Aged Care Courses in Australia for a Rewarding Career and PR

Are you looking to start studying aged care with a certificate?

Or maybe you’re transitioning from a different career, or a nurse wanting to specialise?

Whatever your background is, you’ll find the right aged care course for you here.

The good news? Aged care is one of the strongest study-to-PR pathways in Australia, and it’s 2nd in our list of top courses for international students.

This course guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll tackle course options, entry requirements, and career and PR opportunities for you.

The best aged care course for you will depend on your educational background and career goals. But the most common course taken by aged care workers in Australia was the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing).

Here are the top 4 aged care courses that aged care workers took in Australia (Aged Care Worker Survey 2024 report):

• Certificate III in Aged Care

• Certificate IV in Aged Care

• Diploma of Nursing

• Bachelor of Nursing

Wondering if it’s really worth it to study aged care in Australia?

Here are some of the benefits you’ll get from this study-to-PR pathway. 

You’ll get to work in an in-demand industry

By 2041, the number of Australians aged 85 and above will reach 1.28 million. That’s more than double the figure in 2021 (534,000—a 140% increase) (CEPAR).

"Based on updated population estimates, Australia’s population will grow across all ages. But the fastest growth will happen in the oldest age group.” – Dr Tom Wilson, CEPAR Principal Research Fellow, University of Melbourne.

Easier visa nomination and processing 

To meet this demand, the Australian Government helps migrant aged care workers to get employer sponsorship in Australia. 

Under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, employers can sponsor overseas workers in the following occupations:

• Nursing Support Worker (ANZSCO 423312)

• Personal Care Assistant (ANZSCO 423313)

• Aged or Disabled Carer (ANZSCO 423111)

Here’s what this means for you:

• Easier employer sponsorship: With this agreement, aged care providers who sign an MoU with unions get streamlined access. That means it’s easier for them to sponsor you if they can’t find local staff.

• Clear visa pathways: If you work in one of the listed jobs above, your employer can nominate you for a 482 visa (temporary work) or a 186 visa (permanent residency). This gives you more direct options to live and work in Australia.

Better and fairer wages

The Fair Work Commission has delivered major pay rises for aged care workers. About 400,000 workers are benefiting. 

Some key changes include:

• A 15% wage increase for direct care workers in 2023.

• Further increases from 2025 to 2026 for nurses, direct care staff, and some home care workers.

Continued employment growth

Australia is projected to employ 950,000 more people in the next 5 years. The majority of this growth will come from 3 industries. And Health Care and Social Assistance is the industry with the highest projected employment growth in the next 5-10 years. 

Sources: New Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Jobs and Skills Australia

Below, you’ll find the aged care courses available for you—whether you’re a Year 12 finisher, a bachelor’s degree holder, a registered nurse, or coming from another educational background.

Entry-Level Aged Care Programs

Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) 

This is the main starting point for a career in aged care. It trains you to give hands-on support to older people in homes, care centres, or community settings.

Who is it for?

• Year 12 finishers (or equivalent)

• Students with no prior background in health or aged care

Key facts:

• Duration: Around 6 to 12 months

• Cost: AUD $6,000 – $15,000 (varies by provider)

Pathways after completion:

• Work as an Aged Care Worker or Personal Care Assistant

• Gain experience to qualify for the Certificate IV in Ageing Support

• Build a foundation to progress into nursing-related courses later

Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC43015)

This is the next step if you want more responsibility in aged care. It prepares you to supervise others, design care plans, and provide specialised support for older people with complex needs.

It’s a good choice if you already hold a Certificate III or have some experience in aged care.

Who is it for?

• Students who have completed Certificate III in Individual Support

• People with some work experience in aged care

Key facts:

• Duration: Around 12 months

• Cost: AUD $7,000 – $18,000 (varies by provider)

Pathways after completion:

• Work as a Senior Aged Care Worker, or Care Supervisor

• Continue studying with the Diploma of Nursing

• Use experience to move into roles linked with community and disability support

Sources: Lawson college, TAFE QLD, TAFE SA, Kingsford Academy, TAFE NSW

Mid-Level Pathways

Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021)

This course goes beyond direct care. It prepares you for case management, program coordination, and leadership roles in aged care and community services.

Who is it for?

• Students with Certificate III or IV qualifications

• Year 12 graduates who want to step into higher responsibility roles

Key facts:

• Duration: 18 to 24 months
  Cost: AUD $16,000 – $22,000

Pathways after completion:

• Work as a Case Manager, Community Services Worker, or Program Coordinator

• Step into leadership roles in aged care and disability services

• Continue study with the Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management or move into a Bachelor’s degree 

Sources: TAFE QLD, Kangan Institute

Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management (CHC62015)

This program develops management and leadership skills for aged care facilities. You’ll learn about policy, compliance, staff management, and service delivery.

Who is it for?

