Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS course code 103828K) is a Certificate III delivered by Gen Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year 2 months (~60 weeks). This qualification is registered with the Australian Government's CRICOS system (provider code 03572F), ensuring it meets rigorous standards for international students. As part of the Architecture and Building field (04), with a focus on Building (0403) and specifically Painting, Decorating and Sign Writing (040325), this course equips students with the skills to prepare surfaces, apply paint and decorative finishes, and work safely on construction sites. Graduates are prepared for roles as qualified painters and decorators in Australia's building industry. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free resource to help you compare courses and providers using official CRICOS data as at April 2026.
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The Certificate III in Painting and Decorating falls under the broader field of Architecture and Building (04), specifically Building (0403). At AQF Level 3, this course typically covers practical and theoretical aspects of surface preparation, colour mixing, applying paint and wallpaper, using spray equipment, erecting scaffolding, and interpreting work documents. Students also learn about workplace health and safety, sustainability practices, and customer service. While the exact curriculum is set by Gen Institute Pty Ltd, graduates at this level are expected to perform skilled tasks in the painting and decorating trade, often leading to employment with construction companies, specialist painting firms, or as self-employed contractors. The course is designed to meet Australian industry standards and aligns with the national VET qualification CPC30620.
This course has a duration of 1 year 2 months (~60 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification, not a dual award or foundation program. The study mode is typically full-time, with a mix of classroom theory, workshop practice, and possibly work-based projects. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. Gen Institute may offer flexible study options; you should confirm directly with the provider.
The indicative fees for Certificate III in Painting and Decorating at Gen Institute are as follows: tuition A$18,000, non-tuition fees A$4,000, and an estimated total of A$22,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always verify with Gen Institute Pty Ltd (www.gen.edu.au) for current pricing. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the Student visa application charge. As a guide, international students in Melbourne typically need A$21,041 per year for living costs (Department of Home Affairs rate), plus OSHC (approx. A$500–A$700 per year for a single student). ESOS Act protections ensure your tuition fees are safeguarded. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, meaning they meet Australian Government standards.
Entry to Certificate III in Painting and Decorating typically requires completion of Year 10 or equivalent, plus an English language proficiency of IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). Some providers may also require a pre-training assessment or relevant work experience. Gen Institute Pty Ltd sets its own specific entry criteria; you should contact them directly. This course does not offer a foundation studies pathway, but alternative entry options may be available for mature-aged students. International students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and provide evidence of financial capacity. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent for personalised advice.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component such as an internship or placement. However, as a Student visa holder, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This can provide valuable industry exposure and help offset living costs.
Gen Institute Pty Ltd delivers this course at three locations in Victoria: 236 Union Road Ascot Vale (Ascot Vale, VIC), 416-420 Collins Street, Melbourne (Melbourne, VIC), and 91-97 Islington St COLLINGWOOD VIC 3066 (Collingwood, VIC). These campuses are in or near Melbourne's inner suburbs, with good public transport access via train, tram, and bus. Melbourne is Australia's largest student city, with over 250,000 international students from 170 countries. The cost of living in Melbourne is moderate: indicative weekly rent for shared accommodation is A$200–A$350, groceries around A$60–A$100, and public transport A$40–A$50 with student concessions. The city has over 150 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 6,000 courses.
This course qualifies you to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Gen Institute, sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC, Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement, and English proficiency proof. Visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited during scheduled breaks. OSHC is mandatory and can be arranged through the provider or independently. All visa applications are assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; always consult a registered MARA agent or homeaffairs.gov.au.
Victoria is Australia's second-largest state for international students, after New South Wales. Melbourne, the state capital, consistently ranks as one of the world's most liveable cities. For painting and decorating students, Victoria has a strong construction sector, with ongoing demand for skilled tradespeople. The state is home to over 500 CRICOS-registered providers, offering more than 10,000 courses. Living costs are generally lower than Sydney but higher than smaller cities like Adelaide or Brisbane. Consider factors such as climate, culture, and proximity to family when choosing your study destination. HeadStart Academy's free resources can help you compare providers across all states.
Ready to start your journey? Browse more Certificate III painting courses on HeadStart Academy or contact Gen Institute directly to apply.
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is a CRICOS-registered programme at Gen Institute 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.