Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS 03540C) offers CRICOS-registered aged care courses in Melbourne for international students: CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (from 13 weeks), CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support (52 weeks), and CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services (78 weeks). All three include mandatory supervised work placement with Arcare, Opal Healthcare, or Benetas — not self-arranged.
Why Australia's Aged Care Sector Needs You in 2026
Australia's aged care sector is facing a structural workforce shortage. The Australian Government projects 54,700 new aged care jobs nationally through 2030 (Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024). The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommended at least 17,000 additional workers. In FY25, the Government invested $39.2 billion in aged care — a 9.6% increase on the prior year (KPMG, 2026).
For international students in Melbourne, this translates to real employment opportunity. Aged care is one of the few sectors where qualified workers with a Certificate III or above are in consistent demand across residential care, home care, and community settings.
Ready to explore your options? Compare 3-month short courses in Australia for international students, 6-month courses, and 1-year programs — or jump straight to affordable aged care courses.
Why Study an Aged Care Course in Melbourne?
Melbourne is Australia's most diverse city and a established hub for healthcare training. International students choose Clinton Institute for aged care study because:
- CRICOS registered RTO — Clinton Institute (RTO ID: 41597, CRICOS Provider: 03540C) is approved to accept international students on student visas
- Nationally recognised qualifications — CHC33021, CHC43015, and CHC52025 are part of the CHC Community Services Training Package, recognised Australia-wide
- Work placement included — 120 hours for CHC33021 and CHC43015, 200 hours for CHC52025, supervised placement with Arcare, Opal Healthcare, or Benetas (not self-arranged)
- Fast-track options — CHC33021 can be completed in as little as 13 weeks
- Melbourne CBD location — Level 9, 313 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Career pathway support — structured progression from Certificate III → Certificate IV → Diploma
What Aged Care Courses Are Available at Clinton Institute?
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support
The foundation aged care qualification. Learn to provide individualised support to older people in residential aged care, home care, and community settings. Covers daily living support, health care assistance, emotional wellbeing, dementia care, and manual handling.
- Duration: 13 weeks (fast-track) or 28 weeks (standard)
- Intakes 2026: 5 January, 13 April, 20 July, 26 October
- Work placement: 120 hours compulsory supervised placement
- CRICOS: 115261A
- Included: Free 4-week English training (Clinton English, NEAS accredited)
View full CHC33021 course details →
CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support
Build on CHC33021 and develop leadership and care coordination skills. Covers advanced care planning, dementia care, mental health first aid, case coordination, and team supervision in aged care settings.
- Duration: 52 weeks
- Intakes 2026: 5 January, 16 February, 30 March, 15 June, 3 August, 14 September, 9 November
- Work placement: Compulsory supervised placement in registered aged care facilities
- CRICOS: 115262M
- Included: Free 4-week English training (Clinton English, NEAS accredited)
View full CHC43015 course details →
CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services
Opens pathways to case management, community care coordination, and supervisory roles in aged care, disability, and community services. Can also lead to university studies in social work or welfare.
- Duration: 78 weeks
- Intakes 2026: 5 January, 13 April, 20 July, 26 October
- Work placement: Compulsory supervised placement
- CRICOS: 118753A
View full CHC52025 course details →
What Will You Learn in an Aged Care Course at Clinton Institute?
Clinton Institute's aged care curriculum covers everything you need to work confidently in Australia's aged care sector from day one:
- Aged care legislation — older people's rights, duty of care, and mandatory reporting
- Personal care skills — bathing, dressing, nutrition support, and mobility assistance (taught in simulated care environments before placement)
- Dementia and mental health — supporting people with cognitive decline, behaviour change, and co-occurring mental health conditions
- Safe manual handling and infection control — meeting current NDIS Practice Standards (updated July 2026)
- Communication frameworks — working with clients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams
- Care planning and documentation — using the same software systems deployed in real Australian aged care facilities
Industry certifications included alongside your qualification: Manual Handling, First Aid (HLTAID011), Food Safety, NDIS Worker Orientation Module, and NDIS Worker Screening Check guidance.
"When we see graduates who have already completed placement hours in a real facility, they start with confidence. They understand the pace, the documentation, and how to work with residents. That shortens our onboarding significantly." — Aged Care Facility Manager, Melbourne
Industry Certifications Included With Your Aged Care Qualification
Alongside your CHC33021, CHC43015, or CHC52025 qualification, Clinton Institute includes industry-recognised certifications that employers actively look for:
- HLTAID011 — Provide First Aid (required for most aged care roles in Australia)
- Manual Handling (mandatory for all direct care workers under Safe Work Australia regulations)
- Food Safety (required when handling food in aged care settings)
- NDIS Worker Orientation Module (required for all workers under the NDIS Practice Standards, updated July 2026)
- NDIS Worker Screening Check guidance (national screening requirement for all aged care and disability support workers)
These certifications are included free with your enrolment at Clinton Institute. For a full list of included certifications and units, view the CHC33021 course details or the CHC43015 course page.
