Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 116890H) is a Certificate III delivered by Sterling International Training and Education Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course is designed for students aiming to work in residential care, community support, or home care settings in Australia. It provides foundational skills in person-centred support, communication, safety, and infection control. As a CRICOS-registered course at a private provider, it is available to international students and meets Australian quality standards under the ESOS Act. The program includes a mandatory work component and is delivered at the campus in Rouse Hill, NSW. Whether you are starting your career or seeking to formalise your experience, this qualification offers a pathway into Australia’s growing aged care and disability support sectors. HeadStart Academy provides this detailed page to help you understand the course structure, costs, and visa implications before you apply.
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Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS 116890H) is a nationally recognised vocational qualification at AQF Level 3. It falls under the field of education 090511 - Residential Client Care within Society and Culture. The course is delivered by Sterling International Training and Education Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 04282H). The duration is 53 weeks (1 year), taught in English. This is a single qualification with no dual or foundation study options. A work component of 5 weeks (200 hours) is included, providing practical industry placement experience. The course prepares graduates to support individuals with physical, mental, or age-related needs in residential or community settings. According to the CRICOS register as at April 2026, all data here is sourced from the official register. HeadStart Academy recommends verifying current fees and course availability directly with the provider at www.sterlinginternational.com.au.
This course covers the skills and knowledge required to provide individual support in residential care, home care, and community settings. Students learn about person-centred approaches, effective communication, infection control, safety procedures, and supporting independence. The curriculum aligns with the national VET competency standards under code CHC33021. While specific unit details should be confirmed with the provider, graduates typically gain competencies in supporting daily living tasks, assisting with personal care, and recognising and responding to changes in health status. The course emphasises ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, and legal responsibilities within the Australian care framework. This qualification is a common entry point for careers as personal care assistants, support workers, or community care workers.
The Certificate III in Individual Support has a stated duration of 53 weeks (1 year) on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time program delivered in English. It is a single qualification; no dual or foundation studies are combined. Classes are likely to be delivered on campus at the Rouse Hill location, with the work component integrated into the schedule. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa conditions. The course is designed to provide a solid foundation for employment or further study in the community services sector.
Course fees are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. For Certificate III in Individual Support at Sterling International Training and Education Pty Ltd, the indicative tuition fee is A$12,500. Non-tuition fees are approximately A$350. The estimated total is A$12,850. Please note that these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider at www.sterlinginternational.com.au. The table below summarises the fee breakdown.
For this level of study, international students are generally expected to have completed Year 12 or equivalent. The English language requirement is an IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent such as TOEFL or PTE). Students without formal qualifications may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Additional requirements may include a police check or working with children check due to the nature of the work placement. Specific entry criteria are set by the provider, so we recommend contacting Sterling International for detailed information. There are no foundation or pathway options listed for this course.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 5 weeks, totalling approximately 200 hours (40 hours per week). This is a work-integrated learning component such as an industry placement, internship, or clinical placement. Students will gain hands-on experience in a real care environment, applying the skills learned in class. Work placements are typically arranged by the provider in collaboration with aged care facilities, disability support organisations, or community care agencies. This component is critical for developing practical competence and may enhance employability after graduation. International students should note that placement hours count as part of course requirements and do not affect student work rights separately.
The Certificate III in Individual Support is delivered at 29 Main Street, ROUSE HILL NSW 2155, in the suburb of Rouse Hill, New South Wales. Rouse Hill is located in north-western Sydney, approximately 35 km from the CBD. The area is serviced by the Sydney Metro Northwest line, with Rouse Hill station nearby, providing access to trains and buses. The suburb has a growing student population and offers a range of affordable rental options. Indicative living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average: weekly rent for a studio or share house can range from A$250 to A$400, with additional costs for groceries and transport. Rouse Hill itself is a hub with shopping centres, cafes, and parks. Students looking for more affordable accommodation may consider neighbouring suburbs.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and maintaining adequate health insurance. Under current visa conditions, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The course’s CRICOS registration ensures it meets Australian standards for overseas students. The ESOS Act provides legal protections, including refund policies and course quality safeguards. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.
Applying for Certificate III in Individual Support at Sterling International Training and Education Pty Ltd involves three steps. First, research CRICOS-registered providers and filter by course level, field, and city to confirm this course suits your goals. Second, apply directly to the institution meeting entry requirements, including English test scores and academic qualifications, and adhere to application deadlines. Third, upon acceptance, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which you use to apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Ensure you have all required documents, including financial evidence and health insurance. HeadStart Academy is a free resource; we do not charge referral fees. Start your journey today.
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Certificate III in Individual Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sterling International Training and Education 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.