Thinking of starting a career in aged care but not sure about the cost of training? If you are living in regional Victoria, you may be eligible for government funding through the Skills First program to help lower the costs of your course fees for the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support. But who can qualify, what expenses are covered and how do you apply in 2026? This guide explains the process, funding needs and the essential steps to watch out for before enrolling.
Government funding can make training more affordable, but you need to meet certain criteria depending on your individual circumstances. Factors such as your residency status, any previous government-funded study, where you live and the availability of funded places may all be considered. Knowing your eligibility early can help you explore your options and costs before you enrol. This guide explains how government funding works, who may be eligible, what the course involves and the steps you can take to apply in 2026.
Is a Certificate IV in Ageing Support Government Funded in Victoria?
Yes, government-subsidised training may be available for eligible students undertaking the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support in Victoria.
This qualification is currently listed as eligible for Skills First supported training on the Victorian Skills Gateway. Skills First is the Victorian Government's program for funding vocational education and training, and it helps to subsidise the cost of selected courses for eligible students, which may substantially lower the cost of tuition.
However, being interested in an eligible aged care course does not automatically mean you will receive funding. Your personal circumstances need to be assessed before enrolment.
For eligible students in regional Victoria, this makes CHC43015 a genuine Government Funded Ageing Support Course option worth exploring.
What Is the Certificate IV in Ageing Support?
The CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support is a nationally recognised qualification designed for people who provide specialised support and services to older people. The course develops skills that can be used in residential aged care, home care and community-based support environments.
Students learn about areas such as the following:
- Supporting the independence and wellbeing of older people
- Providing individualised support
- Supporting people living with dementia
- Coordinating services for older people
- Working within legal and ethical requirements
- Following safe work practices
- Delivering support using a palliative approach
The qualification includes 18 units of competency, consisting of 15 core units and 3 elective units. Students must also undertake a minimum of 120 hours' work as detailed in the qualification's assessment requirements.
CHC43015 is also widely known as the Certificate IV in Aged Care, and studying this aged care certificate IV course equips you with the practical skills to work confidently across residential, home and community-based care settings.
Who May Be Eligible for Skills First Funding in 2026?
Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. Under current Victorian Skills First requirements, applicants generally need to meet citizenship or residency requirements and undertake their training while physically located in Victoria or an approved border region.
Eligible applicants may include the following:
- Australian citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- New Zealand citizens
There are also limits on how many government-subsidised courses a person can begin or undertake within a calendar year.
Does Living in Regional Victoria Automatically Make You Eligible?
No. Living in regional Victoria alone does not automatically qualify you for government funding. Your residency or citizenship status, previous government-funded study and current enrolments may also be considered.
However, students in regional areas can still access Skills First-supported training where the course and training provider offer funded places. If you're not sure if your location or previous study affects your eligibility, contact Chelsea College to discuss your circumstances and complete an eligibility check before enrolling.
How Do You Apply for Government Funding for an Aged Care Course?
The process generally involves a few key steps.
1. Choose an Eligible Aged Care Course
Check that the qualification you want to study is eligible for government-subsidised training. Students wishing to progress in aged care may be able to do so through the Certificate IV in Ageing Support.
2. Check Your Skills First Eligibility
Chelsea College can check your eligibility for Skills First funding before you enrol. You may be requested to provide documents to prove your identity, citizenship or residency status and any other information needed to show you meet the current funding criteria to be eligible. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact Chelsea College for advice and to have a funding eligibility check carried out before you start your enrolment.
3. Complete the Pre-Enrolment Assessment
Before enrolment, students may be required to complete activities such as a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment, a Pre-Training Review and a course suitability assessment. These processes assist you to determine if the qualification you've selected fits with your current skills, experience and learning objectives.
4. Confirm Your Course Fees
Government funding helps to reduce the cost of training, but it doesn't necessarily mean that all students will learn for free. Fees may vary depending on your provider, your eligibility for funding and your individual circumstances.
5. Complete Your Enrolment
Once Chelsea College has confirmed your Skills First eligibility, course suitability and applicable fees, you can move forward with the enrolment process. Government funding should only be considered confirmed after the college has completed the required eligibility checks and advised you of the outcome.
Do You Need Previous Aged Care Experience?
There are no formal entry requirements outlined in the national training package for CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support. However, before they start training, students may still need to meet course suitability, language and literacy or other enrolment requirements. It is recommended to check the current course requirements before applying.
Can Regional Students Study Ageing Support Flexibly?
Students may have access to different delivery options. These can include classroom-based learning, workplace training, distance learning, and virtual or blended delivery. Students should still confirm how practical assessments and workplace requirements will be completed before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get government funding for an aged care course in regional Victoria?
Yes, if you meet the current Skills First eligibility criteria, you may be able to access government-subsidised training. Funding eligibility is based on a number of factors, including your residency status, previous subsidised study and individual circumstances. Chelsea College has government-funded places available for eligible students undertaking aged care training, including the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support. If you are a resident of regional Victoria, you may contact Chelsea College to check your eligibility, confirm the funding available for your course and understand any fees which may still apply.
How long does a Certificate IV in Ageing Support take?
The CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support is offered at Chelsea College for a 52-week period. The precise timetable may differ depending on your delivery mode and personal learning needs, so students should check the current timetable and intake details before enrolling.
How much work placement is required?
The national qualification requires students to complete at least 120 hours of work as specified in the assessment requirements.
Can I receive funding if I have studied before?
If you've studied before, you may still be able to get Skills First funding, but there are limits and eligibility rules. Your training provider will need to consider your previous subsidised study prior to enrolment.
