Are you looking to start a career as a professional barber in Australia? Certificate III in Barbering (CRICOS course code 112774M) is a nationally recognised qualification that equips you with the skills to cut, style, and groom hair for men and boys. Delivered by Ardor College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04117K) over 1 year (52 weeks), this course is designed for international students who want to enter the growing personal services industry in Australia. Based in Aitkenvale, Queensland, Ardor College provides practical training in a real barbershop environment. With an indicative tuition fee of A$8,500 and non-tuition fees of A$1,500, the estimated total cost is A$10,000. But remember, this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or visa application charges. As a CRICOS-registered provider, Ardor College meets the Australian Government's quality standards for international education. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), making HeadStart Academy your trusted resource for finding genuine courses. Whether you're aiming for a career change or your first step into the industry, this barbering course offers a clear pathway. Read on to explore the curriculum, fees, entry requirements, and application process.
Certificate III in Barbering (CRICOS course code 112774M) is a Certificate III delivered by Ardor College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification sits at AQF Level 3 and falls under the field of education '11 - Food, Hospitality and Personal Services', specifically '110303 - Hairdressing'. The VET national code is SHB30516. It is a single qualification with no foundation studies or dual qualification component. According to the CRICOS register, the course is conducted entirely in English and does not include a mandatory work component. Ardor College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04117K) is a private provider located in Aitkenvale, Queensland. The college focuses on practical skills in barbering and hairdressing, preparing students for employment in barbershops, salons, or self-employment. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is one of many that meet strict ESOS Act protections for international students. Always verify the course details directly with Ardor College via their website at http://www.ardor.edu.au, as CRICOS data may change.
This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required to work as a barber in the personal services industry. Students typically learn about men's haircutting techniques, beard and moustache grooming, shaving services, scalp treatments, and client consultation. The curriculum also includes workplace health and safety, infection control, and customer service. While we do not provide a specific syllabus, graduates at this level are prepared to perform a range of skilled operations in a barbershop environment. The field of education 'Personal Services' focuses on delivering services that enhance personal appearance and wellbeing. As an AQF Level 3 course, it involves applying a broad range of competencies in varied contexts, with some autonomy and responsibility. For the exact units of study, please refer to the training package or contact Ardor College directly.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, not part of a dual award or foundation program. Students are expected to attend full-time on campus. The study mode is likely face-to-face practical training combined with theory sessions. Ardor College's campus in Aitkenvale provides a dedicated barbering training environment. International students must maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance to comply with student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Barbering is A$8,500. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$1,500, bringing the estimated total to A$10,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. IMPORTANT: This estimated total does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, nor does it cover living costs or the visa application charge. You should budget for additional expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, and study materials. For current fees and a detailed breakdown, always visit Ardor College's official website at http://www.ardor.edu.au. HeadStart Academy provides these figures as a guide only — fees are set by the institution and may be updated without notice.
To enrol in Certificate III in Barbering at Ardor College, international students typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to an IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent). Prior qualifications expected for this level include completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Some providers may also require successful completion of a relevant Certificate II qualification or show relevant work experience. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet the direct entry requirements — check with Ardor College for details. All applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion as part of their student visa application. Academic entry requirements may vary, so it is best to confirm directly with the provider.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component as part of its curriculum. However, as a student visa holder, you are entitled to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to your visa conditions. This work can provide valuable industry experience and help with living costs, but it is not a required part of the course.
This course is delivered at Ardor College's campus in Aitkenvale, Queensland. Aitkenvale is a suburb of Townsville, a regional city in North Queensland with a population of around 180,000. Townsville has a thriving student community, with several CRICOS-registered providers offering diverse courses. The cost of living in Townsville is generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne. Indicative weekly expenses: rent A$150–A$250, groceries A$60–A$100, and public transport A$30–A$50. The Ardor College campus is accessible via local bus routes. Studying in regional Queensland offers a unique lifestyle with access to beaches, outdoor activities, and a supportive community. However, consider factors like climate (tropical) and availability of part-time work when deciding.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). To be granted a student visa, you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, show sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (at least A$21,041 per year), OSHC, and travel, and hold OSHC for the duration of your stay. As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must also maintain satisfactory attendance and course progress. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent — we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised visa advice. ESOS Act protections ensure your rights as an international student.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Barbering at Ardor College Pty Ltd:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Certificate III), field (Personal Services), and location (Queensland). Verify that Ardor College is CRICOS-registered (04117K) and that the course code 112774M is current.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Ardor College's website at http://www.ardor.edu.au to check entry requirements, English test validity, application deadlines, and required documents. Submit your application with academic transcripts, English test results, and a copy of your passport.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once Ardor College issues your CoE, you can lodge your visa application online via the Department of Home Affairs. Include your CoE, evidence of financial capacity, OSHC policy, and GTE statement. Wait for a visa decision before travelling to Australia.
Aitkenvale is a central suburb of Townsville, offering a mix of residential and commercial facilities. It is home to the Willows Shopping Centre and is within easy reach of James Cook University's Townsville campus. The area has a relaxed, tropical vibe with warm weather year-round. International students often choose Townsville for its lower cost of living compared to major cities and its strong community feel. However, consider that regional areas may have fewer part-time job opportunities and less diverse cultural activities. If you prefer a quieter study environment with access to nature, Aitkenvale could be ideal. Always visit the campus or take a virtual tour before committing.
Ready to start your barbering career? Visit Ardor College's website to apply or use HeadStart Academy to explore more courses.
Certificate III in Barbering is a CRICOS-registered programme at Ardor 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.