Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 115590F) is a Certificate III delivered by Shafston International Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is designed for international students seeking a career in aged care, disability support, or home and community care in Australia. It provides foundational skills to deliver person-centred support, aligned with the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (090507 - Care for the Aged). Shafston International Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03917H) is a private provider offering this course at multiple locations in Queensland, including Southport and Kangaroo Point. Indicative total fees are A$10,800, including a work component of 14 weeks. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment.
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Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS 115590F) sits at AQF Level 3 in the field of Society and Culture, specifically in Human Welfare Studies and Services (Care for the Aged). Graduates typically learn to provide individualised support to older people or those with disabilities, working under supervision in residential aged care, home care, or community settings. The course covers practical skills such as personal care, communication, legal and ethical considerations, and supporting independence. It is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies) and is delivered entirely in English. This course is ideal for students aiming to enter Australia's growing aged care sector, with a strong emphasis on work-integrated learning through a compulsory placement.
Students in this course engage with topics like person-centred care, health and safety, infection control, and supporting clients with dementia or mental health needs. While HeadStart Academy does not provide the specific syllabus, the field of education indicates a focus on practical, hands-on training aligned with national competency standards (VET national code CHC33021). Graduates emerge with the skills to assess client needs, implement care plans, and work effectively in diverse care environments. The course also includes units on communication, cultural safety, and working with families. These competencies are directly applicable to roles such as personal care assistant, community support worker, or aged care worker in Australia.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register). All instruction is in English, and there is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. Students attend classes full-time, with a mix of classroom learning and supervised work placement. The structured timeline allows international students to meet visa requirements while gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Shafston International Pty Ltd ensures the course is delivered in line with ESOS Act protections, including the need for a documented learning plan and access to student support services.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Individual Support is A$10,000, with non-tuition fees of A$800, bringing the estimated total to A$10,800. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the provider. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent, food, transport), and the student visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for all international students on a Subclass 500 visa and typically costs between A$500 and A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs vary by location; in Gold Coast, weekly expenses for a single student may range from A$300 to A$500 for accommodation, groceries, and transport. Always confirm current fees directly with Shafston International Pty Ltd before applying.
Entry requirements for this course are set by the provider. As a general guide, international students need an IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent) as per typical requirements for Certificate III level. Prior qualifications expected include completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Some students may need to complete a foundation or pathway program if they do not meet academic or English prerequisites. Contact Shafston International Pty Ltd directly for specific entry criteria, as these can vary. All international applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 14 weeks at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 280 hours. This work-integrated learning takes the form of an industry placement in an aged care facility, disability service, or community care setting. The placement allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments under supervision, building confidence and professional skills. It also provides valuable Australian work experience, which can enhance employability after graduation. The placement is arranged by the provider and is an integral part of the course curriculum, ensuring compliance with VET quality frameworks.
Shafston International Pty Ltd delivers this course at four locations: 13 Nerang Street, Southport QLD 4215; 46 Thorn Street, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169; Gold Coast Shafston - 72 Nerang Street, Southport QLD 4215; and Shafston Gold Coast (also in Southport). These campuses are situated in the vibrant Gold Coast region and the Brisbane suburb of Kangaroo Point. Gold Coast is a major study destination with over 20,000 international students and numerous CRICOS-registered providers. The city offers a sunny lifestyle, affordable living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, and excellent public transport connecting campuses to accommodation and leisure. Kangaroo Point, near Brisbane CBD, provides urban convenience with riverside living. Both locations are well-served by buses, trains, and ferries, making commuting easy for students.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during academic terms, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Visa holders must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires students to demonstrate genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity must be shown to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents (if applicable). The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application individually. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered MARA migration agent for personalised visa advice.
The Gold Coast is home to over 20,000 international students and around 1,200 CRICOS-registered courses. Known for its beaches, theme parks, and warm climate, it offers a relaxed lifestyle with a lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne. Weekly rent for a share house can range from A$150 to A$250, while groceries and transport add about A$150–A$200. The city has a strong job market in hospitality, tourism, and aged care. Public transport includes buses, trams (G:link), and trains connecting to Brisbane. Studying here provides opportunities for work placements in local aged care facilities. Consider your preference for city vs. suburban living and access to support services when choosing this destination.
Follow these three steps to enrol in this course: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Care for the Aged), and location (Queensland). Compare providers and confirm Shafston International Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03917H) meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (English test scores, academic transcripts) and application deadlines. Submit your application through Shafston's online portal or agent network. Ensure all documents are certified and translated if needed. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Work with a MARA agent for complex cases.
Ready to enrol? Contact Shafston International Pty Ltd for the latest fees and intake dates, or use HeadStart Academy to explore more CRICOS-registered courses.
Certificate III in Individual Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Shafston International 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.