Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS course code 118985G) is a Certificate III delivered by Insight Institute of Further Studies Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification, aligned with VET national code CPC30620, prepares international students for careers in the painting and decorating trade. Based at Insight's campus in South Morang, Victoria, the course combines practical skills with theoretical knowledge in surface preparation, colour selection, and application techniques. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 04152G), it meets Australian Government standards for international education and is protected under the ESOS Act. Whether you aim to work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, this Certificate III is your gateway to the Australian building industry. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy and transparency.
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS 118985G) is a nationally recognised vocational qualification at AQF Level 3. It falls under the field of Architecture and Building (0403 Building, specifically Painting, Decorating and Sign Writing 040325). Delivered by Insight Institute of Further Studies Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04152G, a private provider), the course runs for 1 year (54 weeks) with English as the language of instruction. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation study component. Students learn to prepare surfaces, mix and apply paints and coatings, use decorative finishes, and work safely on construction sites. This course is ideal for international students seeking hands-on trade skills in Australia's growing construction sector. All data is verified against the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026, and the provider is registered to enrol overseas students.
This Certificate III covers the core competencies required for a painting and decorating professional in Australia. Students develop skills in surface preparation, paint application (brushing, rolling, spraying), colour matching, wallpaper hanging, and working with specialised coatings. The curriculum also includes workplace health and safety, reading plans, estimating material requirements, and communicating with clients. Graduates are typically prepared for employment as painters, decorators, or team leaders in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. While specific unit details are set by the provider, the course aligns with the national training package CPC30620. Entry into this trade offers strong job prospects in Victoria, where construction activity continues to drive demand for skilled tradespeople.
The course is scheduled over 1 year (54 weeks on the CRICOS register), inclusive of holidays and scheduled breaks. Instruction is delivered in English, with face-to-face classes at Insight Institute's South Morang campus. This is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include a foundation studies component. The duration allows for comprehensive coverage of both theory and practical elements, with assessment through projects, demonstrations, and written tests. International students holding a Student visa must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. Part-time study is not permitted under visa conditions. The 54-week duration also accounts for the mandatory supervised learning hours required by the CRICOS registration.
The indicative total course fee for Certificate III in Painting and Decorating at Insight Institute of Further Studies Pty Ltd is A$24,250. This comprises A$21,000 in tuition fees and an estimated A$3,250 in non-tuition fees (which may include enrolment, materials, and resource charges). Please note that these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by the institution — they may change without notice. Additional costs not included in this total are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge. Always confirm the latest fees directly with Insight Institute before applying. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a guide only and receives no commission from any provider.
International applicants typically need a minimum English language proficiency of IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). Academic requirements generally include completion of Year 10 or equivalent, as this is a Certificate III level course. Some providers may require a pre-training assessment or relevant work experience. For mature-age students, alternative entry pathways may exist. There is no foundation studies component attached to this course; however, Insight Institute may offer pathway programs — contact the provider directly for details. All entry requirements are set by the institution and should be confirmed at the time of application. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. For visa purposes, you must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students are not required to complete work placement or internship hours as part of their CRICOS-registered study program. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. This allows you to gain practical experience in the painting industry while studying, subject to visa conditions. Always check your visa grant conditions and consult the Department of Home Affairs for the most current work rights information.
The course is delivered at Insight Institute of Further Studies, South Morang campus, in Victoria. South Morang is a northern suburb of Melbourne, approximately 20 km from the CBD. The area is well-served by public transport, including the Mernda railway line and local bus routes. Melbourne is home to over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses, making it Australia's largest student city. Living costs in Melbourne average around A$450–A$600 per week for rent (shared accommodation), plus A$80–A$120 for groceries and A$40–A$60 for public transport. These are indicative only and vary based on lifestyle. The city's vibrant cultural scene and strong economy make it an attractive destination for international students.
International students studying this course on campus need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus a period after completion. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa period. Work rights include 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. The visa also requires you to be a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. After course completion, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet requirements. Always check the latest visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website and consider consulting a registered migration agent (MARA).
South Morang offers a suburban lifestyle with access to Melbourne's amenities. The area has a growing student population, with several education providers nearby. Rent is generally lower than in the city centre, making it a more affordable option. Public transport connects to Melbourne's CBD in about 40 minutes by train. The campus location may suit students who prefer a quieter environment while still having city access. However, if you prefer a bustling city experience, consider campuses closer to the CBD. Painting and decorating trade skills are in demand across Melbourne, with construction projects in both residential and commercial sectors. Victoria's building industry is forecast to grow, offering strong job prospects for graduates. Weigh the trade-off between commute time and cost of living when choosing your study location.
Follow these three steps to begin your journey: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers like Insight Institute that offer Certificate III in Painting and Decorating. Use HeadStart Academy's filters to compare courses by level, field, and city. Step 2: Apply directly to Insight Institute of Further Studies. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS 5.0–5.5), and any other required documents. Check application deadlines on the provider's website. Step 3: Once accepted, you'll receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Remember to arrange OSHC and demonstrate financial capacity. HeadStart Academy is a free resource and does not charge referral fees. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent.
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Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is a CRICOS-registered programme at Insight Institute of Further Studies 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.