Overview

Develop the knowledge, skills, and values to individually support students with literacy and numeracy as well as specific learning needs, in Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary settings. The Certificate IV in School Based Education Support gives you the skills to work alongside a teacher to help students reach their learning goals. You’ll gain hands-on experience through a practical placement to enhance your employability.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
Looking to start in Semester 1, 2025?

Whatever stage you're at – from browsing courses to starting an application – our Study Expo is your one-stop-shop for info and advice.

Your industry experience

Students will have the opportunity to consolidate knowledge and skills through 2 placements in a school setting: 137.5 hours in total.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Learning need support
  • Disability need support

Your career opportunities

  • Education Support Worker
  • Teacher's Aide
  • Intergration Aide

Key codes

Hawthorn VTAC Code
3400211444
Wantirna VTAC Code
3401011444
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.

Location options

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.

Admissions

  • Must be a minimum of 18 years old at the commencement of the course;
  • Require a minimum of Year 12 completion, or Certificate III;
  • Must obtain a current Victorian Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee);
  • Must obtain a current Police Check prior to course commencement.
  • For placement purposes, immunity to influenza is recommended.

Students are required to participate in on-campus classes, off-campus excursions and practical placements.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Other requirements

Social/behavioural capability:

Students must be able to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions.

Physical requirements of lifting/handling safely:

Students must be able to perform the physical activities required to assist a child or colleague in an emergency: an example would be that students must be able to administer CPR for two minutes to a mannequin that is on the floor, as would be demonstrated in First Aid training.  Students will need a PC 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
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:

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.

Course structure

To be awarded this qualification, students need to complete 17 units, including 13 core and 4 electives. Delivery will be a combination of on-campus classroom learning and work placement in an educational setting. Students attend 2 days of classes throughout the duration of this course. During placement periods this will be combined with two additional days of attendance in the workplace for Stage 1 and one additional day for Stage 2.

Students must be able to attend class and work placement at the same time during these weeks. This model enables students to engage in real learning situations and transfer knowledge into skills. It also enables students to develop relationships in their workplace setting that in many cases lead to employment.

13
Core units
+
4
Elective units
+
138
Placement hours
=
Certificate IV
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 920

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Work with diverse people
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CHCDIV001
Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures
Core unit, 55.0 credit points
CHCECE054
Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment
Core unit
CHCEDS033
Support student mathematics learning
Core unit, 45.0 credit points
CHCEDS045
Support student literacy learning
Core unit, 65.0 credit points
CHCEDS046
Assist in facilitation of student learning
Core unit, 50.0 credit points
CHCEDS047
Work with students in need of additional learning support
Core unit, 70.0 credit points
CHCEDS048
Facilitate learning for students with disabilities
Core unit, 70.0 credit points
CHCEDS051
Provide support to students with autism spectrum disorder
Core unit, 50.0 credit points
CHCEDS056
Support the implementation of behaviour plans
Core unit, 70.0 credit points
CHCEDS058
Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
CHCEDS059
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Core unit, 120.0 credit points
CHCPRP003
Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CHCPRT001
Elective units
Support the development of literacy and oral language skills
Elective unit, 55.0 credit points
CHCEDS036
Support the development of numeracy skills
Elective unit, 60.0 credit points
CHCEDS037
Deliver elements of teaching and learning programs
Elective unit, 45.0 credit points
CHCEDS052
Participate in workplace health and safety
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
HLTWHS001

2024 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$9,550

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$4,680

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

2024 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 2024 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 only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

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.

  • Portrait   Female Nurse  Scrubs  Hospital Work  Smiling  Happy  Clipboard

    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 2024 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.

Representatives and agents
CHC40221
Search for agents

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.

Hawthorn VTAC code
3400211444
Apply through VTAC
Wantirna VTAC code
3401011444
Apply through VTAC
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
February intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
19-February-2025
Start dates
24-February-2025
February intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
19-February-2025
Start dates
24-February-2025
July intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
16-July-2025
Start dates
21-July-2025
July intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
16-July-2025
Start dates
21-July-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
February intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
24-February-2025
February intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
24-February-2025
July intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
21-July-2025
July intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
21-July-2025
Upcoming events
2025 Study Expo
12-November-2024