Certificate III in Carpentry (CRICOS course code 104877D) is a Certificate III delivered by Spencer Technical College Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This nationally accredited qualification (CPC30220) equips you with the skills to work as a qualified carpenter in Australia, covering framing, roofing, stair building, and formwork. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 03650G), it meets Australian government standards for international students. The program is delivered at the Woolloongabba Workshop Campus in Brisbane, Queensland, giving you hands-on training in a real workshop environment. With an indicative tuition fee of A$22,400, this course is a popular choice for students seeking a practical trade qualification. At HeadStart Academy, we help you understand your options from the official CRICOS register—over 1,500 providers and 26,000 courses across Australia.
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This course falls under the field of Architecture and Building (04), specifically Building (0403) and Carpentry and Joinery (040311). At Certificate III level (AQF Level 3), you'll develop a broad range of skills needed to work as a carpenter in residential and commercial construction. Typical learning areas include interpreting plans, measuring and setting out, constructing wall frames, installing roof trusses, fitting windows and doors, and performing basic demolition. You'll also learn about workplace safety, sustainability practices, and the use of power tools and hand tools. While this is a general description, Spencer Technical College tailors the practical training to industry standards. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers, and choosing a registered provider ensures your qualification is recognised under the ESOS Act, giving you legal protections as an international student.
The Certificate III in Carpentry is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation course) lasting 1 year 6 months, equivalent to 78 weeks as listed on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. Study mode is typically full-time face-to-face at the Woolloongabba campus, combining classroom theory with hands-on workshop sessions. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are required to maintain full-time enrolment and meet attendance requirements. No foundation studies are attached to this course. If you need English language preparation, you may consider a separate ELICOS program at the same provider or another CRICOS-registered institution.
Tuition fee is A$22,400, non-tuition fees are A$3,300, giving an estimated total of A$25,700. These fees are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change by the provider. Non-tuition fees may include enrolment charges, material fees, and administrative costs. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500) are NOT included. For the most current fee schedule, always check the provider's official website: www.spencertechcollege.edu.au. As a general guide, living costs for an international student in Brisbane are approximately A$500–A$600 per week for rent, food, and transport.
For entry into Certificate III in Carpentry, you typically need to have completed Year 12 or equivalent. An English proficiency test such as IELTS with an overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) is generally required. Some providers may also assess your aptitude through an interview or pre-training assessment. Since this is a trade course, prior experience in construction or a related field is beneficial but not mandatory. Foundation studies or pathway programs are not part of this course—if you need to meet academic entry requirements, contact Spencer Technical College directly for advice. Remember, meeting entry requirements does not guarantee enrolment; the institution makes the final decision. Always verify current entry criteria with the provider before applying.
This course has no mandatory work component. The CRICOS register indicates 'No work component', meaning you are not required to complete a placement or internship as part of your study. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This can be a great opportunity to gain practical industry experience in carpentry while studying. Remember that work rights are subject to visa conditions, and you must not compromise your course attendance.
This course is delivered at the Woolloongabba Workshop Campus, located in Woolloongabba, Queensland (postcode 4102). Woolloongabba is a suburbs just 3 km from Brisbane's central business district, well-connected by bus and train. Brisbane, the state capital, has a thriving construction sector and is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering building and trade courses. Living costs here are lower than Sydney but higher than regional areas—rent for a one-bedroom apartment near the city is around A$350–A$450 per week. The campus offers modern workshop facilities equipped with industry-standard tools, allowing you to train in a realistic construction environment. Being in Queensland also means a warm climate, ideal for outdoor building work year-round.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). The visa requires you to: be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (like this one), hold adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, and prove sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel. As of 2025, the cost of living benchmark is A$29,710 per year for a single student. Your visa will allow work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The ESOS Act protects your rights as a student, including tuition fee refunds if the provider fails to deliver. For detailed visa guidance, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Follow these three steps to start your journey: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy's course search to find the right carpentry course in Queensland. Check entry requirements, fees, and location. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution – Contact Spencer Technical College's admissions team, submit your academic transcripts and English test scores, and meet any application deadlines. The provider will issue a Letter of Offer if successful. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa – After accepting the offer and paying the required deposit, you'll receive your CoE. Use it to lodge your Subclass 500 visa application online. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. For personalised help, speak to a registered education agent or MARA agent.
Queensland is a top destination for international students, with over 300 CRICOS-registered providers in Brisbane alone. The state's strong construction industry, driven by population growth and infrastructure projects, means demand for qualified carpenters remains high. Studying at Woolloongabba places you minutes from Brisbane's CBD, with access to major building sites and employers. The cost of living is moderate: expect A$400–A$500 weekly for shared accommodation, plus A$100–A$150 for groceries and A$50 for transport. Queensland's lifestyle is a draw—warm weather, beaches, and a multicultural community. However, consider that trade courses often require physical stamina and commitment to full-time study. Always verify your provider's CRICOS registration and course details on the official CRICOS website.
Ready to start your carpentry journey in Australia? Use HeadStart Academy's course search to compare CRICOS-registered providers, check entry requirements, and apply directly to Spencer Technical College.
Certificate III in Carpentry is a CRICOS-registered programme at Spencer Technical College 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.