• Students with a Diploma-level qualification in community or health

• Experienced workers in aged care who want to move into management

Key facts:

• Duration: 12 to 24 months

• Cost: AUD $7,000-$9,000  

Pathways after completion:

• Work as an Aged Care Facility Manager, Service Manager, or Community Program Director
  Progress to university-level study, such as a Bachelor of Social Work, Nursing, or Health Science

Sources: Australian Vocational Training Academy, West Australian Institute of Further Studies, EQUALS International, Australian College of Professional Studies

Higher-Level Degrees

Diploma of Nursing

This course trains you to become an Enrolled Nurse. It focuses on patient care, medication management, and clinical skills needed in hospitals, aged care facilities, and community settings.

Who is it for?

• Students who have finished Year 12

• Certificate holders in aged care or health support who want to step into nursing

Key facts:

• Duration: 18–24 months

• Cost: AUD $29,100 – $32,000 (total course fee)

Pathways after completion:

• After graduating, you can apply to become an Enrolled Nurse (EN) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

• You can also use this diploma as a stepping stone to a Bachelor of Nursing to become a Registered Nurse.

Sources: TAFE QLD, RMIT, TAFE SA

Bachelor of Nursing

If you want to become a registered nurse in aged care, this is the pathway. You’ll learn clinical skills, health sciences, and complete placements in hospitals and aged care facilities.

Who is it for?

• Year 12 finishers with science/health subjects

• Diploma of Nursing graduates seeking credit transfer

• Students who aim to work as an aged care nurse

Pathway after completion:

• Register with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse. This allows you to work in hospitals, clinics, and aged care facilities.

You can also apply for an ANMAC skills assessment, which opens migration pathways under Australia’s skilled occupation list.

Key facts:

• Duration: 3 years full-time

• Cost: AUD $30,000 – $40,000 per year

Sources: Charles Sturt University, Deakin University, Victoria University

Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing

This course gives nurses the skills to specialise in aged care. It covers gerontology, dementia care, chronic disease management, and leadership in aged care settings. It’s a short postgraduate qualification that can also be a stepping stone to a master’s degree.

Who is it for?

• Registered Nurses (RNs) looking to upskill in aged care

• Nurses with an overseas bachelor’s degree in nursing seeking a recognised postgraduate qualification in Australia

• Health professionals who want to move into aged care leadership (entry requirements may vary)

Pathway after completion:

• Work as an Aged Care Clinical Nurse, Dementia Care Specialist, or Care Coordinator

• Use the qualification to progress into a Master of Nursing or Master of Gerontology

Key facts:

• Duration: 6 months full-time (or part-time equivalent)

• Cost: AUD $12,000 – $16,000

Sources: University of the Sunshine Coast, Charles Sturt University

Master of Nursing

This course is designed to help you step into advanced nursing practice and leadership roles. You’ll gain higher-level clinical knowledge, research skills, and the ability to manage care in hospitals, community health, and aged care settings.

Who is it for?

• Registered Nurses (RNs) who want to specialise or move into leadership roles

• Enrolled Nurses (ENs) seeking to upgrade their qualifications (may require bridging or additional study)

• Students with a Bachelor of Nursing (Australia or overseas)

• Students with a Bachelor’s degree in another field (some universities offer a Graduate Entry Master of Nursing pathway)

Pathway after completion:

• Apply for advanced clinical roles, such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Unit Manager

• Pursue doctoral research or PhD studies in nursing

• Apply for ANMAC skills assessment (if eligible) to support migration pathways under the skilled occupation list

Key facts:

• Duration: 2 years full-time

• Cost: AUD $33,000 – $50,032 per year

Sources: Southern Cross University, Western Sydney University, The University of Queensland

Are you any one of these? 

Do you have a bachelor’s overseas? Are you an enrolled nurse in Australia wanting to specialise in aged care?

Or have you just finished year 12 here, and want to know whether you’ll jump right into a bachelor’s or start with a diploma?

Are you interested in a certificate, but wondering if it can eventually lead to PR, especially if the role you’ll land is not in the SOL? 

Are you wondering—what are the PR opportunities for you? Can you find a sponsor if you finish an aged care entry-level course, or do you need to become a registered nurse? 

These are just one of the many questions international students ask when it comes to studying aged care in Australia. While this guide is in-depth, the course you’ll choose will depend on your situation. 

That’s why it’s best to ask the experts. 

Know the best study-to-PR pathway for you

At IDP, our education counsellors can assess your educational background and eligibility. Then, we’ll ask you about your goals and other considerations, like costs, course duration, and PR eligibility.

We’ll also help you understand the PR pathways for specific aged care courses.

From there, we will guide you through the best study-to-PR pathway for you, so you don’t make a mistake now and waste time and money.

The course you choose now is an important first step towards your future in Australia. If you ever need help making that choice, you can book a consultation with IDP for free.  

