Certificate III in Pathology

Certificate III in Pathology (120055J) at Lead College Pty Ltd

Certificate III in Pathology (CRICOS course code 120055J) is a Certificate III delivered by Lead College Pty Ltd over 36 weeks (~8 months). This course is designed for students interested in laboratory technology and provides foundational skills for working in pathology laboratories. As a CRICOS-registered program, it meets the standards required for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. Lead College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03636F) is a private provider with campuses in Haymarket (Sydney), Parramatta, and Cannington (Perth), offering students flexibility in choosing their study location. The course covers key areas of laboratory science, including specimen collection, analysis, and safety procedures, preparing graduates for entry-level roles in pathology labs or further study. With an indicative total cost of A$9,000, including tuition and non-tuition fees, this program is an affordable pathway into Australia's healthcare sector. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) and is subject to change. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource to help you make informed decisions.

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Course Overview

Certificate III in Pathology (CRICOS course code 120055J) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) program delivered by Lead College Pty Ltd over 36 weeks (~8 months). The course falls under the field of education 01 - Natural and Physical Sciences, specifically in Laboratory Technology (019909). It is designed to provide students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to work in pathology laboratories, including sample handling, basic testing, and workplace safety. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not serve as a foundation studies program. The VET national code for the course is HLT37525, confirming its alignment with national training standards. International students should note that all CRICOS-registered courses, including this one, are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.

What You'll Study

As a Certificate III in Pathology, the curriculum focuses on laboratory technology within the natural and physical sciences. Students typically learn how to collect and handle biological specimens, perform routine laboratory tests, maintain equipment, and follow strict safety and infection control protocols. The course also covers basic anatomy and physiology, quality assurance, and communication skills in a healthcare setting. While this is a general description, the exact syllabus is set by Lead College Pty Ltd. Graduates may pursue roles as pathology assistants, laboratory technicians, or continue to higher qualifications in medical laboratory science. The course is hands-on, with a work component of 2 weeks (18 hours per week) to provide industry experience. This practical placement helps students apply their learning in real pathology labs, enhancing employability.

Duration and Study Mode

The Certificate III in Pathology is delivered over 36 weeks (~8 months) as per the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. The course is likely offered in a full-time, face-to-face mode, given the practical nature of pathology work. International students should maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions (Subclass 500). The duration is fixed, but extensions may be available under certain circumstances at the provider's discretion. Confirm study mode directly with Lead College Pty Ltd when applying.

Fees (Indicative – Set by Lead College Pty Ltd)

The indicative fees for Certificate III in Pathology at Lead College Pty Ltd are as follows: tuition fee A$7,000, non-tuition fees A$2,000, estimated total A$9,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Important: Costs for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge (currently around A$1,600) are not included. For a single student, living costs in Sydney or Perth are estimated at A$500–700 per week, covering rent, food, and transport. Always confirm current fees with Lead College through their website: http://www.leadcollege.edu.au. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees or commissions.

Entry Requirements (General Guidance)

For Certificate III in Pathology, typical entry requirements include an IELTS score of 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent), and completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Some providers may require prior study in science subjects. Lead College Pty Ltd may also consider mature age entry or relevant work experience. This course does not specify foundation or pathway options, but international students who do not meet English requirements may consider ELICOS programs offered by the provider. Always check the official entry criteria directly with Lead College, as requirements can change. For visa purposes, you must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and have sufficient financial capacity.

Work Component

This course includes a mandatory work component of 2 weeks, with 18 hours per week (approximately 36 total hours). This work-integrated learning is designed to give students practical experience in a pathology laboratory setting. It could involve an industry placement, internship, or clinical placement, allowing students to apply their skills under supervision. The placement helps develop workplace competencies and may count toward the course's practical hours. Lead College Pty Ltd will arrange placements in accordance with their policies. International students must ensure their visa allows work; generally, student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.

