Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CRICOS course code 105772E) is a Certificate III delivered by Department of Training and Workforce Development over 26 weeks (~6 months). This course is designed for students seeking foundational knowledge in creative design, including graphic design, digital imaging, and design principles. Delivered at North Metropolitan TAFE's Perth Campus in Northbridge, Western Australia, this program offers hands-on training in a vibrant city known for its thriving arts scene and growing economy. Perth is home to over 50,000 international students from 130+ countries, with TAFE institutions playing a key role in vocational education. The course is CRICOS-registered, meaning it meets Australian Government standards for international students. As with all courses on headstartacademy.com.au, data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring accuracy and trust. This free resource covers 26,433 courses across all study levels and states, and all listed providers are CRICOS-registered, giving you confidence in your study choices.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
The Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (105772E) is an entry-level vocational qualification that introduces students to the core concepts of creative design. This course is ideal for those looking to start a career in graphic design, illustration, or digital media. Students will develop skills in design theory, colour theory, typography, and digital tools such as Adobe Creative Suite. The field of education is 10 - Creative Arts (1005 - Graphic and Design Studies, n.e.c.), and the VET national code is CUA30720. This is a single qualification with no work component, allowing full focus on academic studies. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights as an international student. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is part of that trusted system. For more context on the provider, visit our institution page for Department of Training and Workforce Development (CRICOS 00020G), a government-owned provider with a strong reputation for vocational training in Western Australia.
While the exact syllabus is set by the provider, students at this level typically learn foundational design principles, including composition, colour theory, and digital imaging. The course covers industry-standard software and prepares graduates for roles such as junior graphic designer or design assistant. Study topics often include visual communication, typography, and basic design production. This qualification equips students with the skills to create visual content for print and digital media. The learning environment at North Metropolitan TAFE combines theory with practical projects, using industry-standard tools and equipment. Graduates may progress to Certificate IV or Diploma level studies in graphic design or related fields.
The program runs for 26 weeks (~6 months) as listed on the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English, and the course is delivered in a face-to-face setting at the Perth campus. This is a single qualification – it does not lead to a dual award or foundation studies. The full-time study mode allows students to complete the Certificate III efficiently and move into the workforce or further study. Studying in Perth means you'll be in a city with excellent public transport, with the Northbridge campus easily accessible by train, bus, and bike. Perth's affordable living compared to Sydney or Melbourne is an added bonus for international students.
Tuition fees for this course are A$6,570, with non-tuition fees of A$630, making an estimated total of A$7,200. Please note that these fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change. You should always confirm current fees directly with Department of Training and Workforce Development via their website: http://www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au/. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (rent, groceries, transport), and the visa application charge. For a guide on living costs in Perth, expect weekly rent of A$250–350 for a one-bedroom apartment near campus, with groceries and transport adding around A$200–300 per week. For OSHC details, see our health cover page.
Typical English language requirements for this level are IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall, or equivalent. You should also have completed secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 10 or 11. Specific prior qualifications may be required – check with the provider for exact entry criteria. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet the standard entry requirements. As a guideline, students are expected to have basic computer skills and an interest in creative design. Always verify requirements with Department of Training and Workforce Development before applying.
This course has no mandatory work component. It is purely academic, focusing on classroom-based learning and practical design projects. This means you can dedicate your full 26 weeks to study without the need for a structured internship or work placement. However, as an international student on a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This provides flexibility to gain part-time work experience in Perth's growing design industry.
The course is delivered at North Metropolitan TAFE, Perth Campus, located in Northbridge, Western Australia. Northbridge is a vibrant suburb just north of Perth's central business district, known for its arts, culture, and dining scene. The campus is well-connected by public transport, with the Perth train station a short walk away. Perth is the sunniest state capital in Australia, with a relaxed lifestyle and a strong economy. The city boasts over 25 CRICOS-registered providers offering various courses, making it a popular study destination. For more on studying in WA, see our state page.
International students enrolled in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Department of Training and Workforce Development, meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, and maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. On a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during recognised holidays. You must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent – for visa assistance, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Follow these three steps to begin your study journey: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Design), and location (Western Australia). Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (00020G) and the course code (105772E) matches your interest. 2. Apply directly to Department of Training and Workforce Development – Check entry requirements on their official website (http://www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au/), prepare your English test results (IELTS 5.0–5.5 or equivalent), and submit your application before the deadline. The provider will assess your qualifications and issue a Letter of Offer if successful. 3. Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa – Once you accept the offer and pay any required fees, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Include your CoE, OSHC details, and evidence of financial capacity. For visa guidance, see our student visa page.
Start your design career in Australia – check your eligibility for this course today by contacting Department of Training and Workforce Development or exploring more courses on HeadStart Academy.
View the full Department of Training and Workforce Development profile →
Certificate III in Design Fundamentals is a CRICOS-registered programme at Department of Training and Workforce Development. 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.