Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 119730M) is a Certificate III delivered by Menzies Institute of Technology Pty Ltd over 26 weeks (~6 months). This course qualifies you to provide person-centred support to individuals in aged care, home care, disability care, or community settings. It is an entry-level qualification for those seeking a rewarding career in the growing aged care sector in Australia. As a CRICOS-registered course (02815M), it meets the standards required for international students to obtain a Student visa (Subclass 500). The course combines theoretical learning with a mandatory work placement of 120 hours, giving you hands-on experience in real care environments. Whether you're new to the sector or upgrading your skills, this qualification is a solid foundation for roles such as personal care assistant, support worker, or community care worker. Menzies Institute of Technology, based in West Melbourne, delivers this course on-site at 4, 355 Spencer Street. With Australia's aged care workforce needing thousands of new workers each year, this qualification can open doors to employment across the country.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 119730M) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) qualification in the field of Society and Culture, specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services (Care for the Aged). It is delivered by Menzies Institute of Technology Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02815M), a private provider based in Melbourne, Victoria. The course runs for 26 weeks (26 weeks on the CRICOS register), with English as the language of instruction. This is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation studies program) and includes a mandatory work component. The total indicative fees are A$7,500 (tuition A$6,500 + non-tuition A$1,000), not including Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Menzies Institute of Technology is registered to deliver this course at its West Melbourne campus. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is one of them. As an international student, you are protected by the ESOS Act, which ensures the quality of education and consumer rights.
This course covers the knowledge and skills required to support individuals in aged care, home care, disability care, and community settings. Students learn to provide person-centred care, assist with daily living activities, support independence, and work effectively within a care team. Topics typically include legal and ethical considerations, communication strategies, infection control, manual handling, and individualised support planning. The course aligns with the national VET unit of competency CHC33021. Graduates are prepared to work in residential aged care facilities, community care, or in-home support. The curriculum balances theory with practical application, culminating in a work placement. Importantly, this qualification meets the requirements for entry-level roles in the aged care sector under the Australian Government's Aged Care Quality Standards.
The course duration is 26 weeks (~6 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time program delivered on campus. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification, meaning you focus solely on this certificate without concurrent foundation or dual studies. The study load typically involves around 20 hours of class per week, plus self-study and the work placement. The campus is located in West Melbourne, just minutes from the CBD, with excellent access to public transport (trains, trams, buses). Melbourne is home to over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering VET courses, making it a vibrant study destination with a student population of over 250,000. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$400–600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport, depending on your lifestyle.
The indicative fees for Certificate III in Individual Support at Menzies Institute of Technology Pty Ltd are as follows: Tuition fee A$6,500, non-tuition fee A$1,000 (which may include enrolment, materials, or assessment fees), making an estimated total of A$7,500. Please note: These fees are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by the institution and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with Menzies Institute of Technology at http://www.menzies.vic.edu.au. In addition to course fees, international students must budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which costs around A$500–700 per year for single cover. Living expenses (accommodation, food, transport) vary by city; in Melbourne, you may need approximately A$21,041 per year as a guide (excluding tuition). The Student visa application charge is currently A$1,600 (subject to change). These costs are separate from course fees.
Entry requirements for Certificate III in Individual Support are set by Menzies Institute of Technology. Typical expectations for Certificate III level include completion of Year 10 or equivalent in your home country. For international students, English language proficiency is required: a minimum IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) is often specified. Some providers may require a higher score. You should also have a genuine interest in caring for others. If you need to improve your English, many providers offer pathway programs. Contact Menzies Institute of Technology directly for exact entry requirements and any prerequisite units. Note that meeting entry requirements does not guarantee a visa; you must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and provide evidence of financial capacity. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 3 weeks at 40 hours per week (approximately 120 total hours). This is a structured industry placement (also called work-integrated learning) where you will work in an aged care facility, community care setting, or similar environment under supervision. The placement allows you to apply your classroom learning in a real workplace, develop practical skills, and build industry connections. It is a key part of the qualification and often leads to job offers after graduation. You are responsible for arranging your own transport to the placement site, and you must meet any additional requirements such as a police check or vaccination (if required by the host organisation). Menzies Institute of Technology will assist in finding suitable placements.
The course is delivered at Menzies Institute of Technology's campus located at 4, 355 Spencer Street, West Melbourne, VIC. West Melbourne is a central suburb adjacent to Melbourne's CBD, with easy access to public transport (Southern Cross Station is a 5-minute walk). The campus is well-served by trains, trams (routes 86, 96, 109), and buses. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, with a vibrant student community, diverse culture, and numerous student support services. The city has a wide range of accommodation options, from student apartments to shared houses. Living costs are higher than in regional areas but lower than Sydney. Melbourne's healthcare and aged care sector is strong, providing ample job opportunities for graduates.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia and work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). To apply, you must: have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Menzies Institute of Technology, meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, provide evidence of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.5 for packaged visas), show you have sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The visa application charge is currently A$1,600 (paid to the Department of Home Affairs). It is important to comply with visa conditions, such as maintaining enrolment and satisfactory course progress. For detailed visa guidance, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). Remember, HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Individual Support at Menzies Institute of Technology Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use the official CRICOS register (cricos.teqsa.gov.au) or HeadStart Academy to verify that Menzies Institute of Technology (02815M) is registered to offer this course. Filter by course level (Certificate III), field (aged care), and location (Melbourne). Compare course durations, fees, and work placement options.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Contact Menzies Institute of Technology via their website (http://www.menzies.vic.edu.au) or admissions office. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (if required), and a copy of your passport. Check application deadlines, which may be several months before the intake date. Some providers also require a resume or statement of purpose. Once accepted, you will receive a Letter of Offer.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: After accepting the offer and paying the required deposit, the institution will issue a CoE. Use this CoE to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and English proficiency. Wait for a visa decision before making travel arrangements.
Choosing a career in aged care can be deeply rewarding. Australia's population is aging, and demand for personal care workers is high. If you are empathetic, patient, and enjoy helping others, this field offers stable employment and opportunities for career progression (e.g., to Certificate IV in Aged Care or nursing). However, the work can be physically and emotionally demanding. Before committing, consider volunteering in an aged care facility or speaking with someone in the industry. Melbourne has a large aged care sector, with many facilities near the West Melbourne campus. Also, check that the course's work placement location is accessible. Remember, this qualification is a stepping stone; further study can lead to higher roles.
Ready to start your career in aged care? Contact Menzies Institute of Technology today to begin your application.
View the full Menzies Institute of Technology Pty Ltd profile →
Certificate III in Individual Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Menzies Institute of Technology 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.