Delivery Locations

Lead College Pty Ltd delivers the Certificate III in Pathology at three locations: HAYMARKET - LEAD COLLEGE PTY LTD - 841 George St, HAYMARKET, NSW; Parramatta Lead - 37 George St, PARRAMATTA, NSW; and Lead - Perth - 15 Leila St, CANNINGTON WA 6107. Haymarket and Parramatta are both in the Greater Sydney area, one of Australia's largest student hubs with over 200,000 international students. Cannington is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, which has a growing international student population. Sydney and Perth offer extensive public transport networks, with trains, buses, and light rail connecting campuses to city centres. Living costs vary: Sydney is generally more expensive (weekly rent A$300–500), while Perth is slightly cheaper (A$250–400). Choose a location based on your preference for city lifestyle and cost of living.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

To study this course as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to: be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (like 120055J), maintain OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for the duration of your stay, demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, and show sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (at least A$29,710 per year for a single student), travel, and dependents. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must also comply with attendance and course progress requirements. For personalised immigration advice, consult a registered MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs.

How to Apply

Applying for Certificate III in Pathology at Lead College Pty Ltd is a straightforward process. Follow these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's directory to filter by course level, field, and city. Verify that Lead College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03636F) meets your needs and that the course (120055J) is available at your preferred location. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Lead College Pty Ltd via their website (http://www.leadcollege.edu.au) to check entry requirements, submit your English test scores (IELTS 5.0-5.5 or equivalent), and provide academic transcripts. Deadlines vary so apply early. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Lead College will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Enrol in OSHC and prepare your GTE statement.

Study Pathology in Australia: What to Consider

Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, including many in laboratory technology. When choosing a pathology course, consider: location (Sydney vs. Perth), cost of living (Sydney higher), provider reputation, work placement opportunities, and pathways to further study (e.g., Diploma of Laboratory Technology). Lead College's campuses are well-connected: Haymarket near Sydney CBD, Parramatta a major business hub, and Cannington accessible by train from Perth. International students benefit from ESOS Act protections, including tuition refund safeguards. The Certificate III is a great entry point, but ensure it aligns with your career goals—some roles may require a Diploma or degree. Always confirm CRICOS registration and fees directly with the provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to start your pathology career? Contact Lead College Pty Ltd via their website to apply for Certificate III in Pathology (120055J). Use HeadStart Academy to compare other CRICOS-registered courses in laboratory technology.

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Source-backed course facts

Certificate III in Pathology is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lead 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 Pathology
CRICOS course code
120055J
Provider
Lead College Pty Ltd (03636F)
Course level
Certificate III
Field of education
01 - Natural and Physical Sciences
Duration
36 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$7,000
Estimated total (indicative)
A$9,000
Delivery locations
HAYMARKET, Cannington, PARRAMATTA
Work component
Yes (36 total hours)

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).

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative total cost is A$9,000, comprising A$7,000 tuition and A$2,000 non-tuition fees. This does not include OSHC (approx A$500–700 per year for single cover), living expenses (A$500–700 per week), or the visa application charge (A$1,600). Fees are set by Lead College and subject to change. Always check the provider's website for the most current fee schedule.
The course duration is 36 weeks (~8 months) as listed on the CRICOS register. It is delivered full-time in English. The duration includes a 2-week work placement (18 hours/week). Extensions may be possible but require provider approval. Student visa conditions require you to complete the course within the expected time.
You typically need IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent) and completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Lead College may also accept mature age entry or relevant work experience. No foundation or pathway programs are specified for this course. Always verify exact requirements with the provider.
Lead College offers this course at three locations: Haymarket (841 George St, NSW), Parramatta (37 George St, NSW), and Cannington (15 Leila St, WA). Choose based on your preferred state and city. Sydney campuses are in high-density student areas with excellent public transport; Perth campus is a suburban location with easy access to the city.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$9,000 for Certificate III in Pathology (tuition A$7,000). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with Lead College Pty Ltd before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 120055J, offered by Lead College Pty Ltd (provider code 03636F). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.