Can International Students Study Aged Care in Australia? CRICOS Guide 2026
Published: October 6, 2026 | Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS Provider: 03540C) | Melbourne
Yes — international students can study aged care in Australia. Three CRICOS-registered aged care qualifications are available at Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS Provider: 03540C): CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS 115261A, 6 months), CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS 115262M, 12 months), and CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS 115263K, 18 months). This guide covers everything international students need to know — CRICOS registration, student visa requirements, work placement, and career outcomes.
What is CRICOS and why does it matter?
CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) is the Australian Government register that tracks all education providers and courses approved to enrol international students. Only CRICOS-registered courses can legally issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) — the mandatory document you need to apply for a student visa (subclass 500).
Clinton Institute's CRICOS provider code is 03540C. Always verify a course is CRICOS-registered before enrolling — non-CRICOS courses cannot support a student visa application, and studying at one could put your visa at risk.
What CRICOS-registered aged care courses are available?
Clinton Institute offers three CRICOS-registered aged care and community services qualifications for international students:
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support — CRICOS 115261A, 6 months. Entry-level aged care and disability support. Work placement with Opal Healthcare, Arcare, or Benetas.
- CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support — CRICOS 115262M, 12 months. Senior aged care roles, leadership, dementia care. Requires CHC33021 or equivalent entry.
- CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services — CRICOS 115263K, 18 months. Case management, program coordination, community services management. Requires Certificate IV or equivalent entry.
What visa do international students need?
International students need a student visa (subclass 500) to study a CRICOS course in Australia. To apply, you need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Clinton Institute. After the October 2 2026 visa reforms, students on visitor visas or working holiday visas (WHV) must apply from offshore for a new student visa. Students who still hold a valid student visa can lodge a subsequent student visa application from within Australia.
Check your current visa status on VEVO (visa entitlement verification online) at homeaffairs.gov.au before applying to Clinton Institute.
English language requirements for international students
International students need IELTS 5.5 overall (or equivalent) for student visa purposes. Clinton Institute may accept other approved English test scores including PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE). Contact the admissions team to confirm whether your English test result meets the requirement before submitting your application.
Work placement — is it included?
Yes. All three CRICOS-registered aged care courses at Clinton Institute include mandatory work placement — not self-arranged. Clinton Institute coordinates placements with Opal Healthcare, Arcare, and Benetas. Students gain supervised hands-on experience in residential aged care facilities across Melbourne. This placement counts toward your qualification and gives you real Australian industry experience to list on your resume.
Can international students work in aged care after graduating?
After completing CHC33021, CHC43015, or CHC52025 at Clinton Institute, international graduates may be eligible for a post-study work visa (subclass 485). The 485 visa duration depends on your qualification level and CRICOS study duration — Certificate IV and Diploma graduates may qualify for 2–3 years of post-study work rights in Australia.
Australia's aged care sector actively recruits qualified workers. Graduates with Australian qualifications and placement experience have a competitive advantage in the job market. Many international students in aged care courses work part-time during study (up to 48 hours per fortnight) and transition to full-time roles after graduation and post-study visa grant.
CRICOS Aged Care Courses — Clinton Institute 2026
| Course | Code | CRICOS | Duration | Min. Entry | Job Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in Individual Support | CHC33021 | 115261A | 6 months | Year 12 or Cert II | Aged Care Worker, Disability Support Worker |
| Certificate IV in Ageing Support | CHC43015 | 115262M | 12 months | CHC33021 or equivalent | Senior Aged Care Worker, Team Leader |
| Diploma of Community Services | CHC52025 | 115263K | 18 months | Cert IV or equivalent | Case Manager, Program Coordinator |
How do I apply as an international student?
Contact Clinton Institute directly: email admission@clinton.edu.au or call +61 3 8394 2064. Tell the admissions team you are an international student interested in aged care CRICOS courses. They will confirm your eligibility, issue a Letter of Offer and CoE once accepted, and guide you through the enrolment process.
International students can apply online or through an approved Clinton Institute education agent. Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS Provider: 03540C) is at Level 9, 313 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Monthly intakes are available for all three CRICOS-registered aged care courses.
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 (115263K)