Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS course code 118272G) is a Certificate III delivered by Sunshine College of Management Pty Ltd over 1 year 2 months (~59 weeks). This vocational course equips international students with practical skills in surface preparation, paint application, decorative finishes, and workplace safety, preparing them for roles in the building and construction industry. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 02835G), it is open to international students wishing to study in Australia under a Student visa (Subclass 500). The course is offered at two locations in Victoria – Bacchus Marsh and Sunshine – giving students flexibility in choosing their study environment. With indicative total fees of A$22,000 (tuition A$20,000 + non-tuition A$2,000), this course represents a cost-effective pathway into the trades. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource to help you make informed decisions about studying in Australia.
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS course code 118272G) is a Certificate III level qualification (AQF Level 3) offered by Sunshine College of Management Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02835G). The course has a duration of 59 weeks (1 year 2 months) and is taught entirely in English. It falls under the field of education 040325 - Painting, Decorating and Sign Writing, within the Architecture and Building category. This is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation program) and does not include a mandatory work component. The VET national code for this course is CPC30620. International students who complete this course will gain practical skills and knowledge applicable to the painting and decorating trade in Australia.
This course covers core competencies in the painting and decorating trade, including surface preparation, paint application, colour matching, decorative techniques, and safe work practices. Students learn to work with various materials and tools, interpret work instructions, and apply finishing techniques. The curriculum aligns with industry standards and prepares graduates for employment as painting and decorating tradespeople. While specific unit details are subject to change, typical learning outcomes include the ability to prepare surfaces, apply paints and coatings, use scaffolding and ladders safely, and communicate effectively on construction sites. This qualification reflects the skills required for a trade-level role in the building industry.
The Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is a full-time course with a duration of 59 weeks (1 year 2 months). This is the duration recorded on the CRICOS register. The course is delivered in English at two locations in Victoria: Bacchus Marsh Campus in the town of Bacchus Marsh, and Sunshine College of Management Pty Ltd in the Melbourne suburb of Sunshine. Students are expected to attend classes on campus as the course does not offer online or blended delivery. The course is a single qualification without any foundation or dual-study components. Full-time study typically involves around 20-25 hours per week of contact time, plus independent study and assessment preparation.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$20,000, with non-tuition fees (such as materials, resources, and administration) estimated at A$2,000, bringing the total indicative cost to A$22,000. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Please note that fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year. Living costs in Victoria vary by location – in Bacchus Marsh, weekly rent may range from A$200–A$300, while in Sunshine (Melbourne), rent may be A$250–A$400 per week. Always check the provider's official website for the most current fee schedule: http://www.scm.vic.edu.au/Home.
For international students, typical entry requirements include an overall IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) and successful completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) in the home country. Prior experience in the building or painting industry is not mandatory but may be beneficial. As this is a Certificate III level course, applicants should have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Some providers may also require a pre-training assessment or interview. Sunshine College of Management may have additional requirements – prospective students should contact the provider directly or visit their website. Foundation or pathway programs are not included but may be available through other institutions for students who do not meet direct entry requirements.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, students may choose to seek part-time work during their studies, consistent with their student visa conditions. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It is important to remember that work should not interfere with study commitments. The course focuses on classroom-based and practical training at the provider's facilities.
The Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is delivered at two locations in Victoria:
1. **Bacchus Marsh Campus** – Bacchus Marsh, VIC. Bacchus Marsh is a regional town about 50 km west of Melbourne, with a population of approximately 25,000. The area has a lower cost of living compared to Melbourne, with typical weekly rent for a shared house around A$200–A$250. Public transport to Melbourne is available via V/Line train.
2. **Sunshine College of Management Pty Ltd** – Sunshine, VIC. Sunshine is a suburb of Melbourne, located about 12 km west of the CBD. It has good public transport connections including trains and buses. Living costs in Sunshine are higher, with weekly rent typically A$250–A$400 for a room. The suburb has a diverse community and access to Melbourne's amenities.
Both locations offer practical training facilities and are CRICOS-registered for international student enrolment.
International students enrolled in this course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study at a CRICOS-registered institution. Key conditions include: - **Work rights**: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. - **GTE requirement**: Applicants must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant intentions. - **OSHC**: Mandatory health cover for the duration of the visa. - **Financial capacity**: Sufficient funds for tuition, living costs (A$21,041 for a single student per year), travel, and dependants if applicable.
The visa also includes conditions related to attendance, course progress, and maintaining enrolment. For detailed guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating at Sunshine College of Management Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use the CRICOS register to verify that Sunshine College of Management (CRICOS 02835G) is approved for this course (CRICOS 118272G). Check the course level, field, and location that suit your goals.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Contact Sunshine College of Management Pty Ltd via their website (http://www.scm.vic.edu.au/Home) or admissions office. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.0–5.5), and any other required documents. Note application deadlines and any specific entry requirements.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online through the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and English proficiency. Visa processing times vary – apply well in advance.
This course is ideal for international students who enjoy hands-on work and want to enter Australia's building and construction industry. Painting and decorating is a skilled trade with strong demand across Australia, particularly in growing cities and regions. Studying in Victoria offers access to diverse job markets – from Melbourne's construction boom to regional infrastructure projects. Consider your career goals: Certificate III is a trade-level qualification that can lead to apprenticeships or employment. However, if you're looking for a pathway to university, consider a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. Also factor in location – Bacchus Marsh offers a quieter, lower-cost lifestyle, while Sunshine provides proximity to Melbourne's employment opportunities. Check the cost of living: in Bacchus Marsh, weekly expenses (rent, food, transport) may be around A$350–A$500, while in Sunshine it may be A$450–A$650. OSHC and visa fees are additional. Always confirm current visa and financial requirements with official sources.
Ready to enrol? Contact Sunshine College of Management Pty Ltd for application details and start your journey to a painting and decorating career in Australia.
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Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sunshine College of Management 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.