The CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support is a nationally recognised AQF Level 4 qualification that reflects the role of aged care support workers who complete specialised tasks across residential, home care, and community-based aged care services. It is the key qualification for roles including Personal Care Worker, Care Service Team Leader, and Care Supervisor in aged care facilities across Australia.

At WMIT (West Melbourne Institute of Technology), this aged care course in Melbourne is CRICOS-registered under code 102985E, making it fully approved for international students studying on an Australian Student Visa. It is delivered face-to-face at WMIT's campus at Level 10, 474 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000 — in the heart of the Melbourne CBD.

WMIT's entry requirements for the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support Melbourne are:

• Be 18 years or older at commencement
• Hold a Certificate III in EAL or an Academic IELTS band score of 6.0 (or equivalent — PTE, TOEFL, CAE accepted)
• Completion of the equivalent of Australian Year 11 from an English-speaking country, OR completion of any Australian AQF Certificate III or higher
• Basic computer skills — Microsoft Word and internet research ability

All students complete an LLN (Language, Literacy and Numeracy) assessment at orientation to identify support needs. Prior to commencing work placement, students must also obtain a National Police Clearance. No prior aged care experience is required to enrol — this course is open to students entering the aged care sector for the first time.

The Certificate IV in Ageing Support in Melbourne at WMIT is delivered over 60 weeks total, structured as:

• 40 weeks of face-to-face classroom delivery at 20 hours per week
• 8 weeks of supervised work placement in a regulated Australian aged care centre (minimum 120 hours)
• 12 weeks of scheduled holidays

Training is delivered face-to-face at Level 10, 474 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000. Class sessions combine practical and theoretical components, with workplace scenarios regularly simulated and used to conduct skills-based assessments. International students must attend all scheduled classes to comply with their Student Visa attendance conditions. All Learner Guides are included in course fees.

Graduates of the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support at WMIT are qualified for a range of roles across residential, community, and home-based aged care settings, including:

• Personal Care Worker — providing direct personal support to older people in residential or home care settings (salary: $50,000–$60,000)
• Care Service Team Leader — leading a team of care workers and coordinating service delivery (salary: $58,000–$68,000)
• Care Supervisor (Aged Care) — supervising care staff and overseeing quality of individual care plans (salary: $60,000–$72,000)
• Aged Care Activity Worker — designing and facilitating lifestyle and wellbeing activities for older residents
• Dementia Support Worker — providing specialised care for older people living with dementia using person-centred approaches

Award wages for aged care workers in Australia were significantly increased in 2025, with new rates of $31.13–$34.59 per hour, making aged care one of the most competitive entry-to-mid-level care sectors in Melbourne.

Aged care is one of Australia's most accessible Permanent Residency (PR) pathways in 2025–26. The Australian Government has introduced a dedicated Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, creating a streamlined employer-sponsored route specifically for direct care workers. Here is how the pathway works for Certificate IV graduates:

• Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) — Employer-sponsored temporary visa allowing qualified aged care workers to live and work in Australia. Requires at least 12 months of relevant work experience and a minimum salary of $51,222 per year
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) — After 2 years of full-time direct care work with a sponsoring aged care employer, workers can apply for permanent residency. The two years of experience does not need to be with the same employer
• Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491 → 191) — Working in regional areas of Australia can accelerate PR processing and provide additional migration points

As of 2025, 13 approved aged care facilities hold active Labour Agreements with priority visa processing. Progressing from the Certificate IV to the Diploma of Community Services at WMIT further strengthens your qualification profile and PR eligibility. Always consult a registered MARA migration agent for personalised PR advice. Contact WMIT at info@wmit.edu.au or +61 3 9131 8789 for course enquiries.

Yes. The CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support at WMIT includes dedicated training in two of the most critical specialisations in Australian aged care:

• Dementia Care (CHCAGE005 — Provide support to people living with dementia) — Students learn person-centred approaches to supporting older people with dementia, including behavioural support strategies, communication techniques, and working with families and carers. Dementia care skills are among the most in-demand competencies sought by aged care employers across Melbourne
• Palliative Approach to Care (CHCPAL001 — Deliver care services using a palliative approach) — Students develop the skills to provide compassionate, person-centred care for older people nearing end of life, including physical comfort, emotional support, and communication with families

Both units are core requirements of the CHC43015 qualification and are assessed through a combination of written questions, case studies, role plays, and supervised workplace observation during the 120-hour placement component.

The complete fee breakdown for the Certificate IV in Ageing Support Melbourne at WMIT is:

• Total Tuition Fee: $13,750.00
• Admission (Enrolment) Fee: $250.00 (non-refundable, payable before commencement)

Tuition is paid in 4 equal instalments before the start of each term. The tuition fee includes all training, assessment, required resources, and textbooks. Additional costs such as document copies ($50 per document, $70 express post), printing (15c/page on campus), and USB drives for assessment submission may also apply. For RPL applicants: Application Fee $250 plus $400 per unit of competency. Nationally Recognised Training does not incur GST. Please refer to the WMIT Student Handbook for the full Fees and Refunds Policy.

Yes. The Certificate IV in Ageing Support at WMIT is fully CRICOS-registered (Code: 102985E), approved for international students studying on an Australian Student Visa. WMIT (RTO 45639 · CRICOS 03874C) provides comprehensive support throughout the 60-week course including:

• LLN assessment and Individual Support Plan at orientation
• Mentoring from trainers with direct aged care industry experience
• Additional tutorials, workshops, and computer support
• Coordination of work placement in approved Melbourne aged care centres
• Referral to external housing, health, and community support services

To enquire or apply, email info@wmit.edu.au, call +61 3 9131 8789, or apply directly at admissions.wmit.edu.au.

After completing the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support, graduates can progress to several further study pathways, including:

• Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) — available at WMIT Melbourne. This is the most direct progression, developing advanced case management, leadership, and community service coordination skills that further strengthen your PR pathway eligibility
• Diploma of Nursing — for students wishing to advance into clinical nursing roles within the healthcare sector
• Any other relevant Diploma-level qualification in the community services or health sector

WMIT offers the Diploma of Community Services in Melbourne as a CRICOS-registered continuation course — meaning students who complete the Certificate IV at WMIT can progress to the Diploma at the same campus without changing providers, with potential credit recognition for relevant units.

Yes. WMIT offers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support. Students with existing skills, knowledge, or experience in aged care, disability support, nursing, or related care fields can apply to have those competencies formally assessed — potentially reducing course duration and cost.

RPL is assessed on a per-unit basis at $400 per unit of competency, plus a $250 application fee. Applications should ideally be submitted at enrolment but may be lodged up to 2 weeks into the course. A WMIT trainer/assessor will guide you through the evidence identification process. International students should note that if RPL is granted, course duration will be adjusted and confirmed in writing. Please refer to the WMIT Student Handbook for the full RPL policy details.