Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (CRICOS course code 103629F) is a Certificate III delivered by Central Australian Institute of Technology Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification from the Automotive Engineering and Technology field (03 - Engineering and Related Technologies) gives you the practical skills to diagnose, repair, and service light vehicles. With CRICOS registration, international students can study this course at campuses in Hobart (TAS), Brisbane City (QLD), and Footscray West (VIC). The indicative total fee is A$17,500, with an English requirement of IELTS 5.0-5.5. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring ESOS Act protections for your studies.
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Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (CRICOS 103629F) is a VET qualification at AQF Level 3, nationally recognised under code AUR30620. It sits within the field of Automotive Engineering and Technology (0305), specifically Vehicle Mechanics (030503). Graduates typically gain skills in servicing and repairing engines, transmissions, brakes, and electrical systems. This course is ideal for those pursuing a career as a light vehicle mechanic or looking to further their automotive knowledge. Central Australian Institute of Technology Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03217C) delivers this program across three locations: Hobart, Brisbane City, and Footscray West, giving students flexibility in choosing a study destination. As a CRICOS-registered provider, the institute meets Australian Government standards for international student education.
The course duration on the CRICOS register is 1 year (52 weeks). Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual qualification or foundation studies). Full-time study is expected, with classes likely held on campus at your chosen location. The structure may include theory, practical workshops, and assessments. International students must maintain satisfactory course progress to comply with student visa conditions.
Fees for Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology at Central Australian Institute of Technology are indicative as per the CRICOS register. The tuition fee is A$16,000, non-tuition fees (such as materials, uniforms, or administration) are A$1,500, bringing the estimated total to A$17,500. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Always confirm current fees with the provider directly, as they are subject to change. For budgeting, consider that living costs in Australia vary by city: weekly rent for a shared room ranges from A$200–A$400 in major cities, with students spending approximately A$80–A$150 on groceries and A$30–A$50 on transport. OSHC typically costs A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Visit the <a href="/institutions/03217C/central-australian-institute-of-technology-pty-ltd">Central Australian Institute of Technology page</a> for current fees.
For Certificate III level, international students generally need to have completed Year 10 or equivalent in their home country. English proficiency is typically required at IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent, such as TOEFL or PTE Academic). Some providers may require a Certificate II in a related field or relevant work experience. No foundation studies or pathway programs are listed for this course; contact the provider for specific entry requirements. Always refer to the institute's website for accurate prerequisites.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This can help offset living costs while gaining local experience, but it is not a required part of the curriculum.
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology is delivered at three campuses: 45 Murray Street, Hobart (TAS); Central Australian College - Brisbane CBD at Suite 1, Level 1, 345 Ann Street, Brisbane City (QLD 4000); and Central Australian Institute of Technology Pty Ltd in Footscray West (VIC). Hobart is a smaller city with a lower cost of living (weekly rent around A$250–A$350) and a close-knit student community. Brisbane is a major city with a vibrant international student scene (over 60,000 international students) and high public transport connectivity. Footscray West is in Melbourne's inner west, offering access to one of Australia's largest student cities (over 200,000 international students) but with higher living costs (weekly rent A$300–A$450). Each campus is near public transport: Hobart campus is walkable from the city centre, Brisbane CBD is a short walk from Central Station, and Footscray is near Footscray Station with frequent trains to Melbourne CBD. There are over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, and studying in these cities gives you access to diverse cultural experiences.
To study this course as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This requires meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, arranging Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrating financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Current financial requirements are at least A$29,710 per year (as of April 2026) for living costs plus tuition. The visa also allows you to work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during holidays. CRICOS registration ensures your course meets visa requirements. For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology at Central Australian Institute of Technology:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy's filters to find providers like Central Australian Institute of Technology. Compare courses by level, field, and city.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Check the entry requirements (English test scores, academic transcripts) and submit your application through the provider's website. Note any application deadlines – some institutions have intakes multiple times a year.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Use it to apply for your visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
For more on visas, see our <a href="/visa/student-visa-subclass-500">Student Visa guide</a>.
This course is a great stepping stone into the automotive industry, but consider your career goals and preferred location. Hobart offers a quieter, affordable lifestyle ideal for focused study, while Brisbane and Melbourne provide larger job markets and more diverse student communities. Check local industry demand for mechanics – major cities often have higher job prospects. Also, verify if the provider has well-equipped workshops and strong industry links. As with any VET course, confirm that your intended study path aligns with Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485) requirements if you plan to work in Australia after graduation. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS courses, so your rights are safeguarded.
Ready to start your automotive career? Explore your options on HeadStart Academy and connect with Central Australian Institute of Technology for this CRICOS-registered course.
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Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology is a CRICOS-registered programme at Central Australian Institute of Technology Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.