Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS course code 118418E) is a Certificate III delivered by PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD over 1 year. This vocational qualification equips international students with the skills to prepare surfaces, apply paint and decorative finishes, and work safely on residential and commercial projects. As a CRICOS-registered course under provider code 03941H, it meets Australian standards for international student enrolment. Whether you're aiming to work in Australia's thriving construction sector or return home with globally recognised credentials, this program offers practical, hands-on training. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026, ensuring accuracy for your study planning.
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (118418E) is a nationally recognised vocational qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 3). It falls within the field of Architecture and Building (04), specifically Painting, Decorating and Sign Writing (040325). The course code CPC30620 indicates alignment with the national training package. PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD, a private CRICOS-registered provider (03941H), delivers this program across two campuses in Victoria. The course is designed for international students seeking entry-level skills in the painting and decorating trade. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses; this one is a solid choice for those targeting the building industry.
While specific subjects are set by the provider, a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating typically covers: preparing surfaces for painting, selecting and mixing paints, applying coatings using brushes, rollers and spray equipment, erecting and dismantling scaffolding, reading and interpreting plans, and complying with workplace health and safety regulations. Graduates develop skills to work as a painter in domestic, commercial or industrial settings. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical workshops. As this is a trade qualification, students gain hands-on experience under supervision. For detailed units of study, refer to PAKENHAM INSTITUTE's official website.
The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification—no dual awards or foundation studies. Students attend classes at either the Pakenham or St Kilda campus. The full-time commitment requires approximately 20-25 hours of study per week, including classroom sessions and practical work. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions.
Tuition fees for this course are A$16,000, with non-tuition fees (materials, equipment, admin) of A$3,500, giving an estimated total of A$19,500. These figures are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and set by PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD. Fees are subject to change—always confirm directly with the provider at http://www.wri.edu.au. Note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are not included. For a single student, OSHC costs roughly A$600–$800 per year; living costs in Melbourne average A$500–$700 per week for rent, food and transport.
PAKENHAM INSTITUTE typically requires an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). Applicants should have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent, with previous study or experience in a related area beneficial. No foundation or pathway courses are listed for this program; check with the provider for bridging options. As with all CRICOS courses, you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. English language waivers may be available if you have studied in English previously. Always verify exact entry criteria with the institution before applying.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. There is no requirement for students to undertake practical placement as part of the curriculum. However, you may still work part-time under your student visa conditions—up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Any work is optional and must not interfere with your studies.
Classes are held at two campuses in Victoria: Pakenham Campus (Unit 2, 66-68 Main St, PAKENHAM VIC 3810) in the outer southeastern growth corridor, and St Kilda Campus (Unit 3, 201 Fitzroy St, ST KILDA VIC 3182) in inner Melbourne. Pakenham offers a more suburban lifestyle with lower rents (approx $350–$450/week for a share house), while St Kilda provides vibrant city living near beaches and public transport (rents $500–$700/week). Both campuses are accessible via train, tram and bus. Melbourne has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, making it Australia's largest student city. Living costs here are moderate compared to Sydney.
To study this course as an international student, you'll need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your study, work part-time (48 hours per fortnight during study periods, unlimited during breaks), and bring dependents on a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590). You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa period. The genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion applies—you must show you intend to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity: you must prove you can cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041/year for a single student), and travel. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring your tuition fees are safeguarded and education quality assured. For visa help, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Painting and Decorating at PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register to verify course details and provider status. Filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Architecture and Building), and location (Victoria). 2. Apply directly to PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD: Check their website (http://www.wri.edu.au) for application forms, entry requirements, and deadlines. Submit your academic transcripts, English test results, and other required documents. You may need to pay an application fee. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement.
Ready to start your painting and decorating career? Explore your options at HeadStart Academy and apply to PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD today.
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is a CRICOS-registered programme at PAKENHAM 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.