How much is an aged care course in Australia?

The cost of studying an entry-level aged care course (such as aged care certificates) ranges from AUD 6,000–15,000 for international students.

The cost of higher-level pathways, like diplomas or university degrees in nursing/health, starts from AUD 20,000+ per year. 

How long is the aged care course in Australia?

Most entry-level aged care courses, like the Certificate III in Individual Support, take about 6 to 12 months to finish.

If you choose higher-level study, such as a diploma or bachelor’s degree, it can take 1 to 3 years. Postgraduate study may take 1 to 2 years, depending on the program.

How much do you get paid in aged care in Australia?

If you work in aged care, your pay depends on your role and qualifications. On average, workers earn around $36 per hour. 

Entry-level jobs make about $32 an hour. Registered nurses and other specialists can earn $50 or more per hour. 

Source: Aged Care Worker Survey 2024 report

Do aged care courses require a skills assessment?

Yes, if you plan to use your aged care qualification for migration or sponsorship, you’ll likely need a skills assessment.

• For roles like Aged or Disabled Carer, Personal Care Assistant, or Nursing Support Worker, the skills assessment is usually done by Community Work Australia (CWA).

• If you’re applying as a nurse, your assessment goes through the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

This skills assessment confirms that your training and work experience meet Australian standards. It’s often required when applying for visas like the 491, 482, 494, or 186.

Is aged care in the Skilled Occupation List in Australia? 

Yes, but as of 2025, the only aged care role in the SOL is the Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (ANZSCO 254412). 

Please note that the SOL is constantly changing. Always check if your occupation is on the list if you’re planning your PR pathway. 

Visa options for registered nurses (aged care) in Australia

If you’re a registered nurse specialising in aged care, you can apply for visas:

• 186 Visa – Employer nomination permanent visa

• 189 Visa – Points tested permanent visa

• 190 Visa – Skilled nominated permanent visa

• 407 Visa – Training visa temporary visa (up to two years)

• 485 Visa – Temporary graduate visa (up to 18 months in order to find a permanent job)

• 482 Visa – Short-term stream temporary visa (up to two years)

• 187 Visa – Temporary residence transition stream permanent visa

• 494 Visa – Skilled employer-sponsored regional provisional visa (up to five years)

• 491 Visa – Skilled work regional provisional visa (up to five years)

So, what if you’re not a nurse? Don’t worry. There are still other pathways you can take.

• Job security: As these roles are highly in demand, there are plenty of jobs to choose from and mobility within Australia

• PR: Even if the visa you apply for isn’t a PR visa, all can be pathways to permanent visa options

• Salary: Registered nurses in the aged care sector make between $75,000 and $100,000 a year, there are options to specialise further if desired. Carers make between $50,000 and $60,000

You can either apply through state or territory sponsorship or get an employer to sponsor you. Both options can start with temporary visas, but can lead to PR.

Employer sponsorship visa for aged care workers

If your aged care role is not in the SOL, one of your options is an employer-sponsored visa. This means an employer in Australia supports your visa so you can live and work here. This is possible through the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement. 

Employers can sponsor you if you work in any of these direct care roles:

• Nursing Support Worker (ANZSCO 423312)

• Personal Care Assistant (ANZSCO 423313)

• Aged or Disabled Carer (ANZSCO 423111)

Your employer should have access to the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement before they can nominate you for the following:

• Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Labour Agreement Stream, or 

• Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) Labour Agreement Stream

The DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) also provides a direct pathway to PR if you commit to living and working in these regional areas: Northern Territory, Regional South Australia, and the Orana region of New South Wales

State or territory sponsorship visa for aged care workers

Some states/territories include aged care roles in their Skilled Work Regional (491) or Skilled Nominated (190) visa lists. 

For example, the Northern Territory has the Aged or Disabled Carer (423111) and Personal Care Assistant (423313) roles in their state-specific SOL. 

If you meet the DHA and state-specific requirements, you may qualify for a 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. After a few years, you may be eligible to apply for PR.

It depends on your unique situation.

For example, maybe you’ve just completed a Certificate IV in Ageing Support and are now working in aged care on a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). But you’re unsure:

• Should you try to find an employer who can sponsor you for a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)?

• What are the real chances of getting sponsorship with your current qualification and experience?

• Or would it be better to invest in further study, like a Bachelor of Nursing, so you can qualify for a skilled visa pathway?

These are big decisions that can affect both your career and migration goals. That’s where IDP’s experts can help.

We’ll guide you through your options, explain what’s realistic, and help you plan the best next step towards PR.

Choosing the right study-to-PR route in aged care can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. With IDP, you’ll have expert support every step of the way.

Why students trust IDP

• 50+ years of experience helping international students with both study and migration.

• Trusted by thousands of students every year, with strong relationships across Australian institutions and immigration authorities.

• Registered MARA agents who can give professional advice on your PR options.