Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS course code 117818H) is a Certificate III delivered by Blue Bird Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year 1 month (~56 weeks). This AQF Level 3 qualification provides the skills and knowledge needed to work as a painter and decorator in the Australian construction industry. Blue Bird Institute, a private CRICOS-registered provider (04357E), delivers this course at its Melbourne campus on St Kilda Road. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the standards required for international students to study in Australia under the ESOS Act. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free resource to help you explore this painting and decorating course, with data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Note: Fees are indicative and subject to change.
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Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS course code 117818H) is a Certificate III delivered by Blue Bird Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year 1 month (~56 weeks). This qualification is part of the Architecture and Building field (04), specifically Building (0403) under the broad category Building, n.f.d. (040300). It is a VET course with national code CPC30620, and it is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). The course is taught in English and does not include a mandatory work component. As a CRICOS-registered course (CRICOS provider code 04357E), it is approved for international students applying for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Blue Bird Institute is a private education provider located in Melbourne, Victoria. The indicative tuition fee is A$22,000, with non-tuition fees of A$2,250, bringing the estimated total to A$24,250. All fees are set by the provider and subject to change — always confirm with Blue Bird Institute before applying.
This course covers the skills required for painting and decorating work in residential and commercial settings. Students learn about surface preparation, paint application, colour matching, wallpapering, and safety practices. The curriculum aligns with the AQF Level 3 outcomes, which focus on applying a range of skilled operations in a variety of contexts. Graduates typically gain competencies to work as a painter, decorator, or team leader on construction sites. While specific subjects are set by the provider, the course generally includes interpreting plans, selecting and preparing materials, using tools and equipment, and following workplace health and safety procedures. This field of education is critical to Australia's building industry, with strong demand in growing cities like Melbourne.
The course duration is 1 year 1 month (~56 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is a full-time program delivered in English. The course is a single qualification — it does not combine with a dual qualification or foundation studies. Classes are held at the provider's campus. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to meet Student visa conditions. The duration includes scheduled breaks (typically end-of-year holidays), which count towards the CRICOS duration. During breaks, students can work unlimited hours (subject to visa conditions).
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$22,000, with non-tuition fees of A$2,250 (including materials, administration, etc.), making the estimated total A$24,250. Note: This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Living costs in Melbourne for a single student are approximately A$25,000–A$30,000 per year (including rent, food, transport). OSHC costs around A$600–A$800 per year for single cover. The Student visa (Subclass 500) application fee is currently A$1,600 (subject to change). Always check the latest fees on Blue Bird Institute's official website. Fees are set by the institution and may vary. HeadStart Academy sources fee data from the CRICOS register but cannot guarantee amounts. We recommend contacting Blue Bird Institute directly for a current fee schedule.
International students must meet English language and academic criteria. For this course, an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall is typically required (or equivalent). Students should have completed Year 12 or equivalent. Prior qualifications equivalent to AQF Level 2 may be expected. Blue Bird Institute may also consider work experience or foundation programs. No foundation studies are embedded in this course, but pathway options may be available — check with the provider. Meeting entry requirements does not guarantee enrollment; the final decision rests with Blue Bird Institute.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. It is purely academic delivery. However, international students on a Student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. The absence of a work component means the course focuses entirely on theoretical and practical training in painting and decorating.
This course is delivered at Level 8, 492 St Kilda Road, MELBOURNE, VIC, 3004. Melbourne is Victoria's capital city, home to over 200,000 international students and more than 300 CRICOS-registered providers. The campus is located on St Kilda Road, a major thoroughfare with excellent public transport links (trams and buses). The area offers a mix of residential and commercial spaces, with access to shops, cafes, and cultural venues. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate by Australian standards, with weekly rent averaging A$300–A$500 for a share house and groceries around A$150–A$200.
To study this course, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. You must also demonstrate financial capacity to cover course fees, living costs, and travel. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. For visa application details, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy is not a migration agency and does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Painting and Decorating at Blue Bird Institute Pty Ltd:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy or the official CRICOS register to compare courses. Filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Architecture and Building), and location (Melbourne).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Blue Bird Institute's website to check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents (transcripts, English test results, passport).
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Blue Bird Institute will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE and financial requirements. After visa grant, arrange OSHC and prepare for your stay in Melbourne.
Melbourne is a vibrant, multicultural city with a large student population. It offers a strong construction industry, providing opportunities for painters and decorators. The city has excellent public transport, diverse suburbs, and a mild climate. However, cost of living is higher than regional areas. Consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and career goals. Melbourne has over 300 CRICOS-registered providers, so you have options. If you prefer a smaller city or lower living costs, consider other regions. HeadStart Academy's state guides can help you compare.
Frequently asked questions about Certificate III in Painting and Decorating at Blue Bird Institute.
Ready to start your painting and decorating career? Apply to Blue Bird Institute today or explore more courses on HeadStart Academy.
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is a CRICOS-registered programme at Blue Bird 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.