Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
Overview
Gain the practical skills to support student learning with the Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support. Working under the guidance of a teacher, you’ll assist students across preschool, primary, secondary, and specialist school settings, supporting learners with diverse medical, developmental, behavioural, and mental health needs. With strong demand for skilled Education Support workers, this Victorian Government-funded “no fee” qualification helps prepare you for a highly employable role in a priority workforce area.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Want to check if this course is right for you?
Chat with academics at our Study Expo and get clear guidance tailored to your goals – Tuesday 20 January 2026.
Your industry experience
Swinburne's placement model has placement experience embedded throughout the course to enable students to observe and practice skills prior to assessment.
Work placement is integrated throughout the course in two stages:
Stage 1:
- One week (4 days) of familiarization placement in the first term.
- Two weeks (8 days) at the same school in the second term.
Stage 2:
- Three weeks (12 days) at the end of the semester.
Total placement hours for the course amount to 132.
This block placement model was adapted in response to industry feedback and is designed to:
- Help students develop strong understandings of teacher and student needs in a consistent setting.
- Allow students to observe the impact of their support over consecutive days.
- Provide opportunities for contextualized mentoring and skill development in authentic educational environments.
Workplace experiences enable students to practice classroom skills, engage in professional reflection, and develop employability skills. Weekly reflections are brought back to the classroom, fostering authentic and rigorous professional discussions.
Topics you'll cover
- Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
- Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Student Learning Support
- Behaviour Management
- Professional Practice
Skills you’ll learn
- Educational Support Expertise
- Professional Autonomy and Initiative
- Inclusive Practice and Diversity Awareness
- Special Needs and Behavioural Support
- Legal, Ethical, and Safety Compliance
- Communication and Collaboration
- Digital and E-Learning Support
- Workplace Readiness
Your career opportunities
- Education Support Worker
- Teacher's Aide
- Intergration Aide
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional accreditation
The Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (CHC40221) is a nationally recognized course. It is the highest level qualification for anyone seeking to work in an Education setting as a Support worker.
Why Swinburne?
91.5% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study
87.1% of students are satisfied with their training
80.9% of students are likely to recommend Swinburne
AMBER MAGIC: My name is Amber Magic. I studied a Certificate IV in School Based Education Support, and my placement school is Karoo Primary School.
To begin with, I had a really terrible schooling experience because I had a disability and it was undiagnosed. So, I had many, many, many challenges going through school, and I guess towards the end, I saw that there are teachers out there that have been really good to me and have really supported me. And I think back and I'm like, wow, it sucks that a lot of kids out there won't get that support and I wanted to be the one to give them that support and make them feel comfortable in the classroom. And make them feel like, yes, I want to go to school because I didn't feel that for quite a long time.
Placement allocation is completely up to you. You get allocated a login to In Place, and you pretty much go in, it has a list of all the schools. And I'm a bit of a research freak, so I went through, and I created like a spreadsheet with all the schools and my ratings. By the end I tallied up which one was the best school, in my opinion, and I went to that school for my placement. Pretty much, you put an application, you say why you want to do your placement at the school, and you send it in. I got my reply back pretty fast. So, I got the school that I wanted to go to, which was really cool.
In classrooms, you'll have the teacher, and in some classrooms, you'll have an extra support person, which is allocated based on student funding. So there's many reasons why a student may get funding. So, they might have a disability, they might have some difficulties at home. So we're pretty much extra support in the classroom to make sure that they can thrive in the education.
The main reason I decided to work in ed support was because I needed a way to work in the industry before I became a teacher. I wanted to get the experience. I wanted a very solid resume. So I wanted to get my foot in the door even before I became a teacher, and the way to do that is to work in education support.
[END OF TRANSCRIPT]
Admissions
Applicants require a completion of Australian Year 12 equivalent or other equivalent study and be at least 18 years of age
All applicants must obtain a current Victorian Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee)
Social/behavioural capability
Students must have the social and language skills be able to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions.
Physical capability of lifting/handling children safely
Students must be able to move quickly and efficiently in the case of an emergency, Eg:
- Able to get up and down off the floor easily
- Able to lift/ carry young children safely
- Able to perform the physical activities for care and safety of children ie: able to administer CPR for two minutes to a mannequin that is on the floor.
