Aged Care Courses for International Students
Study to be an Aged-Care Worker in Australia
With nearly 1 in 4 Australians expected to be over the age of 65 within the next 30 years, it's not a surprise that aged-care is a growing industry.
Enhancing the day-to-day life of an elderly person is a very rewarding career in any country. This may involve working in a residential care facility (also known as an aged-care centre or nursing home), or in a home-care environment (the person's house). This allows for part-time or full-time employment. Aged-care workers can specialise in various needs, including caring for elderly people with dementia.
The industry is highly regulated by the Australian government, and there has recently been a wage increase for aged-care workers. According to Talent.com, in 2023 the average entry-level aged-care worker is earning $58,149/year.
Can I get skilled migration through aged care?: Be careful about incorrect information on getting skilled migration through the Certificate III in Individual Support. Read more on this situation
What aged-care courses can make me eligible for a student visa (subclass 500)?
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Aging) is the entry-level qualification to be an aged-care worker in Australia. The course is generally 9 to 12 months long.
Depending on the college & length of the course, tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $10,000.
In the course you will learn topics including:
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providing individualised support
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working with diverse people
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working legally and ethically
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safe work practices
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empowering people
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supporting people living with dementia
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infection prevention and control policies
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first-aid
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palliative-care approach services
To be eligible for the course, international students may be required to have:
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a National Police Clearance certificate
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evidence of Covid 19 vaccinations
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a medical clearance may also be requested
Certificate IV in Ageing Support
The next level of study is the Certificate IV in Aging Support, which can open up doors as an aged-care worker, client care advisor, community-care worker, coordinator, care-services team leader, or aged-care activity worker.
The course is generally 6 to 9 months long. The cost of tuition will vary from $6,000-$10,000, depending on the duration and education provider.
In the course, you will learn topics including:
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empowering older people
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intervening for older people at risk
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supporting people who live with dementia
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planning and implementing individual services
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fostering relationship families and carers
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working with diversity
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legal and ethical compliance
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using a palliative approach in delivering services
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developing networks
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creating collaborative partnerships
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understanding healthy body systems
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facilitating safe work practices
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assisting clients with their medication
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strategies to prevent falls
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working with people who have mental health issues
Can I get Permanent Residency through the Aged-Care Industry Labour Agreement?
In May 2023, the Australian government released the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement to deal with the shortage of workers in the industry. Be very careful when making a study decision based on this situation.
Many students are now enrolling in aged-care & disability courses hoping the qualification will serve as pathway to permanent residency through sponsorship. Thus, the competition will be increasing, making it harder to secure a sponsorship.
According to the Australian newspaper, as of Jan 5, 2024 only 155 people have been granted a visa through this program.
As of Jan 2024, only 34 centres had signed up to the agreement. Unless centres participate in the agreement, that sponsorship pathway is not available to its employees. Getting sponsored requires employees to be extremely good at their job. Aged care work is demanding; you have to be a very special person to be good at it.
Michal Sestak
Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0208424)
We recommend being very careful:
1. if you are changing courses to do this;
2. be aware of the quality of the education provider you are choosing for the course. Unfortunately, some colleges quickly launched courses because of this increase in demand.
Please consult with a migration professional if you are considering any future migration plans through this study field. We can recommend a good migration agent or lawyer if you do not know one.
Otherwise, please connect for a free consultation about study options or call 0410 878 810