be completed to graduate.
The course is delivered at Level 8 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers. The city offers excellent public transport (trams, trains, buses) connecting the campus to suburbs such as Carlton, Fitzroy, and St Kilda. As an international student, you'll enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, diverse food options, and a strong student community. Living costs in Melbourne average A$500–700 per week including rent, groceries, and transport. The specific campus location in the CBD provides easy access to libraries, hospitals, and aged care facilities – ideal for workplacements.
To study this course on campus in Melbourne, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term (unlimited during scheduled holidays), and bring eligible family members. You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs sets the financial capacity requirement – for 2026, it is approximately A$24,505 per year for living costs (plus tuition and travel). HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent – we recommend consulting a registered MARA agent for personalised advice. ESOS Act protections ensure your rights as an international student, including access to complaint processes and refunds if your provider fails to deliver.
Melbourne is an excellent city to study aged care because of its large and diverse elderly population and extensive healthcare infrastructure. Victoria has over 1,200 CRICOS-registered courses in Society and Culture alone, many in Melbourne. The demand for qualified individual support workers is high, with the Australian government projecting strong job growth. Studying at Melbourne City Institute of Education places you in the CBD, close to major hospitals and aged care providers. When choosing this course, consider your career goals: Certificate III leads to roles such as personal care assistant or aged care worker, with pathways to further study in nursing or community services. HeadStart Academy provides free resources to compare courses and providers – all data comes from the official CRICOS register.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS 115150H) at Melbourne City Institute of Education:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Care for the Aged), and location (Melbourne). Verify the provider's CRICOS code (03024A) and check their website for detailed information.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Meet the entry requirements (English test scores, academic transcripts). Submit your application through Melbourne City Institute of Education's admissions portal. Pay attention to application deadlines – typically 4–6 weeks before the intake date. If you need help with English, consider pathway programs.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and a Genuine Temporary Entrant statement. HeadStart Academy does not process visa applications – always consult official sources or a registered migration agent.
Ready to apply? Start your search on HeadStart Academy for more CRICOS-registered courses in Individual Support across Australia.
Certificate III in Individual Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. 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.