Can International Students Work in Aged Care in Australia? Your 2026 Visa & Work Rights Guide

Published: 24 September 2026 | Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS Provider: 03540C) | International Student Guide

Yes — international students can work in aged care in Australia. With a valid student visa, CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, a cleared NDIS Worker Screening check, and current First Aid and CPR, you can work in one of Melbourne's highest-demand industries while you study. Here is the complete 2026 guide.

Can I Work in Aged Care on a Student Visa?

Yes. International students with a valid Australian student visa and work rights can work in aged care and disability support roles in Australia. The aged care sector is one of the most accessible industries for student visa holders because it does not require extensive prior experience — just the right qualification, a cleared NDIS Worker Screening check, and current First Aid and CPR certification.

The September 2026 changes to student visa settings did not remove the ability of student visa holders to work in aged care. The proposal to reduce work hours from 48 to 24 per fortnight during term was not adopted. Student visa work rights remain at 48 hours per fortnight during the course, with unlimited hours during official course breaks.

How Many Hours Can I Work?

Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their course term, with unlimited hours during official course breaks. The aged care sector's shift structure — including casual arrangements, morning and evening shifts, and weekend-only options — is particularly suited to students who need to fit work around their study schedule.

Many international students in aged care work Saturday and Sunday shifts, which fall within the 48-hour fortnight limit and offer the highest pay rates under the SCHADS Award.

What Qualification Do I Need?

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is the qualification most frequently listed in aged care and disability support job advertisements in Melbourne. It is the baseline standard for most aged care roles and is CRICOS-registered at Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS 03540C).

Clinton Institute can complete CHC33021 in as little as 13 weeks through accelerated study, meaning students can be qualified and job-ready in a single academic term. The course includes 120+ hours of mandatory supervised work placement in Melbourne aged care facilities — giving graduates both the qualification and the on-the-floor experience employers value.

What Checks and Certifications Do I Need?

Before starting work in aged care, three things are typically required:

1. NDIS Worker Screening check — apply via the NDIS Commission website ($50-$100, typically 1-2 weeks processing). This is mandatory for most disability support roles and increasingly required for aged care.
2. First Aid and CPR certification (HLTAID011) — a 1-day course, available through many providers for $80-$150. Renewal required every 3 years.
3. Police check — mandatory for most aged care and disability support roles. Clinton Institute's placement team guides students through the process.

How Much Can I Earn?

Disability support workers in Melbourne are covered by the SCHADS Award (MA000009). Casual rates under the 2026-27 Award:

The casual loading makes weekend shifts significantly more lucrative. Many international students work Saturday and Sunday shifts to maximise their earnings within the 48-hour fortnight limit.

Where Are the Jobs in Melbourne?

Melbourne's highest-demand aged care corridors for international students:

• Craigieburn (outer north): 986+ aged care listings — entry-level roles, ideal for graduates
• Dandenong (south-east): 921+ disability support listings — bilingual workers in particular demand
• Frankston (south): high aged care density, multicultural community
• Tarneit and Point Cook (western growth corridor): acute shortage, shortage premiums paid
• Cranbourne and Berwick (south-east growth corridor): rapid growth, high demand

Does the ASQA Freeze Affect Me?

No. The 12-month ASQA pause on new VET provider registrations (from May 2026) protects students rather than restricting them. Providers that are already CRICOS-registered — like Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS 03540C) — continue operating normally. Students who enrol with an already-registered provider are not affected by the freeze.

The pause means fewer new providers can enter the market during this period, reducing competition and protecting the value of qualifications from established, reputable providers. Clinton Institute has been CRICOS-registered throughout this period and continues to enrol students for all CRICOS-registered courses.

What September 2026 Changes Should I Know About?

Three September 2026 changes affect international students studying aged care:

1. IELTS requirement increased: From 5.5 to 6.0 for direct student visa applications. Clinton Institute's free 4-week English training helps students reach the required standard.
2. Visa hopping rules tightened: Students must now progress to a higher qualification level to extend their student visa. The correct progression is CHC33021 to CHC43015 to CHC52025 — not chaining courses at the same level.
3. Post-Graduate Work Stream age limit reduced: From 50 to 35 years. Students over 35 at the time of their post-study work application are no longer eligible under this stream.

Can Aged Care Studies Lead to a Work Visa or PR?

Completing a Diploma-level qualification (CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services) through a CRICOS-registered provider may contribute to post-study work visa eligibility under the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, subject to age (under 35 at application) and other Department of Home Affairs requirements.

Aged care qualifications are on Australia's skilled occupation list — graduates with relevant qualifications and work experience may also be eligible for skilled migration pathways. Clinton Institute's career advisors can provide general guidance, but students should consult a registered migration agent for advice specific to their individual circumstances.