Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 115360J) is a Certificate III delivered by Cairns Business College Limited over 1 year. This qualification is designed for those seeking to enter the aged care and disability support sectors, focusing on person-centred care. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00202A), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. The course is classified under field 090507 - Care for the Aged, preparing graduates to provide support to elderly individuals in residential or community settings. With an estimated total fee of $20,000 (indicative), it offers a pathway to in-demand roles in Australia's growing aged care industry. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
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Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS 115360J) is a one-year VET qualification at AQF Level 3, delivered by Cairns Business College Limited (CRICOS 00202A). The course is aligned with the national training package CHC33021 and focuses on developing practical skills for caring for the aged (field 090507). It covers areas such as individualised support, communication with clients, and workplace safety. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is approved for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality and legal protections. Cairns Business College operates from its Southport campus on the Gold Coast, Queensland. This course is single qualification (no dual or foundation studies) and does not include a work component.
Graduates of Certificate III in Individual Support learn to provide person-centred care tailored to clients' needs, including assistance with daily living activities, mobility, and social support. The curriculum typically includes units on communication, legal and ethical considerations, infection control, and first aid. Students develop skills in working with diverse clients, including the elderly, and learn to support their independence and wellbeing. While the specific syllabus is set by Cairns Business College, the field of education (Human Welfare Studies and Services) ensures a strong foundation for careers in aged care, disability support, and community services. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical scenarios to prepare students for the workplace.
The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) on the CRICOS register. It is a single qualification delivered in English, with no dual or foundation studies component. Study mode is typically on campus at the Southport delivery location (CBCI and GESS EDUCATION - Marine Parade). The full-time schedule allows international students to maintain the required student visa conditions. Classes may be held during the day; specific timetables are provided by Cairns Business College. Being a single qualification means students focus entirely on this Certificate III without additional bundled courses. The course is not available as a package with other qualifications.
Tuition fee for Certificate III in Individual Support is A$16,000 (indicative). Non-tuition fees, which may include enrolment, materials, and administration, are A$4,000. The estimated total fee is A$20,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the Student visa application charge. For current fees and any updates, always check the Cairns Business College website at www.cbcaustralia.com. Living costs on the Gold Coast (where Southport is located) are approximately A$500–650 per week for rent, groceries, and transport (indicative).
International students typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) to enter this course. The minimum academic requirement is completion of Year 12 or equivalent, as the course is at AQF Level 3. Some providers may also require prior study in a related field or work experience. Foundation or pathway options are not included, but Cairns Business College may offer bridging programs – refer to the provider directly for specific entry conditions. All applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the Student visa. English language evidence can also be from PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge exams. Always confirm with the institution.
This course has no work component. It does not include mandatory placement or work experience. However, students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. The absence of a work component means students focus solely on academic study, but they may still seek casual employment in the aged care sector. Note that some similar courses require placement; this one does not.
Certificate III in Individual Support is delivered in Southport, Queensland, at CBCI and GESS EDUCATION, located at Marine Parade. Southport is a major suburb of the Gold Coast, a city with over 600,000 residents and a large international student population. The Gold Coast has more than 40 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a wide range of courses. The campus is accessible via public transport (bus and light rail), with Southport being a hub for students. Gold Coast living costs are around $500–650 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. The area offers many part-time job opportunities in hospitality and retail.
International students enroling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study in a CRICOS-registered course, work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term (unlimited during breaks), and dependant accompaniment. Applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, provide evidence of financial capacity (tuition, OSHC, living costs), and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The visa application charge is currently AUD 1,600 (subject to change). It's crucial to apply only after receiving a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). For visa guidance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses.
Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Care for the Aged), and location (Gold Coast/Queensland) to find courses like this one. Step 2: Apply directly to Cairns Business College – Review entry requirements, submit academic transcripts and English test results, and meet application deadlines. The provider will assess your eligibility. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, the college issues a CoE. Then lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including OSHC and GTE evidence.
Southport is the main centre of the Gold Coast, known for its beaches, student lifestyle, and growing aged care sector. With over 40 registered providers, it's a strong city for VET study. Weekly rent for shared accommodation averages $250–350, and public transport is efficient. The local economy offers many casual jobs, especially in hospitality. However, if you prefer a quieter setting, consider other Queensland cities like Cairns (which has fewer providers but lower cost of living). Southport's campus location near Marine Parade is close to shopping and transport. Weigh your preferences against the course's focus on aged care – the Gold Coast has a high demand for aged care workers.
Start your research on Certificate III in Individual Support at Cairns Business College by visiting the provider’s website or exploring other aged care courses on HeadStart Academy.
Certificate III in Individual Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Cairns Business College Limited. 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.