Certificate III in Animal Care Services (CRICOS course code 119705A) is a Certificate III delivered by Australian College of International Studies Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is designed for students who want to work in the animal care industry, covering areas such as animal health, behaviour, handling, and welfare. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03781G), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. Located in North Sydney, this course offers a pathway to roles in animal shelters, pet shops, grooming services, and veterinary practices. With an estimated total cost of A$8,500, it provides an affordable entry point into Australia's growing veterinary studies field. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) sources all data from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026, ensuring you have reliable information to plan your study journey.
The Certificate III in Animal Care Services falls under the field of education 'Veterinary Studies, n.e.c.' (code 061199). At AQF Level 3, students develop foundational skills in animal care, including feeding, grooming, health monitoring, and safe handling of animals. The course typically covers canine and feline behaviour, basic first aid, animal nutrition, and infection control. While the exact syllabus is set by Australian College of International Studies, graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in animal care facilities. This qualification is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework and is listed on CRICOS with the VET national code ACM30122. Students gain practical skills aligned with industry standards, making them job-ready in a sector that supports Australia's pet ownership culture and animal services industry.
The course duration is 1 year, equivalent to 52 weeks on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English, and it is a single qualification with no dual or foundation study component. Students attend classes at the ACIS campus in North Sydney. The full-time nature of the course meets student visa requirements, allowing students to balance study with part-time work under standard visa conditions. As a single qualification, students focus solely on completing this certificate before progressing to higher levels or employment.
Indicative fees as listed on the CRICOS register are: tuition A$8,000, non-tuition fees A$500, total estimated cost A$8,500. These fees are set by Australian College of International Studies and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider at www.acis.edu.au. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$400–500 per week in Sydney for rent, food, and transport), and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for the main applicant). HeadStart Academy provides these figures as a guide only; actual costs vary.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent English test). Prior qualifications expected for this Certificate III level: completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Some providers may require basic literacy and numeracy assessments. For specific prerequisites, refer to Australian College of International Studies. Foundation or pathway options are not included with this course; contact the provider for alternative entry pathways. Note: meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission—apply directly for assessment.
This course has no work component. It does not include a mandatory work placement or internship. However, during your studies on a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This work is separate from the course and not assessed.
The course is delivered at ACIS - Level 4, 213 Miller St, NORTH SYDNEY, NSW. North Sydney is a major commercial hub with excellent transport links, just 3 km from Sydney's CBD. The area has a high concentration of international students and many part-time job opportunities. Sydney itself has over 100 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Living in North Sydney gives students easy access to public transport (train, bus, ferry) and amenities. The campus is in a modern office building with classrooms and student facilities. For more location-specific advice, see our guide to studying in NSW.
To study this course you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity (tuition plus living costs plus OSHC), English proficiency (IELTS 5.0–5.5 or equivalent), and health insurance (OSHC). As an international student, you can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited during scheduled breaks. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protects your rights, including tuition fee refunds under certain conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for visa advice consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Sydney is Australia's most populous city with a diverse international student community. Over 200,000 international students study in NSW, with many choosing Sydney for its world-class institutions and vibrant lifestyle. Indicative living costs: shared accommodation A$250–400 per week, groceries A$60–100 per week, transport A$40–60 per week. While Sydney can be expensive, part-time work opportunities are abundant in hospitality, retail, and administration. The city also offers excellent healthcare, multicultural communities, and easy access to beaches and national parks. For animal care students, Sydney has numerous animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and wildlife parks that may offer volunteering opportunities. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences when deciding.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Animal Care Services at Australian College of International Studies: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers like ACIS. Check course details, entry requirements, and fees. Compare with other providers using HeadStart Academy's search tools. 2) Apply directly to Australian College of International Studies. Submit your academic transcripts, English test results, and any required documents. Meet application deadlines and pay any application fee. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Use your CoE to lodge a visa application, including evidence of financial capacity and OSHC. Once approved, book your travel and prepare for your studies in Australia.
1) How much does Certificate III in Animal Care Services cost at Australian College of International Studies? Indicative total is A$8,500 (tuition A$8,000 + non-tuition A$500). Fees are subject to change; confirm with ACIS. 2) How long is Certificate III in Animal Care Services? The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) of full-time study. 3) What are the entry requirements for Certificate III in Animal Care Services? IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall, plus completion of Year 10 or equivalent. Check with ACIS for specifics. 4) Where is Certificate III in Animal Care Services delivered? At ACIS, Level 4, 213 Miller St, North Sydney, NSW.
Ready to apply? Start by researching CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy, then apply directly to Australian College of International Studies.
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Certificate III in Animal Care Services is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian College of International Studies 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.