Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 115163C) is a Certificate III delivered by Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course, at AQF Level 3, falls under the field of Society and Culture (Care for the Aged) and is designed for those seeking to work in aged care and individual support roles. Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03722G) is a private education provider located in Parramatta, NSW — one of Australia’s fastest-growing education hubs. As a CRICOS-registered institution, Smart Connection Company meets the rigorous standards of the Australian Government, ensuring international students receive quality education protected by the ESOS Act. Students will gain practical skills in providing person-centred care, supporting independence, and promoting wellbeing. The course includes a mandatory work component of 120 hours, allowing students to apply their learning in real aged care settings. Parramatta offers a vibrant student community, excellent public transport, and a cost of living lower than central Sydney, making it an attractive destination for international students. All information on this page is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource for prospective students — no commissions, no referral fees. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students.
Certificate III in Individual Support focuses on the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (090507 - Care for the Aged). Graduates develop foundational skills to provide person-centred support to elderly individuals, assisting with daily living activities, promoting independence, and enhancing quality of life. Typical learning outcomes include understanding aged care frameworks, communication techniques, hygiene and safety protocols, and basic nursing assistance. This AQF Level 3 course prepares students for entry-level roles in residential aged care facilities, community care, or in-home support. While the specific syllabus is set by Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd, the course generally covers topics such as supporting individual health and well-being, coordinating care services, and working effectively in a team. Students also learn about cultural sensitivity and legal and ethical responsibilities in aged care. Practical skills are emphasised to ensure graduates are job-ready. It's important to note that this course does not include dual qualifications or foundation studies—it is a single, standalone qualification.
According to the CRICOS register, Certificate III in Individual Support has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual awards) and does not include foundation studies. Full-time enrolment is typically required to comply with student visa conditions (Subclass 500). Students are expected to attend classes and complete assessments over the 52-week period. The course structure is designed to accommodate international students, with face-to-face delivery at the Parramatta campus. For progression, students must maintain satisfactory attendance and academic performance as per Smart Connection Company's policies. The 52-week duration allows for both theoretical learning and a mandatory work component, ensuring a balanced educational experience.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Individual Support is A$12,000, with additional non-tuition fees of A$700, making an estimated total of A$12,700. Please note that these fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change by Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd. The total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge for a Student visa (Subclass 500). For the most current fee information, always confirm directly with Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd. You can visit their provider page on HeadStart Academy for more details.
Entry requirements for Certificate III in Individual Support are set by the provider, but general guidance for this AQF Level 3 course includes an IELTS score of 5.0 to 5.5 overall (or equivalent English language proficiency). Prior academic qualifications typically expected are completion of Year 10 or equivalent. Some providers may have additional requirements such as a police check or working with children check due to the nature of aged care work. No foundation or pathway programs are attached to this course, but applicants who do not meet the English requirement may consider ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) offered by other CRICOS-registered providers. It is essential to check the specific entry criteria set by Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd before applying.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 6 weeks at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 120 hours. This is an industry placement (work-integrated learning) typically in an aged care facility or community care setting. The placement allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, develop professional skills, and build confidence in providing individual support. It is an integral part of the course, not an optional extra, and is supervised by qualified professionals. Students are expected to arrange their own transport to placement sites, though providers may assist with placement matching. The work component also helps satisfy student visa requirements for genuine temporary entrant (GTE) assessment by demonstrating a clear study and career pathway.
Certificate III in Individual Support is delivered at Level 1, 239 Church St, PARRAMATTA NSW 2150. Parramatta is a major city centre in Western Sydney, often called Sydney’s second CBD. It has a large student population with numerous CRICOS-registered providers, excellent public transport connections (trains, buses, and ferries), and a vibrant multicultural community. The cost of living in Parramatta is generally lower than in central Sydney: indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$250–A$350, groceries A$80–A$120, and transport (with student concession) about A$40 per week. Parramatta offers many aged care facilities nearby, providing ample opportunities for work placements and potential employment after graduation. The campus is easily accessible from all parts of Sydney.
International students enrolling in Certificate III in Individual Support will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study at a CRICOS-registered institution for the duration of the course. Key conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a full-time CRICOS course, adequate attendance and academic progress, and valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrating a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily for study. Financial capacity requirements include proof of tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student), and OSHC. HeadStart Academy provides general visa guidance, but for specific immigration advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Parramatta is an excellent choice for students pursuing aged care studies due to its proximity to major aged care providers and lower living costs compared to central Sydney. The city has over 20 CRICOS-registered providers offering courses in society and culture, creating a supportive student community. Public transport is efficient, with trains to Sydney CBD in approximately 30 minutes. However, consider that Parramatta can be quieter than inner-city areas, and some students may prefer a more bustling environment. If you value affordability, multicultural dining, and a growing job market in health and aged care, Parramatta is a strong contender. For those who prefer a more cosmopolitan setting, Sydney CBD campuses may be better. Always factor in commuting time and lifestyle preferences when choosing your study location.
Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and location. Ensure the provider and course are CRICOS-registered. For this course, Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03722G) offers Certificate III in Individual Support.
Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution – Contact Smart Connection Company to submit your application, provide academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.0-5.5 or equivalent), and any other required documents. Adhere to application deadlines.
Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, you will receive a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa, including submission of GTE statement, financial evidence, and OSHC. For personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent.
Start your application for Certificate III in Individual Support at Smart Connection Company today.
Certificate III in Individual Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Smart Connection Company 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.