Certificate III in Painting and Decorating

Certificate III in Painting and Decorating

Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS course code 119713A) is a Certificate III delivered by SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD over 2 years. This vocational qualification, set at AQF Level 3, equips students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to work as a painter and decorator in Australia's construction industry. The course covers surface preparation, paint application, color matching, and decorative finishes, aligning with field of education 040325 - Painting, Decorating and Sign Writing. Delivered at two locations in New South Wales—Mascot and Bankstown—the program is designed for international students seeking hands-on training with a CRICOS-registered provider. SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD (CRICOS 04417J) is a private institution committed to quality vocational education. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, students benefit from ESOS Act protections. Whether you're aiming to start a trade or upskill, this course offers a pathway to employment in the building and construction sector. Use HeadStart Academy's free resource to compare courses and providers.

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Course Overview

Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS course code 119713A) is a Certificate III delivered by SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD over 2 years (104 weeks). The course is classified under field of education 04 - Architecture and Building, specifically 0403 - Building, and 040325 - Painting, Decorating and Sign Writing. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. Delivery is in English, and the VET national code is CPC30620. This course prepares students for roles such as painter, decorator, or sign writer, with a focus on residential and commercial projects. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrollment. HeadStart Academy sources all data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring accuracy and reliability.

What You'll Study

Students in Certificate III in Painting and Decorating learn a range of practical and theoretical skills essential for the trade. The curriculum typically includes surface preparation (cleaning, sanding, filling), application of paints, stains, and clear finishes, color mixing and matching, wallpaper hanging, and decorative techniques like stenciling and faux finishes. Safety practices, workplace communication, and basic business skills are also covered. At AQF Level 3, graduates can work autonomously and supervise others in routine and non-routine tasks. While specific syllabi vary by provider, the course aligns with national competency standards. This qualification builds on Certificate II skills and can lead to further study at Certificate IV or diploma level in building and construction.

Duration and Study Mode

The course runs for 2 years (104 weeks) as indicated on the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English, and the program is a single qualification—no dual awards. SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD offers this course on-campus at its two NSW locations. Full-time study is expected to meet visa requirements. International students should note that the standard duration for a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is typically 2 years, allowing sufficient time to develop practical skills and complete workplace-based assessments. The language of instruction is English, so students need adequate proficiency (see entry requirements). This course does not include a work component, but students can undertake part-time work subject to visa conditions.

Fees (Indicative)

Tuition fees for Certificate III in Painting and Decorating at SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD are indicative at A$30,000 for the full 2-year program, with non-tuition fees of A$2,150, bringing the estimated total to A$32,150. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Note: the total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. International students should budget additional costs for health insurance (approximately A$600–$2,000 per year depending on coverage), accommodation (e.g., A$300–$600 per week in Sydney), and other living costs. Always confirm current fees directly with SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD before applying. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for the most up-to-date fee schedule.

Entry Requirements

SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD sets entry requirements for Certificate III in Painting and Decorating. For international students, an English language proficiency of IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) is typically required. Academic entry expectations include completion of Year 12 or equivalent (senior secondary school) or a relevant Certificate II qualification. Mature-age applicants with relevant work experience may also be considered. Foundation studies are not part of this course, but pathway options may be available through the provider. Always refer to SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD's official entry criteria, as requirements can change. For visa purposes, students must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status and sufficient financial capacity.

Work Component

This course has no mandatory work component. It does not include a formal internship or work placement as part of the curriculum. However, Certificate III in Painting and Decorating typically involves practical training in simulated or real workplace environments within the college's facilities. Students can still gain industry experience through part-time work or volunteering, subject to visa conditions.

Delivery Locations

The course is delivered at two SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD campuses in New South Wales: 712 Botany Road, Mascot NSW 2020 (MASCOT) and Level 3, 40 Raymond Street, Bankstown NSW 2200 (BANKSTOWN). Both locations are in metropolitan Sydney, with access to public transport and student amenities. Sydney has the largest student population in Australia and over 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering painting and decorating courses. These campuses are equipped with trade workshops for hands-on training.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

International students enrolling in this full-time course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: 48 hours of work per fortnight during study periods, unlimited work during scheduled breaks, maintaining OSHC for the visa duration, and complying with GTE requirements. Course progress and attendance must meet provider standards. Financial capacity evidence is required. While onshore, students can extend or change visas. For detailed visa guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.

How to Apply

Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Painting and Decorating at SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers using HeadStart Academy's search tools — filter by course level, field, and city. 2) Apply directly to SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD — meet entry requirements, submit English test scores, and adhere to application deadlines. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs.

Is New South Wales Right for You?

New South Wales, particularly Sydney, offers a vibrant multicultural environment with diverse study and work opportunities. Living costs in Sydney are among Australia's highest, with weekly rent averaging $400–600 for a room and groceries $100–150. Public transport connects all suburbs. With over 500 CRICOS-registered providers across the state, NSW has a strong vocational education sector. The painting and decorating industry is tied to the construction market, which remains robust. Consider your budget, climate preferences, and career goals before choosing NSW.

Start your journey in painting and decorating today. Explore more courses on HeadStart Academy.

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Source-backed course facts

Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is a CRICOS-registered programme at SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.

CRICOS register extract

Course
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
CRICOS course code
119713A
Provider
SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD (04417J)
Course level
Certificate III
Field of education
04 - Architecture and Building
Duration
104 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$30,000
Estimated total (indicative)
A$32,150
Delivery locations
MASCOT, BANKSTOWN
Work component
No

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

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Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative tuition fee is A$30,000 for the full 2-year program, plus A$2,150 in non-tuition fees, totaling approximately A$32,150. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and are subject to change. Additional costs include OSHC, living expenses, and visa fees. Always confirm directly with SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD for current fees.
The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks) according to the CRICOS register. This is a full-time program delivered in English by SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD. The length allows for comprehensive practical training in painting and decorating skills.
Typical entry requirements include IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) and completion of Year 12 or a relevant Certificate II. The provider may consider work experience. Foundation studies are not included. Always check with SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD for the latest requirements.
The course is delivered at two SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD campuses: 712 Botany Road, Mascot NSW 2020, and Level 3, 40 Raymond Street, Bankstown NSW 2200, both in Sydney, NSW. These locations offer access to trade facilities and public transport.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$32,150 for Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (tuition A$30,000). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 119713A, offered by SMART COLLEGE PTY LTD (provider code 04417J). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.