Immunisation
Immunisation may be a requirement of the organisation students attend for placement. It is recommended that students follow the immunisation guidelines for working with children in early childhood and school settings available at the Health Victoria website.
Digital Technologies
Students will need a P/C or laptop with internet access to engage successfully with the learning resources.
Capability to:
- Use email effectively
- Create files and folders
- Upload and download files
- Log in using a username and password
- Engage with on-line readings, audio and video materials, quizzes and tasks
Mandatory documentation
National Police Check (If an applicant 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 this course and work within the healthcare environment.).
* Hold a Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Other requirements
Students will need to provide their own device to access the Learning Management System
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.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the essential tasks that define a job and must be performed for successful execution.
These skills are crucial for career progression in the field. The Inherent Requirements information helps applicants assess their ability to successfully participate in and complete the course.
Physical requirements of lifting/handling children safely
Students must be physically capable to respond effectively to an emergency situation such as being able to administer CPR for two minutes to a child/adult on the floor continuously ."
Students are required to meet minimum LLN levels, these are assessed via BKSB; students must achieve a minimum ACSF working level of 2 for English and Maths, alternatively, VCE results for units 1& 2 for both literacy and numeracy will validate appropriate levels. Students complete a Pre-Training review on application to identify course suitability and learning support requirements
Required to participate in on-campus classes, off-campus excursions and practical placements.
Social/behavioural capability to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions.
English language requirements
Students complete a Pre-Training review on application to identify course suitability and learning support requirements.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
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.
-
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
-
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Course structure
To be awarded this qualification, students need to complete 17 units, including 13 core and 4 electives.
This program is delivered in 2 stages each around six months in duration. Placement in embedded at intervals throughout each stage. Delivery is via a blended learning model with resources provided primarily in a face-to-face classroom delivery supplemented with online resources in the learning management system.
Stage 1: Developing an understanding of the education sector, regulatory, safety and well-being considerations whilst creating an inclusive environment for all stakeholders in preparation for first placement.
Stage 2: Expanding on the skills and knowledge required to support Learning with a primary focus on literacy, numeracy and cultural safety, whilst working effectively with families and colleagues
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Work with diverse people
Core unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures
Core unit |
CHCECE054 |
|
Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment
Core unit |
CHCEDS033 |
|
Support student mathematics learning
Core unit |
CHCEDS045 |
|
Support student literacy learning
Core unit |
CHCEDS046 |
|
Assist in facilitation of student learning
Core unit |
CHCEDS047 |
|
Work with students in need of additional learning support
Core unit |
CHCEDS048 |
|
Facilitate learning for students with disabilities
Core unit |
CHCEDS051 |
|
Provide support to students with autism spectrum disorder
Core unit |
CHCEDS056 |
|
Support the implementation of behaviour plans
Core unit |
CHCEDS058 |
|
Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students
Core unit |
CHCEDS059 |
|
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Core unit |
CHCPRP003 |
|
Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
Core unit |
CHCPRT001 |
| Elective units | |
|
Support the development of literacy and oral language skills
Elective unit |
CHCEDS036 |
|
Support the development of numeracy skills
Elective unit |
CHCEDS037 |
|
Deliver elements of teaching and learning programs
Elective unit |
CHCEDS052 |
|
Participate in workplace health and safety
Elective unit |
HLTWHS001 |
Study requirements
Timetable
Classes are timetables across 2.5 days per week, with approximately 8 hours of on-campus attendance required, between 9.30 am and 3.00 pm. Scheduled days depend on the group and campus allocation. Semester and term breaks are identified within the timetable.
Placement blocks are embedded within the scheduled delivery where practical skills will be consolidated and assessed.
Students are expected to engage in approximately 20-40 hours of self-managed study outside of scheduled classes over the duration of the course.
Assessment
Assessments occur throughout the course and include various methods such as quizzes, case studies, practical observations and tests
Students must demonstrate required skills and knowledge by satisfactorily completing assessments at different points in the course
2026 fees
Free TAFE eligible students
Full fee* ($AUD)
$10,340
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$5,070
2026 fees
Yearly fee* ($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.
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.
-
Study this course for free in 2025
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2025 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE initiative.
Free TAFE 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 2026 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.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.