Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS course code 116280A) is a Certificate IV delivered by ADVANCE INSTITUTE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD over 24 weeks. This qualification prepares international students for a rewarding career in aged care, equipping them with skills to support older people in residential, community, or home settings. Graduates learn to assist with daily living activities, implement care plans, and work within legal and ethical frameworks. The course is registered on CRICOS, ensuring it meets Australian quality standards for international students. With a strong focus on practical training, students gain hands-on experience through a mandatory work component. Advance Institute Australia operates campuses in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, giving students flexibility in choosing their study location. The indicative fees total A$7,800, excluding health cover and living costs. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students are protected under the ESOS Act. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource to help you make informed decisions about studying in Australia.
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This Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS 116280A) is offered by ADVANCE INSTITUTE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (CRICOS 03964A), a private registered provider. The course is at AQF Level 4 and falls under the field of Society and Culture (090507 - Care for the Aged). It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The VET national code is CHC43015. The course is taught entirely in English and includes a work component of 6 weeks at 20 hours per week (approximately 120 total hours). Students can choose to study at one of three campuses: Adelaide (SA), Melbourne (VIC), or Surry Hills (NSW). Advance Institute Australia is a CRICOS-registered provider, meaning it meets Australian Government standards for delivering courses to international students.
The field of education for this course is 090507 - Care for the Aged, which focuses on human welfare studies and services related to elderly care. Students learn to provide person-centred support, assist with personal care, implement individualised care plans, and promote independence and wellbeing. The curriculum typically covers communication strategies, legal and ethical considerations, infection control, and working with diverse groups. Graduates are prepared for roles such as aged care worker, personal care assistant, or support worker in residential aged care facilities, community care, or home care settings. This qualification aligns with the nationally recognised training package CHC43015, ensuring consistency across Australia.
The course duration is 24 weeks of full-time study, as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English. It is a single qualification, meaning no dual award is offered. The course includes a mandatory work component: 6 weeks of industry placement at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 120 hours. This work-integrated learning component allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real aged care settings, gaining practical experience under supervision. The placement is an integral part of the course and is assessed as part of the qualification.
Indicative fees for Certificate IV in Ageing Support at Advance Institute Australia are: tuition A$7,000, non-tuition fees A$800, estimated total A$7,800. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the provider. Fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the student visa application charge. Students should budget separately for OSHC (approximately A$600–$800 per year for single cover), accommodation (weekly rent: Adelaide ~$300–$400, Melbourne ~$400–$500, Sydney ~$450–$600), groceries ($80–$150 per week), and transport ($30–$60 per week). Always confirm current fees directly with Advance Institute Australia before applying.
International students must meet English language proficiency requirements: IELTS overall band score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent). Applicants are expected to have completed Australian Year 12 or an equivalent secondary qualification from their home country. No foundation studies are offered as part of this course; students who need additional preparation should contact the provider for pathway options. All applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the student visa. Specific academic prerequisites may vary, so it is recommended to consult the provider's admissions team.
This course includes a mandatory work placement of 6 weeks, totalling 120 hours at 20 hours per week. This industry placement is a form of work-integrated learning where students gain hands-on experience in aged care facilities or community care settings. Under supervision, students may assist with daily living activities, observe care planning, and participate in team meetings. The placement is designed to bridge theory and practice, enhancing employability upon graduation. Advance Institute Australia assists with arranging placements, but students may also need to meet specific workplace requirements such as police checks or vaccinations.
Students can choose to study at one of three campuses: Adelaide Campus at 118 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000; Melbourne Campus at Level 4, 20 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000; or Sydney Campus at 410 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010. Each campus is centrally located with access to public transport. Adelaide offers a lower cost of living and a growing aged care sector. Melbourne is a cultural hub with diverse population and higher living costs. Sydney, Australia's largest city, has a strong job market but higher expenses. All campuses provide modern facilities and international student support services.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this CRICOS-registered course. Visa conditions include: 48 hours per fortnight work during study periods and unlimited work during scheduled breaks; maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa duration; and complying with the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Financial capacity must be demonstrated to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act provides legal protections, including tuition fee refund guarantees under certain conditions. For visa application assistance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate IV in Ageing Support at Advance Institute Australia:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that Advance Institute Australia (CRICOS 03964A) meets your needs.
2. **Apply directly to the institution** — Submit your application to Advance Institute Australia, meeting entry requirements (English test results, academic transcripts, and any other documents). Check application deadlines and start dates.
3. **Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa** — Once accepted, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
Choosing a campus location depends on your lifestyle and budget. Adelaide offers a more affordable cost of living and a relaxed pace, with weekly rent around $300–$400. The aged care sector is growing, and the city has a strong sense of community. Melbourne is a cultural and food hub, with higher rents ($400–$500/week) but excellent public transport and diverse opportunities. Sydney has the largest job market but is the most expensive ($450–$600/week rent). All three cities have well-established international student communities and support services. Consider your personal preferences and financial situation when deciding.
Ready to take the next step? Explore your options with HeadStart Academy and start your journey towards a rewarding career in aged care.
Certificate IV in Ageing Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at ADVANCE INSTITUTE 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.