How Studying Aged Care Courses Australia Can Change Your Life

As Australia’s ageing population grows, there’s an increasing demand for skilled carers, making it one of the most rewarding and in-demand career paths. 

By studying aged care, you won’t just learn how to care for others—you’ll gain skills that could transform your future and open the door to permanent residency (PR).

How does it work?

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about studying aged care in Australia: the best programs, visa pathways, and how this career can change your life.

Let’s explore why aged care could be the perfect path for you.

Whether you dream of becoming a hands-on carer or a registered nurse, there’s a course to suit your goals. 

And the best part? 

Many of these programs give you the skills to jump straight into the workforce—or even level up in specialised areas like dementia care.

Entry-Level Aged Care Programs

Duration: 6 months

Cost: Around AU$5000 for each six-month course

Are you just starting out in Aged Care? The Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) is your first step. 

It covers the basics and includes practical placements in aged care.

The course is just six months long and widely available across Australia.

After completing this course, you can move on to more advanced training in specialised areas. 

For example, did you know that 70% of patients in aged care have dementia? 

There is a strong need for carers, nurses, and GPs who understand how to care for these individuals.

Here are some options to continue your studies:

• Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC43015): Focuses on advanced care for the elderly.

• Certificate IV in Leisure and Health (CHC43415): Prepares you to create engaging activities that improve quality of life.

Registered Nurse Qualifications

If you want to become a registered nurse, the pathway is a bit longer, but it offers more career options and a higher salary.

• Bachelor of Nursing: This three-year degree gives you all the training you need to provide professional healthcare.

  • Duration: 3 years 

  • Cost: Approximately AU$15,000 per semester.

• Master of Nursing (Aged Care): If you’re looking to specialise, this two-year course focuses on aged care, with topics like dementia care and palliative care. It’s perfect for those who want to deepen their expertise in helping older people.

  • Duration: 2 years 

  • Cost: Approximately AU$20,000–AU$30,000 per year.

In aged care, clear communication isn’t just helpful; it’s life-saving.

From understanding medical instructions to comforting residents who rely on you, strong English skills are essential. 

A single misunderstanding could lead to mistakes, or put someone’s health at risk.

This is why aged care roles in Australia require solid English proficiency. Not just to meet course or visa requirements, but to ensure you can handle real-life situations with confidence. 

You need to meet specific English language requirements to enrol in an aged care course. 

Here are the general IELTS benchmarks:

• Entry-level courses: A minimum overall band score of 5.5, with no individual band lower than 5.0.

• Degree-level courses: A minimum overall band score of 6.0.

Quick Heads-Up!

IELTS requirements, costs, and program durations may vary depending on the institution you choose. 

It’s always best to double-check the details before applying.

Speaking of double-checking–whenever you’re ready to start an aged care course, or maybe you need more information to decide, you can always schedule a free consultation with an education expert from IDP.  

Book your IELTS test now

If you’re thinking about studying Aged Care in Australia, you could be on the right path. This career path has several benefits, including:

• High Demand = Job Security

Australia’s population is getting older and by 2050, the number of people aged 80 and over will double. This means aged care workers are in high demand, giving you more job opportunities. 

• Pathways to PR

Many aged care roles are on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, making it easier to explore long-term options.

• Great Earning Potential

The aged care industry offers competitive salaries:

Registered Nurses: Earn between $75,000 and $100,000 per year with opportunities to specialise.

Carers: Earn between $50,000 and $60,000 annually.

• A Future-Proof Career

Employment in Australia is predicted to grow by 950,000 people around the next 5 years. Half of this employment growth will come from 3 industries, including Healthcare.

So with job security, potential PR, and a great income in mind, are you now more convinced to study aged care in Australia?

If so, let’s explore the programs you can choose from!

Aged care professionals are in high demand, with several roles listed on Australia’s Skills Shortage List. Key roles include:

• Aged or Disabled Carer (ANZSCO 423111)

• Nursing Support Worker (ANZSCO 423312)

• Personal Care Assistant (ANZSCO 423313)

Are you worried that your English skills might hold you back?

Here’s the good news: as with any skill, your English proficiency could easily be improved! 

The key is having the right study materials. 

Really! This will save you time (because of course, you don’t have to flip the internet for resources), and will ensure that the content you are practising is aligned with the demands of your exam and the skills you need. 

Even better news? You can access all these IELTS preparation materials here. 

We have different modules that are divided depending on your target band score, or skill you want to improve–all are designed to ensure you pass!

Whether you’re looking for a certificate, diploma, or degree, Australia has diverse options to suit your goals.

TAFE Queensland offers practical training that leads directly to employment. Popular courses include:

• Certificate IV in Ageing Support

• Certificate III in Individual Support

Charles Sturt University has three post-graduate course options. These are ideal if you’ve completed an undergrad degree and wish to work in management in the aged care industry. Typically, these are online so you can complete these while you work, from anywhere in Australia or overseas. 

Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA) is a private institution that offers: 

• Certificate IV in Ageing Support 

• Certificate III in Individual Support (Aging and Disability) 

• Certificate III in Health Services Assistance  

• Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance 

Deakin University offers a Bachelor of Nursing (Aged Care Stream). If you want a career that offers a higher salary and a broader range of options, this undergraduate degree qualifies you as a registered nurse, allowing you to work in a wider range of roles. 

Southern Cross Education Institute offers various qualifications in ageing support, including Certificate IV in Ageing Support.

Studying aged care in Australia can also be a stepping stone to permanent residency. 

Here’s how the visa pathway works:

1. Student Visa (Subclass 500): Begin your studies with this visa.

2. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): After graduation, stay in Australia with this visa for up to two years to gain work experience.

3. Skilled or Employer-Sponsored Visas: Secure employment and apply for either the 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa or the 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa.

Aged care roles are in demand nationwide, offering flexibility to work in both metropolitan and regional areas.

Aged care is an amazing career path with endless opportunities.

But here’s the thing: without the right English skills and guidance, your dream could hit a roadblock.

Imagine missing out on a life-changing qualification because you didn’t meet the IELTS requirement. 

Or worse, struggling to keep up with your studies because your communication skills aren’t where they need to be.

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen. 

Talk to our education experts at IDP for free today. 

We can guide you through choosing the right course and university, and booking your IELTS test. In short, everything you need to succeed in your dream course in Australia.