Certificate III in Individual Support — Melbourne

Melbourne is one of Australia's fastest-growing cities for aged care and disability support employment. Greater Melbourne's rapidly expanding outer suburbs — particularly in the south-east corridor, the western growth corridor, and Melbourne's northern fringe — are driving significant demand for qualified individual support workers across both residential aged care facilities and in-home NDIS providers.

Study options for Melbourne students

The majority of Melbourne students complete the Certificate III in Individual Support online, allowing them to study around work and family commitments while still accessing providers across Australia. Online study suits shift workers, parents, and career changers who need flexibility. The mandatory 120 hours of work placement can be arranged at a facility local to you — most online providers will assist with this, and Melbourne's high density of aged care and disability support facilities means placement is generally straightforward to organise.

For students who prefer face-to-face learning, a number of providers offer on-campus and blended delivery across Melbourne's inner suburbs and outer metropolitan areas, including in Coburg, Boronia, Broadmeadows, and Narre Warren.

Victorian government funding — Skills First

Victorian students may be eligible for a government subsidy under the Skills First program. To be eligible you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident physically present in Victoria. The program is limited to two funded courses per year.

For eligible students, Skills First can significantly reduce the cost of a Certificate III in Individual Support. Speak to a free Coursely advisor to confirm your eligibility and find a Skills First-approved provider before committing. You can also review our VET subsidy eligibility guide for state-by-state funding rules.

What does the Certificate III in Individual Support qualify you for in Melbourne?

Graduates are qualified to work as aged care workers, disability support workers, personal care assistants, and in-home carers. Melbourne has a large and diverse employer base across both the NDIS and residential aged care sectors, with significant employment hubs in the inner city, south-east suburbs, and Melbourne's rapidly growing outer west. The qualification is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework and is valid with any employer in any state or territory.