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Introduction

Studying aged care courses in Australia opens up a world of opportunities in a growing and rewarding industry. With its high standards of healthcare and elderly care, Australia offers comprehensive and specialised programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to provide quality care to the elderly. Whether you’re an aspiring caregiver, support worker, or looking to advance your career in aged care management, Australia provides a supportive learning environment, practical training, and pathways to employment.  

Unlike many other courses that require a minimum study duration of two years for extended stay and migration in Australia, the aged care courses offer a unique advantage. You only need to complete a 6-month aged care course to unlock a pathway to work and migrate to this country. 

Contact our team at [email protected] or fill out the inquiry form to learn more. We will offer you free consultation and free application process.  

Why study aged care in Australia?

  • Ageing population: Australia, like many developed countries, has an ageing population. As people live longer, the demand for qualified professionals in aged care is increasing.  
  • Employment opportunities: The demand for aged care services in Australia is high, leading to a range of employment opportunities. By 2026, Australia needs 341,800 employees working in ageing care industry. By studying aged care, you can gain the qualifications and experience needed to work in various roles, such as aged care worker, personal care assistant, support worker, or aged care manager. 
  • International recognition: Australian qualifications in aged care are well-regarded globally. Studying aged care in Australia can provide you with internationally recognised certifications and degrees, increasing your employment prospects not only within Australia but also in other countries. 
  • Government support and funding: The Australian government provides financial support and funding for aged care education and training. This support can help reduce the financial burden of studying and make aged care education more accessible. 

What career outcomes after graduation from an aged care course?

  • Personal care assistant: Personal care assistants will provide one-on-one care and assistance to elderly individuals who prefer to receive care in their own homes. This role involves helping with personal hygiene, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and providing companionship. 
  • Aged care worker: Graduates can find employment as aged care workers in various settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, or home care agencies. They provide direct care and support to elderly individuals, assisting with daily activities, personal care, medication management, and emotional support. 
  • Residential care manager: With experience and further qualifications, graduates can progress to supervisory or managerial roles within residential care facilities. In these positions, they oversee the day-to-day operations, manage staff, ensure compliance with regulations, and coordinate resident care services. 
  • Specialist aged care: Specialist aged care refers to specialized roles within the field of aged care that focus on specific areas or populations. These roles require additional training, expertise, and knowledge to provide specialized care and support to older adults with specific needs. 

What aged care course are available for international students in Australia?

  • Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing): This course provides foundational training in aged care, covering topics such as personal care, safety procedures, communication skills, and supporting the well-being of older adults. It prepares students for entry-level roles in aged care facilities or home care settings. 
  • Certificate IV in Ageing Support: This course builds upon the skills gained in the Certificate III level and offers a more comprehensive understanding of aged care. Students learn about dementia care, providing support for complex needs, facilitating independence and well-being, and managing client care plans. It prepares students for roles with greater responsibilities in the aged care sector. 
  • Diploma of Community Services: The diploma level course offers advanced training in aged care, focusing on person-centred care, leadership skills, managing complex care needs, and developing and implementing care plans. This qualification prepares students for supervisory or management roles in the aged care industry. 

What are the entry requirements for international students to study aged care courses in Australia?

  • Academic Requirement: You are most likely to satisfy entry requirements for an aged care course. With Certificate III and Certificate IV, all you need is completing Year 10 or equivalent. For Diploma of Community Services, completing Year 12 or equivalent is required.   
  • English Requirement: For international students, you need to prove your English proficiency to study and work in Australia. Most schools require IELTS overall score of 5.5 with no sub-band below 5.0. If you do not have the English score required, the English pathway program is an option for you. Many schools offer English programs together with cookery courses. If you pass these English programs, you will be eligible for studying cookery courses.  

Have not met the entry requirement for aged care courses? Contact our team at [email protected] or fill out the inquiry form to get free consultation and advice! 

How much does it cost to study aged care courses in Australia?

The cost of studying aged care courses in Australia can vary depending on factors such as the institution, location, and duration of the course. 

  • Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing): Approximately AUD 5,000 to AUD 9,000 for the full course. 
  • Certificate IV in Ageing Support: Approximately AUD 5,000 to AUD 12,000 for the full course. 
  • Diploma of Community Services: Approximately AUD 8,000 to AUD 15,000 for the full course. 