Aged Care Jobs in Melbourne After Qualification
Australia's aged care sector needs qualified workers more than ever. The Australian Government forecasts 54,700 new disability and aged care jobs nationally by 2030. Certificate III is now the minimum standard for most aged care roles, and employers increasingly prefer Certificate IV for senior and team leader positions.
Potential roles after each qualification:
- After CHC33021: Aged Care Worker, Disability Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant, Community Support Worker
- After CHC43015: Senior Aged Care Worker, Team Leader, Care Coordinator, Aged Care Team Leader
- After CHC52025: Case Manager, Program Coordinator, Community Services Manager, Support Services Supervisor
Aged Care Worker Salary Australia 2026
Under the Fair Work Commission SACS Award (MA000009), aged care worker pay in 2026 reflects the sector's increasing formal qualification requirements:
- Certificate III workers: approximately $27–$30 per hour (entry-level direct care)
- Certificate IV workers: approximately $30–$35 per hour (senior direct care roles)
- Team leaders and coordinators: approximately $38–$48 per hour
Salaries vary by employer, location (Melbourne vs regional), and award classification. For authoritative wage information, refer to the Fair Work Commission website. Note: student visa work rights are set by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, not the training provider.
Aged Care Work Placement — Arcare, Opal Healthcare & Benetas Melbourne
Clinton Institute arranges mandatory work placement with three of Melbourne's largest and most respected aged care providers — Arcare, Opal Healthcare, and Benetas. Placement is not self-arranged. This means:
- You don't need to find your own placement — Clinton Institute coordinates everything
- You gain consistent, supervised experience in real residential aged care facilities
- You build industry connections before you graduate
- Placement hours count toward your mandatory assessment requirements
Placement is a compulsory component of CHC33021, CHC43015, and CHC52025. Students complete placement hours alongside their theory study, applying classroom learning in live aged care environments.
Entry Requirements for Aged Care Courses at Clinton Institute
- CHC33021: Year 12 or equivalent, or a recognised Certificate II qualification; basic English reading and writing skills
- CHC43015: Completion of CHC33021 or an equivalent Certificate III in a related field
- CHC52025: Completion of a Certificate IV or equivalent in a related field
International students need IELTS 5.5 or equivalent for student visa purposes. Clinton Institute may accept other English test scores — contact the admissions team to confirm your eligibility before applying. Not sure which course suits your situation? Compare all 3-month short courses for international students in Australia or read our guide on transferring courses in Australia.
Can International Students Study Aged Care in Australia in 2026?
Yes. Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS Provider: 03540C) is a CRICOS-registered RTO approved to accept international students on student visas for all three aged care courses:
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support — CRICOS 115261A
- CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support — CRICOS 115262M
- CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services — CRICOS 118753A
All courses include mandatory supervised work placement, giving international students valuable Australian industry experience alongside their qualification. Student visa work rights (up to 48 hours per fortnight) are set by the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs — check current conditions there.
Aged Care Courses Comparison — Clinton Institute Melbourne 2026
| Qualification | Code | CRICOS | Duration | Placement | Job Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in Individual Support | CHC33021 | 115261A | 13–28 weeks | 120 hours (Arcare, Opal, Benetas) | Aged Care Worker, Disability Support Worker, PCA |
| Certificate IV in Ageing Support | CHC43015 | 115262M | 52 weeks | Compulsory supervised placement | Senior Aged Care Worker, Team Leader, Care Coordinator |
| Diploma of Community Services | CHC52025 | 118753A | 78 weeks | Compulsory supervised placement | Case Manager, Program Coordinator, Services Manager |
Read More: Aged Care Guides for International Students
- Aged Care Worker Salary Australia 2026 — Full Rate Guide
- Melbourne Aged Care Hiring Trends 2026
- Can International Students Study Aged Care in Australia? CRICOS Guide 2026
- How to Become an Aged Care Worker in Melbourne — Step by Step
- Aged Care Work Placement Checklist for Melbourne Students
- NDIS Changes and Your Aged Care Career Pathway 2026
- Help People Careers After Year 12 — Career Guide for School Leavers
How to Apply for an Aged Care Course at Clinton Institute
Apply online, by email, or through an approved Clinton Institute education agent:
- Online: clinton.edu.au/apply-to-study.html
- Email: admission@clinton.edu.au
- Phone: +61 3 8394 2064
- In person: Level 9, 313 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Monthly intakes are available for all three CRICOS-registered aged care courses. Early application is recommended as places are limited per intake. You can also learn about transferring to Clinton Institute from another provider.
"The aged care sector needs workers who combine formal qualifications with real placement experience. At Clinton Institute, students graduate with both — they know the NDIS Practice Standards, they can document care plans, and they've already spent 120+ hours in a real facility."
— Laiju Thomas, Certificate IV Trainer and Assessor, Clinton Institute (RTO 41597)
Clinton Institute — RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider: 03540C
Level 9, 313 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 3 8394 2064 | Email: admission@clinton.edu.au
CRICOS courses: CHC33021 (115261A) · CHC43015 (115262M) · CHC52025 (118753A)