Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS course code 118560K) is a Certificate III delivered by Bentley College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is designed for international students seeking to build a career in the painting and decorating trade, covering surface preparation, colour mixing, application techniques, and decorative finishes. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for overseas students, ensuring quality education and legal protections under the ESOS Act. Bentley College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03914M) is a private provider located in Melbourne, Victoria, offering this course at its Swanston Street Campus. With the construction and renovation industry thriving in Melbourne, graduates can find opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this painting and decorating course is a solid pathway for those looking to enter the building sector.
This course falls under the field of education '04 - Architecture and Building', specifically '040325 - Painting, Decorating and Sign Writing'. At Certificate III level, students typically gain practical competencies to work independently as a painter and decorator. Core skills include preparing surfaces for painting, selecting and mixing paints and solvents, applying coatings using brushes, rollers, and spray equipment, and performing decorative finishes. Safety procedures, estimating material quantities, and working on scaffolding are also covered. While the exact syllabus is set by Bentley College, graduates of this qualification are prepared for roles in residential, commercial, and industrial painting projects across Australia.
According to the CRICOS register, this course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation study component. Students should expect a structured timetable with classes delivered at the Swanston Street campus in Melbourne's CBD.
Tuition fees for this course are set at A$16,000 (indicative), with non-tuition fees of A$3,500, giving an estimated total of A$19,500. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs that are not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, living expenses (estimated at A$29,710 per year for a single student in Melbourne), and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always confirm current fees directly with Bentley College via their official website before applying.
The typical English language requirement for this course is an IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent). Prior academic qualifications expected include completion of Year 10 or equivalent, as Certificate III is an AQF Level 3 qualification. Some providers may also require a pre-training assessment or relevant work experience. For specific entry criteria, contact Bentley College directly. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet the academic or English requirements – refer to the provider for details.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component such as an internship or work placement. However, 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 course breaks, subject to visa conditions.
The course is delivered at the Swanston Street Campus located at Level 4, 55 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000. This campus is in the heart of Melbourne's central business district, a short walk from Flinders Street Station and well-served by trams and buses. Melbourne is a major international student destination with over 50 CRICOS-registered providers in the city alone. The city offers a vibrant multicultural environment, with living costs averaging around A$500–600 per week for rent in the city, A$150–200 for groceries, and A$30–50 for public transport. The campus's central location makes it easy to access from suburbs like Carlton, Fitzroy, and Southbank.
International students enrolling in this course must hold a valid Student visa (Subclass 500). Key visa conditions include maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay, demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel (estimated at A$29,710 per year for living costs plus A$2,000 for incidental expenses), and meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Post-study work rights may be available for graduates of higher-level qualifications, but Certificate III courses typically do not qualify for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) – check the Department of Home Affairs for current policy. Always consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice.
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, known for its arts, culture, and strong construction sector. The demand for skilled painters and decorators is steady, driven by ongoing building and renovation projects. The Swanston Street campus is centrally located, giving you access to public transport, accommodation, and student services. When choosing this course, consider the cost of living: average weekly rent for a shared house is around A$300–400, while a one-bedroom apartment in the CBD costs A$2,000+ per month. Public transport is reliable, with a myki card. Melbourne also has a large international student community, with support services available. The ESOS Act protects your rights as a student, including tuition fee protection and complaint handling.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Painting and Decorating at Bentley College:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Architecture and Building), and location (Melbourne). Confirm Bentley College (CRICOS 03914M) and this course (CRICOS 118560K) are listed.
2. Apply directly to Bentley College Pty Ltd – Check entry requirements (academic and English), prepare your documents (transcripts, English test results, passport), and submit your application by the deadline. The provider will assess your eligibility.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, Bentley College will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online, including evidence of OSHC, finances, and a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement. Processing times vary; apply early.
Start your application today: use HeadStart Academy to find more CRICOS-registered painting courses in Melbourne.
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is a CRICOS-registered programme at Bentley 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.