However, the education providers usually offer the package that combines multiples of courses to reduce studying time and costs for international students. The common packages are (1) Cert III and Cert IV in Ageing Support, (2) Cert IV in Ageing Support and Diploma of Community Services, or (3) many students choose to study all the above courses because they can be equipped with comprehensive knowledge and skills required for aged care industry.  

Want to know which courses or which package best suit your circumstances? Contact us at [email protected] or +61 3003 1899, we will provide you with free consultation and free application process.  

Where can you study aged care courses in Australia?

Aged care courses are offered by various educational institutions across Australia, including TAFE, vocational education and training (VET) institutions, and private colleges. Here are some examples of institutions where you can study aged care courses in Australia: 

Each institution has different tuition fees and intake, contact our team at [email protected] or +61 3003 1899 to learn more. 

Migration to Australia after graduation from an aged care course – what is the pathway?

Step 1: Complete your course and Find an employer  

Due to the strong demand for healthcare professional in Australia, it is easy for you to find a job as a Personal Care Assistant, Aged or Disabled Carer or Nursing Support Worker after completing an aged care course (either Cert III or Cert IV in individual support). These occupations lie in the approved list for Employer Sponsor Visas, subclasses 482 and 186.   

It is noted that to prepare for migration pathway, you should find an employer who have an Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement with Australian Government and your employer must agree to sponsor for you to apply for visa 482.  

Step 2: Apply for 482 visa  

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is a sub-class of employer sponsored visas, which allows employers to address the labour shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers where they cannot find an appropriately skilled Australian. International workers can apply for a 482 visa only if they have an Australian sponsor who agrees to nominate them. Please bear in mind that your sponsored employer must have an Aged Care Industry labour agreement with Australian Government.  

A highlighted benefit of this visa is that TSS visa holders can work full-time as an aged care workers and have the chance to gain Permanent Residency after 2 years of working. 

Step 3: Apply for 186 visa  

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) 186 is a subclass of employer sponsored visas, which allows Australian employers to nominate skilled workers to work and stay permanently in Australia.  

After 2 years working for your sponsor, under visa 482, you are eligible to apply for a permanent visa 186. For other occupations, you must accumulate 3 years of working experience and obtain 6.0 IELTS to meet 186 visa requirements. However, for Aged Care Labour Industry Agreement, you only need 5.5 IELTS overall and 2 years of working experience. Australian Government has been opening a large door for aged care workers to migrate to this country. Don’t miss out this opportunity – Contact us today at [email protected] or +61 3003 1899 for free eligibility check.  

FAQs

How long do aged care courses typically take to complete?

The duration of aged care courses can vary depending on the institution and training program. Certificate III courses usually take around 6-12 months, Certificate IV courses may take 6-18 months, and Diploma courses can take 1-2 years.  

Are there practical placement requirements in aged care courses?

Yes, practical placement is often a requirement in aged care courses. Students are typically required to complete a certain number of hours in a real aged care setting to gain hands-on experience and apply their knowledge in a practical setting.  

Are there opportunities for further study or specialization after completing aged care courses?

Yes, there are opportunities for further study and specialization in aged care. Graduates can choose to pursue higher-level qualifications such as a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or enroll in postgraduate programs focusing on areas like dementia care, palliative care, or gerontology. 

What are the potential salary ranges for careers in aged care?

Salary ranges in aged care can vary depending on factors such as qualifications, experience, and location. Entry-level roles may earn $1,382 per week (according to Job and Skills Australia), while positions with more experience and higher qualifications like Residential Care Manager can earn up to $137,000 annually.  

Do I need to study aged care courses in regional areas to get a PR?

No, you can study aged care courses in any city or region in Australia. The requirement for getting a Australian PR is that you must have a employer who has a labour agreement with Australian Government and agrees to sponsor you.  

What is the English requirement for aged care workers to get 482 and 186 visas?

  • For visa 482, you only need IELTS overall 5.0 with no band score under 4.5, or equivalent.  
  • For visa 186, you must have IELTS overall 5.5 with no band score under 5.0, or equivalent.