Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS course code 116577F) is a Certificate IV delivered by BCA Education Group Pty Ltd over 46 weeks (~11 months). This course is designed for international students seeking to enter the growing aged care sector in Australia. Graduates are equipped with the skills to provide person-centred support to older people in residential and community settings. As a VET qualification (CHC43015), it meets Australian industry standards. The course is CRICOS-registered (providers are registered with the Australian Government to enrol international students, ensuring quality and ESOS Act protections). BCA Education Group Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04271M) delivers this course at its campus in Burwood, New South Wales — a convenient inner-west suburb of Sydney. With Australia's population ageing, there is high demand for qualified aged care workers. This course offers a pathway to employment or further study in human welfare. All data on HeadStart Academy is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. Continue reading for full details on fees, entry requirements, and how to apply for your student visa.
The Certificate IV in Ageing Support falls under the field of Human Welfare Studies and Services (090507 - Care for the Aged), which is part of the broader Society and Culture discipline. Students in this level typically learn to deliver high-quality, person-centred care to older people, respecting their dignity, culture, and choices. Topics include supporting independence and wellbeing, understanding the ageing process, communication strategies, legal and ethical considerations, and providing care for people with dementia or other complex needs. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for roles such as aged care workers, personal care assistants, or community support workers. This qualification also provides a solid foundation for further studies in community services, nursing, or allied health. The curriculum aligns with the CHC43015 national training package, ensuring consistency across Australian VET providers.
The Certificate IV in Ageing Support is delivered over 46 weeks (~11 months) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification course, not part of a dual or packaged program. Students are expected to commit to around 20 hours of class or supervised study per week, plus self-directed learning. This structure meets the requirements for a student visa (Subclass 500), which typically requires full-time enrolment. The course duration is fixed at 46 weeks as per the CRICOS register. BCA Education Group may offer multiple intake dates throughout the year; check directly with the provider for start dates. Studying at a CRICOS-registered institution means you are protected by the ESOS Act, which ensures course quality and consumer rights for international students.
Tuition fees for this course are set by BCA Education Group Pty Ltd. According to the CRICOS register, the indicative tuition fee is A$14,000, with no non-tuition fees listed (A$0). The estimated total course cost is therefore A$14,000. Please note: This amount does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. OSHC is compulsory for international students and typically costs between A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Sydney are estimated at A$25,000–A$30,000 per year (including accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses). Fees are indicative and subject to change – always confirm current fees directly with BCA Education Group before applying. Visit their official website for the most up-to-date fee schedule.
International students must meet both academic and English language requirements. For this Certificate IV level, a typical entry requirement is completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification. The CRICOS register indicates an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) is expected. Some students may enter after completing a Certificate III in Individual Support. BCA Education Group may also have age and work experience criteria. If you do not meet direct entry requirements, pathway options such as foundation studies or English language courses may be available – contact the provider for details. Always check the exact entry requirements on the provider's website, as they can change. For visa purposes, you must also demonstrate Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) compliance and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component: 6 weeks of industry placement, with 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 120 hours. This is a key feature of VET qualifications in aged care, providing real-world experience in residential or community aged care settings. Under supervision, you will apply your skills in personal care, communication, and support while building professional networks. The placement helps you meet the assessment requirements of the CHC43015 training package and is essential for graduation. BCA Education Group will arrange or assist with finding a suitable host organisation. Your visa (Subclass 500) permits work during study, but this placement is part of your course, so it counts towards your study hours. It also gives you an edge when seeking post-study employment.
The course is delivered at BCA Education Group's campus located at 14 Railway Parade, Burwood, NSW 2134. Burwood is a vibrant suburb in Sydney's inner west, approximately 12 km from the city centre. The campus is conveniently close to Burwood Railway Station, with frequent trains to Central Station (about 15 minutes). The area is popular with international students due to its diverse community, shopping centres, and affordable housing options compared to the CBD. Sydney has one of the largest international student populations in Australia, with over 150,000 students and numerous CRICOS-registered providers. Indicative weekly living costs in Sydney: shared rent A$300–$500, groceries A$80–$150, public transport A$40–$50. Studying in a metropolitan area provides access to a wide range of aged care facilities for work placements and employment opportunities.
International students enrolled in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC), English proficiency evidence, and a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from BCA Education Group. With a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. All courses offered by CRICOS-registered providers (like this one) are covered by the ESOS Act, which protects your rights as an international student. Note: HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent. For personalised visa advice, consult a registered Migration Agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Applying is a straightforward three-step process. Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers – use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate IV), field (Aged Care), and city (Burwood). Compare your options. Step 2: Apply directly to BCA Education Group Pty Ltd – visit their official website to check entry requirements (including English test scores), submit academic transcripts, and meet any application deadlines. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Use the CoE to lodge your visa application online via the Department of Home Affairs. Remember to arrange OSHC health cover and prepare your GTE statement. Start your study journey in Australia with confidence.
Burwood offers a balanced lifestyle for international students. Located in Sydney's inner west, it combines suburban comfort with easy access to the city. The area is home to a diverse population and has many Asian restaurants, supermarkets, and cultural facilities. Public transport is excellent: trains run frequently to Central, and buses connect to universities like the University of Sydney, UTS, and Western Sydney University. Living costs are moderate for Sydney – expect to pay around A$300–A$500 per week for shared accommodation (less than in the CBD). The suburb has several CRICOS-registered colleges, making it a study hub. For aged care students, the proximity to numerous aged care homes in Sydney means ample placement and job opportunities. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences; Burwood is a great choice for those who want to study in a lively yet affordable environment.
Find more aged care courses on HeadStart Academy and start your journey in Australia.
Certificate IV in Ageing Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at BCA Education Group 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.