Discover the right course for you

Study at your own pace, online, with our nationally recognised qualifications in community services, aged care, child care, mental health, disability and counselling.

Study the way you want, 100% online
Access to industry experts in their field
Dedicated work placement support
Pathways to university
Student counselling services
Leaders in delivery of community based qualifications

Leader in online learning for community service courses

This page is for general information purposes only. Kirana Colleges may not offer the courses/services mentioned in this article. For specific information regarding the availability of qualifications and courses that Kirana Colleges offer, please contact us directly.

Certificate III in Individual Support Sydney

Build a versatile career in the high-demand care sector in Sydney or anywhere across Australia with a qualification that gives you the flexibility to work across both aged care and disability support. With Kirana Colleges’ nationally recognised CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability), you can gain the practical skills and confidence to support those most in need. This course is designed for maximum flexibility; study 100% online with no campus attendance required. You can learn from home in Sydney, regional NSW, or all over Australia, fitting your studies around your existing life and work commitments. You will receive dedicated guidance from experienced teachers and hands-on experience through practical work placement, ensuring you graduate ready to make a real difference in your local Sydney community or wherever you are located.

Why choose a Cert 3 in Individual Support?

Choosing a Cert 3, Certificate 3 or Certificate III (better known as) in this field is the fastest way to enter one of Australia’s most stable and rewarding industries. Whether you are looking for a career change in Sydney or starting your first role, this qualification provides:

High job security: The ageing and disability sectors are among the fastest-growing in Sydney and across Australia, meaning qualified workers are always in high demand.
Immediate career entry: A Certificate III acts as the industry-standard entry requirement, allowing you to start working in the care sector sooner.
Flexible career paths: Because this Cert III covers both Ageing and Disability streams, you aren’t locked into one role; you have the freedom to work in residential facilities, community centres, or in-home care.
A foundation for growth: Completing a Certificate III is the perfect stepping stone toward a Diploma or leadership role in community services.

Why study with Kirana Colleges?

We make it easier for you to learn, achieve, and succeed in the healthcare sector, whether you are in Sydney or studying via our online platform from anywhere in Australia.

Study online, anywhere: Access your Certificate III course materials 100% online, with flexible scheduling and support at every stage of your journey.
Gain hands-on experience: We provide work placement assistance to help you secure the 120 hours of practical experience required to become job-ready.
Nationally recognised qualification: Graduate with a Cert III in the ageing, disability, or both streams to gain a respected credential recognised across Australia. View all individual support courses here.
Personalised support: Connect with dedicated teachers and student success coaches who bring real-world industry experience to your learning.
Pathways for growth: Use your qualification as a stepping stone to further study, such as the CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services.
Ongoing student support: Benefit from our free and confidential Student Assistance Program, offering counselling and wellbeing guidance whenever you need it.
Industry connected learning: Benefit from our strong network of industry partnerships and the SkilTrak program. Our training is developed in collaboration with quality employers across Australia to ensure you graduate with the exact skills the sector is looking for right now. By learning through these established connections, you gain exposure to real-world standards and a direct pathway into the healthcare and community services workforce.

Choose your specialisation

Kirana Colleges offers three distinct streams for this qualification to match your career goals in Sydney and all over Australia. All theory components are delivered online with no campus visits required:

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability)

The most versatile option for those who want to work across both sectors. You’ll learn to provide person-centred support to older people and people living with disability in residential, home, or community settings.

Work placement: 120 hours

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) Designed for students specifically interested in the aged care sector. This course focuses on the unique needs of older Australians, ensuring their independence and wellbeing are maintained in a dignified way.

Work placement: 120 hours

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)

A specialised stream for those passionate about empowering people with disabilities. You will learn how to facilitate social inclusion, support community participation, and help clients achieve their personal goals.

