Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS course code 103817B) is a Certificate III delivered by Oceania Polytechnic Institute of Education Pty. Ltd. over 1 year 2 months (~60 weeks). This VET qualification, based on the national training package CPC30620, is designed for international students seeking hands-on skills in the building and construction industry. Oceania Polytechnic is a private CRICOS-registered provider (01905F) with campuses in Melbourne's western suburbs. As an Australian Government registered institution, it meets the quality standards of the ESOS Act, ensuring international students receive the protections and support they need. Whether you're aiming to work as a painter, decorator, or sign writer in Australia or globally, this course provides the foundational trade skills required. The program covers surface preparation, paint application, colour mixing, and safety practices, preparing graduates for employment or further study in building and construction.
This qualification falls under the field of Architecture and Building (04), specifically within Building (0403) and Painting, Decorating and Sign Writing (040325). At AQF Level 3, students develop practical and theoretical knowledge to apply a range of painting and decorating techniques in residential and commercial settings. Typical learning outcomes include selecting and preparing surfaces, mixing and matching colours, applying paint using various methods, erecting and dismantling scaffolding, and interpreting work documents. The course also emphasises workplace health and safety, communication, and teamwork. While the exact syllabus is set by Oceania Polytechnic, CRICOS-registered courses must meet Australian quality standards. Graduates typically gain the skills to work as a painter, decorator, or sign writer, or to progress to a Certificate IV or Diploma in building and construction.
The course runs for 1 year 2 months (~60 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification with no work component. Students will attend classes at one of three delivery locations: City Campus 2 in West Melbourne, OPIE Workshop in Werribee, or OPIE Workshop 2 in Maidstone. The full-time structure typically involves a mix of classroom theory and practical workshop sessions. International students must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory attendance to comply with student visa conditions.
Tuition fees for Certificate III in Painting and Decorating are A$19,000 for the full program. Non-tuition fees (e.g., materials, resources) amount to A$1,000, bringing the estimated total cost to A$20,000. Please note these are indicative figures sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional expenses not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (approximately A$400–600 per week in Melbourne for rent, food, and transport), and the visa application charge. Always verify current fees with Oceania Polytechnic directly through their website www.opie.vic.edu.au.
Oceania Polytechnic requires international applicants to have an overall IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 or equivalent. Students should also have completed Year 12 or equivalent in their home country, as expected for Certificate III level. No foundation studies are required for this course, but applicants without standard English proficiency may consider pathway programs. For precise entry requirements and recognition of prior learning, contact the provider directly. Meeting the English requirement does not guarantee a visa; all students must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake a structured work placement as part of the program. However, student visa holders (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Any work undertaken must not interfere with course attendance.
Oceania Polytechnic delivers this course at three Victorian campuses: City Campus 2 – 67 Jeffcott St, West Melbourne VIC 3003; OPIE Workshop – 180 Princes Hwy, Werribee VIC 3030; and OPIE Workshop 2 in Maidstone VIC. West Melbourne is close to the CBD, well-served by public transport (trains, trams, buses), and near student amenities. Werribee is a growing residential area with affordable housing and a train line to the city. Maidstone is a western suburb with bus access. Victoria has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, and Melbourne is home to a large international student community. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate, with weekly rent around $250–400 for shared accommodation, groceries $80–150, and transport $30–50 (Myki pass).
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Key requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Oceania Polytechnic, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) evidence, sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC, and dependents if applicable), and a valid English test score. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of the visa. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Note that HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.
Victoria has a strong construction industry, with Melbourne experiencing ongoing infrastructure and housing development. Studying painting and decorating in Victoria gives you exposure to a variety of building sites and commercial projects. Campus locations in West Melbourne and Werribee offer different living experiences: a vibrant inner-city environment vs. a quieter suburban setting. Consider commuting distances and lifestyle preferences. The state's public transport network connects all campuses. Also, ensure you have adequate living funds—Melbourne is one of Australia's more expensive cities, though costs vary by suburb. With over 1,500 CRICOS providers across Australia, verifying the registration of your chosen institution is critical. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy come from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) and are subject to ESOS Act protections.
Ready to start your painting and decorating career? Explore more CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy or apply directly to Oceania Polytechnic Institute of Education.
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Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is a CRICOS-registered programme at Oceania Polytechnic Institute of Education 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.