Certificate III in Individual Support
Overview
See yourself as empathetic, patient and kind? Our Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) could be the qualification that helps you thrive. Learn core skills to deliver quality support in a safe, simulated environment before undertaking practical placement in an Aged Care setting. Graduates can expect to work with a diverse group of clients, typically elderly people or those living with a disability, by providing support to be more independent to participate in community and/or recreational activities. Furthermore you will be exposed to working a variety of health care professionals to support and provide care in either residential, community or health care.
As part of this course you will need to undertake a minimum of 120 hours of work placement. This will be sourced by Swinburne.
Cert III Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) is a pre-requisite for Certificate IV in Disability.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
You're invited to our 2025 Study Expo
Join us this January to meet academics, browse courses, get application help, explore our Hawthorn campus and find out all you need to know about starting in Semester 1.
Skills you’ll learn
- Understanding client needs
- Holistic care
- Teamwork
- Communication
Your career opportunities
- Home and community care worker
- Support services assistant
- Individual and disability support worker
- Aged care worker
- Personal care assistant
- Accommodation support worker
Admissions
Our Certificate III in Individual Support is designed with flexibility in mind to suit your needs. We use a blended approach of on-line theory and on-campus practicals. Learn theory at your own pace choosing a time that fits your schedule. Once you’ve completed the theory components, attend practical sessions at your convenience. We offer evening, daytime and Saturday sessions to accommodate your availability.
Our industry expert teachers will be by your side throughout your academic journey, offering guidance at every stage. We provide a range of academic resources to assist you including help with assignments, English language, time management and study strategies. Additionally, our services encompass disability support and counselling ensuring that all students have the necessary resources to excel in their academic pursuits. Your success remains our top priority.
Please note that the duties of an Individual Support Worker may be quite physically demanding and should be considered and/or discussed before applying if there are any concerns.
Other requirements
The following additional criteria for entry apply for this course:
- Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of placement.
- National Police Check, with no disclosable offences, to be obtained at least 10 weeks prior to clinical placement commencement. *If a candidate believes there would be a disclosable issue on their national police check, a confidential conversation will be required prior to enrolment to determine suitability for work within the healthcare environment.
- Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program.
- Influenza immunisation (annual requirement) *
- COVID-19 immunisation*
*Any additional immunisations may be required in response to any changes in Government policy or the specific requirements of the organisation you attend for your clinical placement. Further information will be provided at the commencement of the course.
Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competencies.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
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Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport
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Certificate III in Pathology Assistance
Course structure
To be awarded this Qualification, students will complete 15 units (nine core and six electives) and successfully complete a practical placement of 120 hours.
Please note that whilst all attempts are made to make this three week full time placement available at the end of the course work completion, you will be advised during the course what Provider and date has been allocated to you. While significant effort is made to match students geographically to placements, students do need to be prepared to travel to placements in the event that this is required. Students who are already working in the Industry, and would like this considered as a work placement, are required to contact the Placement Coordinator at the commencement of the course.
The course has been structured so that students graduate with the Certificate III in Individual Support, with a specialisation in Ageing and Disability.
Indicative nominal course hours: 945.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Communicate and work in health or community services
Core unit |
CHCCOM005 |
|
Work legally and ethically
Core unit |
CHCLEG001 |
|
Work with diverse people
Core unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Recognise Healthy Body Systems
Core unit |
CHCCCS041 |
|
Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Core unit |
HLTWHS002 |
|
Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
Core unit |
HLTINF006 |
|
Support Independence and Wellbeing
Core unit |
CHCCCS040 |
|
Provide Individualised Support
Core unit |
CHCCCS031 |
|
Facilitate the empowerment of people recieving support
Core unit |
CHCCCS038 |
| Elective units | |
|
Work effectively in aged care
Elective unit |
CHCAGE013 |
|
Provide support to people living with dementia
Elective unit |
CHCAGE011 |
|
Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
Elective unit |
CHCDIS011 |
|
Support community participation and social inclusion
Elective unit |
CHCDIS012 |
|
Work effectively in disability support
Elective unit |
CHCDIS020 |
|
Deliver care services using a pallative approach
Elective unit |
CHCPAL003 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$12,680
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$3,230
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
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Study this course for free in 2024
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Intake cancelled
The February 2024 intake for this course has been cancelled. The next available intake is July 2024. If you'd like to know more get in touch with us today.