Work placement: 120 hours

Career outcomes

Graduates of the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support streams are qualified to work in various rewarding roles across Sydney and all over Australia, including:

Aged Care Support Worker
Disability Support Worker
Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
Home Care Worker
Community Care Worker
Residential Care Worker

“Once I found my rhythm, everything clicked. I studied online around work and family, and the flexibility helped me stay on track.. one small step each night. My work placement brought everything to life, and now I’m thriving in home care, providing the time and attention that truly matters.” – Tina, Graduate 2025

What you’ll learn

In any of our three streams, you will master the core competencies required by employers in Sydney and across Australia through our online learning portal:

Provide individualised support: Follow individualised plans to provide person-centred care that meets specific client needs.
Support independence and wellbeing: Use tools and strategies to help clients maintain their autonomy and quality of life.
Recognise healthy body systems: Understand the basics of human anatomy to identify and report changes in a client’s health.
Communicate effectively: Work professionally within a multi-disciplinary healthcare team and communicate clearly with diverse clients.
Work legally and ethically: Apply infection prevention, safety procedures, and ethical standards to every aspect of your care.

Pathways for growth

Once you have achieved your Certificate III, you can continue to advance your career with further qualifications at Kirana Colleges:

CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services: Prepare for leadership, coordination, or case management roles. This qualification allows you to translate your practical care experience into broader community impact and advocacy.
Diploma of Community Services (Focusing on Mental Health): Deepen your expertise in supporting clients with complex mental health needs while gaining essential community service coordination skills.
Dual CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health & CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services: Fast-track your journey into specialised mental health advocacy and community leadership with this comprehensive dual qualification.
Dual CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services & CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling: Combine high-level case management skills with professional counselling techniques to provide holistic support to vulnerable individuals.

FAQs

How long will it take to complete? The Certificate III has a maximum duration of 12 months. However, because you study at your own pace, many students find they are able to complete the requirements sooner depending on their weekly study hours.

Do I need to attend a campus? No. Kirana Colleges provides all Certificate III theory components online. You will only need to attend a physical workplace for your mandatory work placement hours in Sydney or your local area.

Do I need previous experience? No prior experience is required, this is an entry-level qualification for anyone looking to start a new career in Sydney or all over Australia.

Is this qualification nationally recognised? Yes. The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability), along with the specific Ageing and Disability streams, is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

What support will I receive? Even though you are studying online, you will have access to a dedicated teacher for phone support, interactive learning materials, and our Student Assistance Program, available to all students in Sydney and all over Australia.

Start your journey toward a meaningful career in individual support in Sydney or across Australia today.

7 October 2026

Have enjoyed the first module through Kirana colleges. Was very thought provoking and gave me an in-depth look into the topic. My teacher was very supportive of my work, encouraging the best out of me.

6 October 2026

Helpful, approachable and very patient explaining the overall of the course and the outcome after completing the course.

F Chabvuta Chirinda

5 October 2026

My teachers were supportive and patience with me. The resources were very helpful.

5 October 2026

Over the past two years, I studied with Kirana Colleges to obtain my Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Returning to study after ten years was an adjustment, but the excellent support and guidance I received helped me build confidence throughout my learning journey. The experience was exactly what I was looking for, and I am very pleased that I chose Kirana Colleges.

5 October 2026

Great experience at Kirana College! The teacher Cecilia is supportive, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. The Student Support Team is friendly, approachable, and very helpful. Thank you for creating such a welcoming and positive learning environment. Highly recommended!

2 October 2026

Great support throughout my journey with Kirana, the teachers and admin check-ups really helped

1 October 2026

I had a good experience with Kirana Collages. The course was well organised, and I learned a lot throughout my studies, placement. Thank you for all the support.

E S.

25 September 2026

I’m very happy with my experience at Karina College. I have recently finished my course, and I’m grateful for all the support and guidance I received throughout my studies. The trainers and staff were friendly, helpful and always willing to support me when I needed help. I learned a lot and gained more confidence and knowledge during my course. Thank you to everyone at Karina College for making my learning experience a positive one. I’m very happy that I chose to study with you and I would definitely recommend Karina College to others. ❤️

A Rai

21 September 2026

I had a great experience studying at Kirana college. The trainers were supportive, helpful and knowledgeable. I’m grateful for the support and skills I gained throughout my course. Highly recommend!

A S.

