Certificate IV in Disability Support (CRICOS course code 116387A) is a Certificate IV delivered by Stirling Institute of Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is designed for individuals seeking to work in the disability support sector, providing person-centred care and assistance to people with disabilities. As an AQF Level 4 course, it builds on foundational skills and prepares graduates for roles such as disability support worker, community support worker, or residential care officer. The course is registered on the CRICOS register (provider CRICOS 03797M), ensuring it meets Australian Government standards for international students. With a tuition fee of A$11,750 and additional non-tuition fees of A$400, the estimated total cost is A$12,150. Delivered at Ground Floor, 99 Queens Bridge Street in Southbank, Victoria, this program offers a practical pathway into a growing field. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free resource to help you understand the course details, entry requirements, and application process.
Certificate IV in Disability Support (CRICOS 116387A) is an AQF Level 4 qualification in the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (090509). Delivered by Stirling Institute of Australia Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (03797M), this course runs for 52 weeks. Students learn how to support the independence and wellbeing of people with disabilities, following the national competency standards (CHC43121). The course does not include a mandatory work component, so students focus on classroom-based learning. All instruction is in English, and the program is a single qualification without dual or foundation studies options. This course is ideal for international students who want to enter Australia's disability sector, which offers strong job prospects due to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). As with all CRICOS-registered courses, ESOS Act protections apply, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
This Certificate IV covers topics in human welfare studies and services, specifically care for the disabled. Graduates typically learn to develop and implement person-centred support plans, advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, manage complex care needs, and work within legal and ethical frameworks. The curriculum includes units on communication, teamwork, safety, and disability-specific interventions. While this description provides general guidance, the exact syllabus is set by Stirling Institute of Australia. Prospective students should contact the provider for full details. The course aligns with the national VET qualification CHC43121, ensuring industry relevance.
The CRICOS register lists the duration as 1 year (52 weeks). Instruction is provided in English. This is a single qualification (no dual awards) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes at the Southbank campus. As a full-time course, it meets student visa requirements for study load. The provider may offer different study modes (e.g., face-to-face, online) – check with Stirling Institute for current delivery methods. Note that course duration may vary if you study part-time, but student visa conditions generally require full-time enrolment.
The indicative fees from the CRICOS register are: tuition A$11,750, non-tuition fees A$400, estimated total A$12,150. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and typically costs A$500–$700 per year. Living costs in Southbank/Melbourne are around A$500–$700 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Always confirm current fees directly with Stirling Institute of Australia before applying, as fees are set by the institution and subject to change.
For international students, the indicative English requirement is IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). Prior qualifications expected for Certificate IV level typically include completion of Year 12 or equivalent, or a Certificate III in a related field. Some providers may also require relevant work experience or a language assessment. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you don't meet the entry criteria – refer to Stirling Institute for details. Always verify specific entry requirements with the provider, as they are subject to change.
This course has no work component. According to the CRICOS register, it does not include mandatory work-based training. However, students may be able to undertake voluntary work or part-time employment subject to visa conditions. Note that the Student visa (Subclass 500) allows work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
The course is delivered at Ground Floor, 99 Queens Bridge Street, SOUTHBANK, VIC. Southbank is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Melbourne, known for its arts precinct, restaurants, and proximity to the CBD. The campus is well-served by public transport, including trams and trains. Melbourne hosts over 150 CRICOS-registered providers, making it a popular destination for international students. Living costs in Melbourne are generally higher than regional areas – budget around A$500–700 per week for rent, food, and transport. The city offers a multicultural environment with many support services for international students.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependants, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It is important to maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and comply with visa conditions. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.
Southbank offers a unique study environment with access to Melbourne's thriving disability sector. The area has strong public transport links to hospitals, community centres, and support organisations. Studying in Victoria gives you exposure to the NDIS, which drives demand for qualified disability support workers. Melbourne has over 150 registered providers across all study levels, so you'll be part of a large international student community. Consider your budget: the cost of living in Melbourne is higher than regional areas but similar to other major Australian cities. Public transport concessions for students can help reduce costs. Always compare multiple providers to find the best fit for your career goals.
Follow these three steps to apply for this course at Stirling Institute of Australia: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city – ensure the provider is registered on CRICOS. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution. Check entry requirements, including English test scores and academic qualifications. Submit your application with required documents and meet deadlines. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once you have the CoE, lodge your visa application online, pay the fee, and arrange OSHC. For personalised visa guidance, contact a MARA-registered agent.
Ready to take the next step? Use the How to apply section above to start your journey with Stirling Institute of Australia.
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Certificate IV in Disability Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Stirling Institute of 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.