Aged care and disability support courses in Australia is one of those topics that comes up a lot. These courses are often on skilled migration lists, there’s demand for workers, and they can lead to jobs. But what’s the work actually like? I’ve watched friends do these courses and work in these fields, and some found it rewarding while others found it too demanding. The difference was understanding what the work involves and whether they suited it.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve watched friends work in aged care and disability support, and I’ve seen what it’s actually like. Some are still working in these fields and loving it. Others moved on because the work was too physically or emotionally demanding. The difference wasn’t just ability, it was whether they suited the work.
So here’s everything I know about aged care and disability support courses in Australia, based on what actually happens.
What Are These Courses Actually?
Let me start with the basics, because I got confused about this at first.
Aged care courses teach you to care for elderly people. You learn about personal care, health support, emotional support, and how to work with elderly people and their families. It’s about helping people maintain their dignity and quality of life as they age.
Disability support courses teach you to support people with disabilities. You learn about different types of disabilities, how to provide support, how to help people be independent, and how to work with families and support networks. It’s about helping people live their best lives.
Both types of courses are usually Certificate III or IV level. They’re practical and hands on, with work placements in real care settings.
But here’s what nobody tells you: these jobs are demanding. They’re physically and emotionally challenging. You need patience, empathy, and resilience. If you’re not suited to care work, you’ll struggle and burn out.
Course Fees: The Real Numbers
Let’s talk about money, because these courses are relatively affordable.
Course fees vary by level and institution. Certificate III in aged care or disability support usually costs $4,000 to $8,000 per year. Certificate IV usually costs $5,000 to $10,000 per year.
Living costs are the same regardless of where you study. You still need to cover rent, food, transport, and other expenses.
So a one year course might cost $20,000 to $30,000 total including living costs. A two year course might cost $40,000 to $55,000 total.
This is cheaper than university degrees, but you need to consider job outcomes and pay rates.
I’ve written about cheapest TAFE courses in Australia by state if you want specific numbers.
Job Outcomes: What Actually Happens
This is the part that matters most, and where these courses often have good outcomes.
There’s high demand for aged care and disability support workers. Australia’s aging population and the NDIS have created ongoing demand. There are usually jobs available.
Starting pay is usually around $25 to $30 per hour, which is above minimum wage. With experience and qualifications, pay can increase. It’s not high paying work, but it’s steady.
Job security is usually good. There’s ongoing demand, so jobs are usually available. You’re less likely to be unemployed than in some other fields.
But here’s what to watch for: the work is demanding. You’ll be on your feet, lifting, assisting people, dealing with challenging situations. It’s physical and emotional work.
I know aged care and disability support workers who love their jobs and find them rewarding. I also know workers who burned out because the work was too demanding. The difference was whether they suited care work and had good support.
The Real Workload: What It’s Actually Like
This is important, because these courses prepare you for demanding work.
Practical components are heavy. You’ll do work placements in real care settings, working with real people. This is valuable experience, but it’s also demanding.
The emotional demands are significant. You’ll work with people who are vulnerable, in pain, or struggling. You need to be empathetic but also resilient. It can be emotionally draining.
The physical demands are real. You’ll be on your feet, lifting, assisting people with mobility, working in various positions. It’s physical work, and it can be tiring.
But here’s what I’ve learned: the workload prepares you for the industry. Care work is demanding. The course workload reflects that. If you can’t handle the course workload, you’ll struggle in the industry.
What the Work Is Actually Like
This is important, because understanding the work helps you decide if it’s right for you.
Aged care work involves: helping people with personal care, medication, meals, activities, and emotional support. You’ll work with people who have various health conditions and needs. Some days are rewarding. Some days are challenging.
Disability support work involves: helping people with daily tasks, supporting independence, working with families, and providing emotional support. You’ll work with people who have various disabilities and needs. It’s about helping people live their best lives, but it can be demanding.
Both types of work require: patience, empathy, physical fitness, emotional resilience, and good communication skills. If you don’t have these, you’ll struggle.
But here’s what I’ve learned: some people find this work incredibly rewarding. If you enjoy helping people and making a difference, aged care and disability support can be fulfilling careers.
Is It Right for You?
This is the key question, and here’s how to think about it.
Aged care and disability support might be right if: you enjoy helping people, you’re patient and empathetic, you’re physically fit and can handle physical work, you’re emotionally resilient and can handle challenging situations, or you want steady work with good job security.
Aged care and disability support might not be right if: you want high pay, you don’t like physical work, you’re not emotionally resilient, you want regular hours (care work often involves shifts), or you’re not suited to care work.
But here’s what I’ve learned: don’t choose these courses just because they’re on skilled migration lists. Choose them because you’re suited to care work and you’ll enjoy it. If you hate the work, you’ll be miserable, and you might not succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are aged care and disability support courses good for international students?
They can be, but it depends on the student. If you’re suited to care work and enjoy helping people, they can be good options. But the work is demanding, both physically and emotionally. Make sure it’s right for you.
Can I get PR with an aged care or disability support qualification?
Sometimes yes, but it depends on other factors. These roles are often on skilled migration lists, especially in regional areas. But you still need to meet other requirements like work experience, English language, and points. Check the skilled migration lists.
How much can I earn in aged care or disability support?
Starting pay is usually around $25 to $30 per hour, which is above minimum wage. With experience and qualifications, pay can increase to $30 to $35 per hour or more. It’s not high paying work, but it’s steady and there’s usually demand.
Is the work really that demanding?
Yes, usually. The work is physically and emotionally demanding. You’ll be on your feet, lifting, assisting people, dealing with challenging situations. It can be tiring and emotionally draining. If you’re not suited to care work, you’ll struggle.
Can I work while studying aged care or disability support?
Yes, the same work rights apply. You can work 48 hours per fortnight during semester, and unlimited hours during breaks. Many students work in care while studying, which gives them experience. But balancing work and study can be challenging.
Do I need to be physically strong for this work?
You need to be reasonably fit, but you don’t need to be extremely strong. The work involves lifting and assisting people, but there are techniques and equipment to help. Most people can do it if they’re reasonably fit and willing to learn proper techniques.
Final Thoughts
Aged care and disability support courses in Australia can be good options for students who are suited to care work and enjoy helping people. They’re relatively affordable, lead to steady work, and are often on skilled migration lists. But the work is demanding, both physically and emotionally, and it’s not for everyone.
Don’t choose these courses just because they’re on skilled migration lists or because there’s demand. Choose them because you’re suited to care work and you’ll enjoy it. If you hate the work, you’ll be miserable, and you might not succeed.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Match your course to your personality and abilities. Aged care and disability support can be rewarding, but they’re not for everyone. Make sure you understand what the work involves and whether you’re suited to it.
If you’re still planning your study journey, check out my guides on what is TAFE in Australia and best vocational courses for PR pathways. And if you’re considering aged care or disability support, talk to people working in these fields. They’ll tell you what the work is actually like, not what marketing materials say.