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Aged Care & Disability Courses in Australia
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
The main aged care courses are the Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) and the Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC43015). Each requires at least 120 hours of work placement. Aged care is a growing field, but Aged or Disabled Carer (423111) is not on any skilled occupation list. Its main visa pathway is employer sponsorship under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, which uses the 482 and 186 visas and excludes the disability sector. Many students use aged care as a step towards a Diploma or Bachelor of Nursing.
Aged Care & Disability Courses at a Glance
| Qualifications | CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability); CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support |
|---|---|
| Work placement | At least 120 hours for each qualification |
| Typical length | Certificate III 1 to 2 years and Certificate IV 6 months to 2 years as CRICOS courses (AQF guide) |
| Visa pathway | Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (482 and 186 visas). Aged or Disabled Carer is not on the skilled occupation lists |
| Skills assessment | Community Work Australia assesses Aged or Disabled Carer for the labour agreement |
| Next steps | Diploma of Nursing or Bachelor of Nursing |
Course Options by Study Level
| Qualification | Level | Typical length | What it leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) | AQF 3 (VET) | 1 to 2 years | Personal care worker roles in aged care, home care or disability |
| Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC43015) | AQF 4 (VET) | 6 months to 2 years | Senior care worker and team leader roles in aged care |
The Visa Pathway for Aged Care Workers
Aged or Disabled Carer is not on the skilled occupation lists, so a Certificate III or IV in aged care does not lead to the 189, 190 or 491 visas or the vocational 485 stream. The main pathway is the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement: an approved aged care employer can sponsor workers on the Skills in Demand (482) visa, with a pathway to the Employer Nomination Scheme (186). The labour agreement covers aged care, not the disability sector. Community Work Australia assesses carers for this agreement.
Work Placement
Both qualifications require at least 120 hours of work placement in a real care setting. Ask your provider which aged care facilities it partners with and when placement happens in the course.
Moving Into Nursing
Many care workers go on to the Diploma of Nursing to become an Enrolled Nurse, or to a Bachelor of Nursing to become a Registered Nurse. Registered Nurse (Aged Care) is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. See our nursing courses page.
Careers and Skilled Occupation Lists
These occupations are linked to aged care and disability courses. List status is from our Occupation Finder data, checked 15 October 2026.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skilled lists (15 Oct 2026) | Skills assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aged or Disabled Carer | 423111 | Not on the skilled lists (Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement) | Community Work Australia |
| Disabilities Services Officer | 411712 | STSOL | Community Work Australia |
| Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | 254412 | MLTSSL, CSOL (needs a nursing degree) | ANMAC |
Lists: MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List), ROL (Regional Occupation List), CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List for the 482 and 186 visas). Check any occupation in our Occupation Finder.
How to Start
- Choose your course and levelTell us your previous study, English results, budget and career goal. We shortlist courses and providers that fit.
- Check the placement partnersAsk which aged care facilities the provider uses for your 120 hours of placement.
- Check the provider on CRICOSInternational students must study a course registered on CRICOS. The CRICOS duration also matters for the 485 visa, which needs at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia over at least 16 months.
- Apply and accept your offerApply with your documents, accept the offer, pay the deposit and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover. The provider then issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Apply for your Student visaLodge your Student visa (subclass 500) with evidence of funds, English and the Genuine Student requirement. Since 2 October 2026 most applicants must apply from outside Australia. See our Student visa guide.
How Aussie ASEAN Can Help
We compare aged care providers on placements, course length and progression into nursing, help with your application and Student visa, and our Registered Migration Agent can explain the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement and other options honestly before you enrol.
Free tools for students
Related courses and visas
Not sure which aged care course or provider suits your goals? Get free course advice, plus Student visa help from a Registered Migration Agent.
Get course adviceSources: CHC33021 on training.gov.au · CHC43015 on training.gov.au · Home Affairs industry labour agreements · Community Work Australia: ACILA occupations
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Can an aged care course lead to PR in Australia?
Not through the points-tested visas, because Aged or Disabled Carer is not on the skilled occupation lists. The main pathway is employer sponsorship under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, using the 482 visa and then the 186 visa.
How many placement hours are in the Certificate III in Individual Support?
At least 120 hours. The Certificate IV in Ageing Support also requires at least 120 hours.
What is the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement?
It is an agreement that lets approved aged care employers sponsor overseas workers for care roles that are not on the standard lists. It covers aged care, not the disability sector.
Who assesses aged care workers?
Community Work Australia assesses Aged or Disabled Carer for the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement.
Can I work in aged care while I study?
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks.
Should I study aged care or nursing?
Aged care is shorter and practical, but its migration pathway depends on employer sponsorship. Nursing takes longer but Registered Nurse is on the Medium and Long-term list. Many students start in aged care and move into nursing.
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