Clinton Institute
Published: July 29, 2026 | Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS Provider: 03540C) | Melbourne
To become an aged care worker in Australia in 2026, you need a nationally recognised qualification — CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is the minimum requirement. Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS Provider: 03540C) offers CHC33021 (6 months) and CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support (12 months), both CRICOS-registered for international students with mandatory work placement at Opal Healthcare, Arcare, or Benetas.
The minimum qualification is CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support — this is the foundation aged care qualification in Australia. It takes 6 months, covers person-centred support, dementia care, human rights, and safe work practices, and includes mandatory work placement in a residential aged care facility.
CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support builds on CHC33021 and opens team leader and senior care roles. Both qualifications are nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and are CRICOS-registered for international students at Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS 03540C).
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support takes 6 months of full-time study. CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support takes 12 months if studied after completing CHC33021. A complete pathway from no qualification to Certificate IV takes approximately 18 months. Fast-track intake options may be available — contact Clinton Institute to discuss accelerated study timelines for your intake.
Yes. Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS Provider: 03540C) accepts international students on student visas for both CRICOS-registered aged care courses: CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS 115261A) and CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS 115262M).
Both courses include mandatory work placement in Australian aged care facilities, giving international students valuable local industry experience alongside their qualification. Student visa work rights and conditions are set by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs — check current conditions before applying.
Clinton Institute arranges mandatory work placement with three of Melbourne's largest aged care providers: Opal Healthcare, Arcare, and Benetas. Students are placed in residential aged care facilities across Melbourne. Placement is not self-arranged — Clinton Institute coordinates all placements to ensure students gain consistent, supervised experience in real aged care environments.
Work placement is a mandatory component of both CHC33021 and CHC43015. Students complete placement hours alongside their classroom learning, applying theoretical knowledge in supervised practical settings that meet CHC training package requirements.
Under the Fair Work Commission SACS Award (MA000009), aged care workers earn approximately $27-$35 per hour in 2026 depending on qualification level, experience, and award classification. Certificate III qualified workers earn $27-$30 per hour. Certificate IV workers earn $30-$35 per hour. Team leaders and care coordinators earn $38-$48 per hour.
Salaries vary by employer, location, and whether the role is in residential aged care, home care, or community services. The Fair Work Commission website (fwc.gov.au) has authoritative, up-to-date wage information for all award classifications.
Aged care workers provide personal care and support to older people in residential aged care facilities, home care settings, or community programs. Day-to-day tasks include assisting with bathing, dressing, meals, medication reminders, mobility, and social activities.
Workers follow individualised care plans, report changes in client health to registered nurses, and maintain accurate care documentation. The role requires patience, empathy, strong communication skills, and genuine interest in supporting older people's dignity and wellbeing. Criminal record checks (Working with Children and National Police Check) are standard requirements.
Yes. Australia's aged care sector faces a structural workforce shortage. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommended an additional 17,000 workers. The Australian Government's National Jobs and Skills Council forecasts 54,700 new disability and aged care jobs nationally by 2030.
Currently 1 in 6 Australians is aged over 65, projected to reach 1 in 4 by 2040. Certificate III is now the minimum standard for most aged care roles — qualification level directly affects both employment competitiveness and salary progression.
For CHC33021 Certificate III: completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, or a recognised Certificate II qualification or relevant prior learning. For CHC43015 Certificate IV: completion of CHC33021 or an equivalent Certificate III in a related field.
International students need an IELTS 5.5 or equivalent for student visa purposes. Clinton Institute may accept other English test scores — contact the admissions team at admission@clinton.edu.au or +61 3 8394 2064 to confirm your eligibility before applying.
After CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support: Aged Care Worker, Disability Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant, or Community Support Worker in residential aged care, home care, or community services. After CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support: Senior Aged Care Worker, Team Leader, Care Coordinator, or Aged Care Team Leader.
The aged care sector is one of Australia's fastest-growing employment sectors. Qualification level directly affects career progression — workers with Certificate IV consistently advance faster and earn higher wages than those with Certificate III alone.
Apply online at clinton.edu.au or contact Clinton Institute directly: email admission@clinton.edu.au or call +61 3 8394 2064. International students can apply through the online portal or via 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 both CHC33021 and CHC43015. Early application is recommended as places are limited per intake.
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)
"The key to succeeding as an aged care worker is genuine empathy combined with solid qualifications. Clinton Institute students don't just learn theory — they gain real placement experience in Melbourne's best aged care facilities, which is what employers actually value."
— Laiju Thomas, Certificate IV Trainer and Assessor, Clinton Institute
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