Individual Support: Ageing and Disability at Stanley College

Build the practical skills to support people with dignity, independence and confidence. Stanley College’s CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support gives international students a choice between Ageing and Disability, combining classroom learning, simulated care activities and 152 hours of Work-Based Training in Perth.

Both options share a strong foundation in person-centred support, communication, safe care and ethical practice. You can begin with the specialisation that best matches your career goals and, at selected intakes, add the complementary option for broader preparation across Australia’s community-care sector.

Choose the care pathway that matches your goals

Certificate III in Individual Support — Ageing

Prepare to support older people in community and residential aged-care environments. You will learn to provide individualised care, promote independence and wellbeing, support people living with dementia, work effectively in aged care and deliver services using a palliative approach.

This option can suit students interested in roles such as Accommodation Support Worker, Personal Care Giver and Respite Care Worker.

Certificate III in Individual Support — Disability

Develop the practical and interpersonal skills to support people living with disability. Your studies focus on strengths-based support, community participation, social inclusion, person-centred behaviour support and helping clients build independence and achieve personal goals.

This option can prepare graduates for roles including Disability Support Worker, Disability Services Worker, Residential Care Officer, Community Worker, Residential Disability Support Worker, Personal Care Giver and Respite Care Worker.

Add the second specialisation

The complementary Ageing or Disability option is available as an optional add-on at selected intakes. To add Disability, students must be studying or have completed the Ageing option or an equivalent qualification. To add Ageing, students must be studying or have completed the Disability option or equivalent. Asia Pathway will check availability and help you select the correct application route.

Why this program stands out

Two focused career pathways: Choose Ageing or Disability, with an optional add-on that can broaden your skills across both areas of individual support.

Real workplace experience: Complete four full-time weeks of Work-Based Training at 38 hours per week, for a total of 152 hours.

Practice before placement: Develop hands-on skills through practical simulated activities in the Stanley College Ward.

Person-centred training: Learn how to protect dignity, encourage independence, support wellbeing and communicate effectively with clients, families and care teams.

Career-focused timetable: Classes are rostered across three days per week, with full-time students completing at least 20 scheduled contact hours each week.

Program at a glance

Qualification: CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support — Ageing or Disability.

CRICOS course code: 116173D.

Campus: The Ageing option is offered at the Mirrabooka and West Perth Outram Street campuses. The Disability option is offered at the Mirrabooka Campus.

Duration: 28 weeks, including three weeks of holidays.

Learn the foundations of safe, respectful support

Both pathways teach the core skills used in health and community-service settings. You will learn to provide individualised support, empower people receiving services, promote independence and wellbeing, recognise healthy body systems, communicate in care environments, work with diverse people and follow legal, ethical, infection-control and workplace-safety requirements.

The program also includes first aid, working with carers and families, and following established person-centred behaviour supports. These shared foundations prepare you to work respectfully with people from different backgrounds while responding to individual needs and care plans.

Specialist learning for Ageing

Ageing students develop focused knowledge in supporting people living with dementia, working effectively in aged-care environments and delivering care services using a palliative approach. The training is designed to help you understand the physical, emotional and social needs of older people while maintaining choice, dignity and quality of life.

Specialist learning for Disability

Disability students learn to use a strengths-based approach, support community participation and social inclusion, and work effectively in disability support. You will build the communication and practical skills needed to encourage choice, capability and meaningful participation in daily and community life.

Turn classroom learning into workplace confidence

Work-Based Training gives you the opportunity to practise your knowledge in a real care environment and understand the professional standards expected by employers. Stanley College’s Employment Liaison Team organises the placement in consultation with students, and the four-week placement must be completed full-time at a minimum of 38 hours per week.

Before placement, students need a WA National Police Clearance, an NDIS Worker Screening certificate, evidence of influenza vaccination and the vaccination evidence required by the host employer. Medical clearance may also be required. A valid driver’s licence is recommended because community and aged-care work can involve travel between clients. These items and their associated costs are separate from course tuition.

Entry requirements

Academic entry: Completion of Australian Year 10 or an equivalent secondary-school level.

English level: Intermediate English, IELTS Academic or General Training 5.0, or another accepted equivalent.

Accepted equivalents: TOEFL iBT 37–50, PTE Academic 31, Cambridge English 154, OET grade D, Duolingo 80–90, CEFR or Oxford Test B1, CELPIP General 5, LANGUAGECERT Academic 46, or Michigan English Test 44.

Australian study pathway: Applicants may also qualify through completed Australian study at Certificate III level or above.

There is no formal prerequisite for the primary Ageing or Disability course. Recognition of Prior Learning may be available to students with relevant existing skills, experience or qualifications and can reduce the study duration after assessment.

Asia Pathway will review your education and English evidence before submission and help you understand whether the Ageing, Disability or combined pathway best fits your experience and career plans.

Career opportunities after graduation

Graduates can pursue entry-level support roles in residential care, community care, disability services and other person-centred support settings. Your exact opportunities will depend on your selected specialisation, workplace requirements, experience and eligibility to work in Australia.

Students may also continue to the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support at Stanley College or explore further study with another CRICOS-registered provider. Admission and any credit are assessed by the receiving institution.

Course completion does not guarantee employment or a migration outcome. Asia Pathway can help you plan the education pathway and identify when advice from the relevant Australian authority is required.

2026–2027 tuition and estimated USD budget

Tuition: approximately USD 3,727 for the 28-week primary Ageing or Disability course.

The estimate does not include Overseas Student Health Cover, visa costs, accommodation, everyday living expenses, travel or the police, screening, health and vaccination documents required for placement. Fees may change, so Asia Pathway will help you prepare a realistic budget before enrolment.

Who this program is for

Compassionate future care professionals: Students who want to make a practical difference in the daily lives of older people or people living with disability.

Hands-on learners: Students who value a combination of classroom study, simulated practice and supervised workplace experience.

Students seeking broader care skills: Applicants interested in completing one specialisation and adding the second option when it is available.

Community-minded communicators: Students ready to work respectfully with clients, families, carers and multidisciplinary teams.

Apply with Asia Pathway

Asia Pathway will help you compare the Ageing and Disability options, check add-on availability, review your academic and English eligibility, organise your documents and plan for tuition and Work-Based Training requirements.

Contact Asia Pathway for a personalised eligibility review and application plan for Individual Support at Stanley College.