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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.
Key details
Duration
This course can typically be completed within 1 to 2 years part-time.
* The actual duration may vary depending on where and how you study, the units you choose, and the time needed to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability: Applications for 2027 are now open.
Online Application: This course is available for online application.
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: Currently not available as either an apprenticeship or traineeship.
This qualification reflects the role of workers who assist teachers and support student learning in a range of classroom settings. They complete general administrative as well as operational tasks to support students with learning under the guidance of a teacher or other educational professional. Work requires use of discretion and judgement within the boundaries of established policies and procedures.
Education support workers work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Alice Springs Casuarina Katherine Remote |
| Duration | 1 - 2 years part-time * Course duration may vary depending on the time required to achieve the required competencies. |
| Study Mode | Blended Face-to-face Online * Information about study modes are available in the 2027 TAFE Student Guide. |
| Start Date | Term 1: February 1, 2027 Term 2: April 19, 2027 Term 3: July 19, 2027 Term 4: October 11, 2027 * You can enrol at the beginning of each term. * Your commencement date will be determined in consultation with the delivery team. |
| Attendance | Casuarina Term 2, 3, 4 Alice Springs |
Career opportunities
After completing this course, you may be able to work in roles such as:
- Teachers' Aide
- Support Worker
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to further study, including CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.
Fees
2027 Fees
| Fee Type | 2027 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | Free |
| Full Fee | $9,360.00 - $12,672.00 |
Eligible domestic students who are NT residents may be able to study this course with Northern Territory Government support. Places are limited, so apply early.
Read the eligibility requirements to check if you're eligible.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
Fee exemptions
Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Hold a current Centrelink Concession or Healthcare card
- Hold a Veteran's Healthcare card
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Hold a permanent resident visa with Refugee or Humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG's Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support, a total of 15 units of competency must be completed comprising 10 core and 5 elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.
Course structure
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 650 - 880.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
| CHCEDS033 | Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment | 35 |
| CHCEDS034 | Contribute to the planning and implementation of education programs | 70 |
| CHCEDS035 | Contribute to student education in all developmental domains | 60 |
| CHCEDS036 | Support the development of literacy and oral language skills | 55 |
| CHCEDS037 | Support the development of numeracy skills | 60 |
| CHCEDS057 | Support students with additional needs in the classroom | 85 |
| CHCEDS059 | Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students | 30 |
| CHCEDS060 | Work effectively with students and colleagues | 50 |
| CHCEDS061 | Support responsible student behaviour | 45 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 530 | |
| Elective units of competency (Select five) | ||
| CHCECE054 | Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures | 55 |
| CHCEDS040 | Search and access online information | 30 |
| CHCEDS041 | Set up and sustain learning areas | 45 |
| CHCEDS042 | Provide support for e-learning | 30 |
| CHCEDS048 | Work with students in need of additional learning support | 70 |
| CHCEDS050 | Support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander education | 55 |
| CHCEDS056 | Provide support to students with autism spectrum disorder | 50 |
| CHCPRT025 | Identify and report children and young people at risk | 40 |
| HLTAID012 | Provide First Aid in an education and care setting (credit transfer only) | CT |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety | 20 |
| Unnamed elective | ||
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice (unnamed) | 120 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 120 - 350 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 650 - 880 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Students are to complete the LLN Robot Quiz and receive a minimum of Level 2 across all five areas, as those who wish to commence this course need to have the required skills and knowledge to undertake the qualification at this level and a general command of spoken and written English to be able to meet industry standards for communication in the education sector.
To ensure you have the skills and support needed to study this course, all applicants are required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation.
All students must have access to a primary or secondary education environment, either voluntary or paid. The CDU TAFE placement coordinator will assist in finding a placement school.
A current Ochre Card (Working with Children) for paid employment purposes (this includes voluntary student placement) from SAFENT - while this may not preclude enrolment, it must be obtained before commencement of placement/s.
Required Resources
Students will have access to assessments and learning resources at any time through CDU's online learning platform, Learnline. Before getting started, make sure your computer meets the required system requirements.
Additional costs to students include:
- Working with Children Clearance - Standard Fee (Employment) $87.00.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CHC Community Services Training Package.
Location and study mode
Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina, Katherine, Remote
Study Mode: On campus, online, both
Note:
Delivery at individuals locations is subject to demand. Additional locations and/or study modes may become available pending sufficient demand.
Additional information
Contact details
Education and Foundation Skills |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
How to apply for CDU TAFE
Admission requirements
Domestic or international student?
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
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