19 September 2026

Overall, my experience with Kirana College was positive, especially because the trainers and staff were supportive throughout my course. However, I believe there are areas where the assessment process could be improved, particularly when it comes to workplace observations. I would suggest considering in-person observations rather than online streaming, especially where confidentiality and privacy of children are involved. Since these observations are a mandatory part of the course and are connected to requirements set by the Department of Education, I feel that conducting them face-to-face would provide a more appropriate and authentic way of assessing students’ practical skills.

M Khadka

18 September 2026

Kirana colleges is a great college. Everything went smoothly and flexible throughout my study journey and also received a lot of support from the teachers and the team. Highly recommended

17 September 2026

I recently completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Kirana College, and it has been a really nice journey. I really enjoyed my course and learned a lot of valuable knowledge and skills about working with children and supporting their learning and development. I would especially like to thank my teacher, Jessica, for being so kind, supportive and helpful throughout my studies. She was always there to guide me and answer my questions whenever I needed help. I’m very happy that I chose Kirana College and grateful for the knowledge and experience I gained during my course. I would definitely recommend Kirana College to anyone interested in studying Early Childhood Education and Care.

E Lester

15 September 2026

Deciding to return to study after many years was quite daunting at first, but from my very first contact with Kirana I felt supported and encouraged. Steph and Lisa were both amazing throughout my studies. They were always approachable, helpful and quick to respond whenever I had questions or needed support. They also made the live observation role plays feel relaxed, comfortable and even fun, which really helped take away the nerves! My experience with Kirana has been extremely positive, and I’m so grateful for the support I received along the way. I would highly recommend Kirana to anyone thinking about returning to study or taking the next step in their education.

J Fereti

15 September 2026

Grateful for my teacher Kylie Kennedy who went above and beyond for not only myself but for my whole cohort. She pushed us to be better and am truly grateful for her guidance in getting us across the line with our studies. Her wealth of knowledge was exceptional and really grew through her teaching moments in both community service and counselling. Thank you, Kylie, for making my experience at Kirana a memorable one. Hope other students can experience the way we did!

R Lee

9 September 2026

This online course has made it so convenient for me as a stay at home mom, the teachers and the stuff were very helpful and supportive through out my course.. I am very grateful..

I N

8 September 2026

I had a good experience with Kirana, the course was great and offered alot of support especially from staff in particular my tutor Kylie Kennedy. Kylie was personable, helpful and offered her support even outside of her working hours. I feel having Kylie as a tutor was definitely a good driving force in getting through assessments and completing my overall course, alongside support from other students and staff. Overall it was a great learning experience.

7 September 2026

I am happy with my experience at the college during my Childcare course. The teachers were supportive, friendly and helpful throughout my studies. I learned many useful skills and gained practical experience during my work placement. The course helped me understand how to care for and support children safely and confidently. I am thankful to my teachers and the college for their guidance and support. I would recommend this college to anyone who wants to study Early Childhood Education.

J Marsters

5 September 2026

Thank you to the team 🙏 and special mentions to Kylie Kennedy who supported my team throughout the course of 2 years. We really appreciate it.

D Anjana

5 September 2026

I had a very positive experience studying at Kirana Colleges. The course content was clear and relevant, and the teachers and staff were supportive and helpful throughout my studies. Whenever I needed assistance, I received guidance and support, which made the learning process much easier. I am very happy to have completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care with Kirana Colleges. Thank you to the whole team for supporting me throughout my study journey. I would definitely recommend Kirana Colleges to anyone looking to study Early Childhood Education and Car

D Mambrasar

25 August 2026

Kirana Colleges has been very helpful in helping me gain the knowledge and skills I wanted to develop. The tutors and trainers are very supportive and guided me throughout all the learning modules and practical training. For anyone who is looking to study online, I highly recommend Kirana Colleges. It is a great place to learn with supportive teachers and flexible online learning.

Discover the right course for you

Study at your own pace, online, with our nationally recognised qualifications in community services, aged care, child care, mental health, disability and counselling.

Don't wait any longer start your journey to a fulfilling career

Certificate III in Individual Support Sydney