Can I Study an Aged Care Course for Free? How Government Funding Can Help

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) (CHC33015)

This course supports learners who wish to become support workers or carers in the community or residential aged care settings. You follow individualised plans to support people who require it due to ageing, disability or some other reason.

Duration — The average duration for this course is nine months but can vary between providers. This qualification can be studied in a self-paced or full-time timeframe and is available as an online course or on campus.

Work placement — As part of this qualification, learners are expected to complete a 120-hour work placement.

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community) (CHC33015)

This qualification prepares the learner for entry-level care worker roles in aged care services, caring for older people in settings like residential care, home care or community services.

Duration — The average duration for this course is nine months but can vary between providers. You can study this qualification in a self-paced or full-time timeframe, online or on campus.

Work placement — As part of this qualification, learners are expected to complete a 120-hour work placement.

Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC40315)

This qualification supports those who wish to provide specialised services in aged care facilities, residential support services, home or community-based environments. 

This course offers increased career opportunities in aged and community care and can lead to aged care team leader positions.

Duration — The average duration for this course is one year but can vary between providers. You can study this qualification in a self-paced or full-time timeframe, online or on campus.

Placement — As part of this qualification, learners are expected to complete a 120-hour work placement.

Victoria

• JobTrainer: JobTrainer allows eligible Victorians to study a Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33015 and a Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC43015 for free or a low fee. 
• FREE TAFE: FREE TAFE for priority courses covers the tuition fees for eligible learners for government-subsidised training over many courses. Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33015 and Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC43015 are courses included in FREE TAFE.
• Skills First: Skills First is a Victorian Government program that allows eligible learners to apply for a government-subsidised spot in an approved VET course. This means both the learner and the government cover the tuition costs. Both a Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33015 and a Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC43015 are Skills First subsidised courses.

New South Wales

• JobTrainer: JobTrainer allows eligible learners in New South Wales to study a Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33015 and a Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC43015 for free or a low fee.
• Smart and Skilled: Smart and Skilled supports people in NSW to get the VET qualifications they need to find a job. Smart and Skilled helps eligible learners by providing government-subsidised training, including Certificate III and government funding for higher-level courses (Certificate IV and above) for targeted priority areas. A Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33015 and a Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC43015 are eligible for Smart and Skilled assistance.

South Australia

• JobTrainer – The South Australian state government has allocated more than $88 million in new training opportunities for eligible learners in South Australia. JobTrainer courses in SA include:
  • Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33015
  • Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) CHC33015
  • Certificate IV in Disability CHC43115
• Skilling South Australia – Skilling SA is a funding program for VET courses. It allows eligible students to access subsidised courses across a range of industries. A Certificate III in Individual Support( CHC33015) and a Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC43015) are available for Skilling South Australia funding.

Queensland

• JobTrainer – JobTrainer offers eligible Queensland residents access to a free or low-fee vocational education and training course. A Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33015 is available for fee assistance in Queensland. 
• Certificate 3 Guarantee – The Certificate 3 Guarantee supports eligible learners in Queensland to complete a Certificate III qualification if they don’t already hold one. Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33015 is one of the qualifications in this program. 
• Higher Level Skills – The Higher Level Skills program offers eligible learners access to a subsidised place in selected certificate IV level or above qualifications. A Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC43015 is available in The Higher Level Skills program.

Western Australia

• JobTrainer – JobTrainer WA allows eligible learners in Western Australia to access free or low-fee courses in high priority industries. A Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC43015 is available for subsidised funding as part of this initiative.
• Jobs & Skills WA – A range of qualifications are available for subsidised fees under Jobs and Skills WA. Priority training areas include apprenticeships, eligible traineeships, and priority industry areas. If eligible, learners can undertake a Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33015 or a Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC43015.
• Lower Fees, Local Skills – The Lower Fees, Local Skills program is WA Government and Department of Training and Workforce Development initiative dedicated to heavily subsidised training in industries that play an essential role in the economy. Under this program, these aged care courses are available:
  • Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33015
  • Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC43015

Australia Capital Territory

• JobTrainer – With new workers and school leavers benefiting the most from JobTrainer ACT, apprentices over the age of 17 can also have their wages subsidised for the duration of their apprenticeship.
• Skilled Capital – Skilled Capital is an ACT Government funded initiative offering a range of services and subsidies to provide Canberrans with the support they need to gain the qualifications they need. The Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC4301 is available under the Skilled Capital program.

Tasmania

• JobTrainer – Part of a nationwide funding program, JobTrainer allows eligible learners in Tasmania to access many courses at no cost. Both the Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33015 and Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC43015 are available for funding in the JobTrainer program. 

Northern Territory

• JobTrainer – A massive selection of free and low-fee training courses are open to eligible Northern Territory residents through JobTrainer. Although a Cert III or Cert IV is not part of the JobTrainer program in the NT, short courses like the Individual Support – Ageing Skill Set CHCSS00097 can introduce you to the aged care industry.
• User Choice – User Choice is a national scheme that subsidises course costs for Australian apprenticeships. The subsidies are paid directly to the course provider in the Northern Territory. Both Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33015 and Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC43015 are available as apprenticeships in Australia.