Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS course code 120229C) is a Certificate III delivered by Australian Academy of Business and Technology Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course is registered with the Australian Government's CRICOS system (provider code 03734D), ensuring it meets the quality standards required for international students. As a trade qualification at AQF Level 3, it provides practical skills in surface preparation, paint application, wallpapering, and decorative finishes. Situated in Melbourne's CBD, the course offers convenient access to public transport and a vibrant student community. Whether you're aiming to start a career in the building and construction industry or upgrade your existing skills, this program serves as a solid foundation.
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS course code 120229C) is a vocational qualification at AQF Level 3, classified under the field of Architecture and Building (0403 Building, 040325 Painting, Decorating and Sign Writing). It is delivered by Australian Academy of Business and Technology Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03734D), a private institution CRICOS-registered to enrol international students. The course takes 1 year (52 weeks) of full-time study in English, with no dual qualification or foundation studies component. Its VET national code is CPC30620. All CRICOS-registered courses in Australia are protected under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which safeguards tuition fees and ensures quality education. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,433 courses available nationwide (as of April 2026), this course is one of many options for international students seeking hands-on training in Australia.
This certificate focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of painting and decorating. Students learn to prepare surfaces, mix and apply paints and coatings, install wallpaper and wall coverings, and apply decorative finishes. Safety practices, tool handling, and reading work instructions are also covered. While the specific syllabus is set by the provider, graduates typically gain skills to work as painting subcontractors or employees in residential and commercial construction. The field of Painting, Decorating and Sign Writing is part of the broader building industry, which offers stable employment in Australia due to ongoing construction demand. International students benefit from hands-on learning in real-world settings, with Melbourne’s thriving construction sector providing potential work opportunities during and after study.
The course duration is 1 year, equivalent to 52 weeks on the CRICOS register. It is delivered full-time in English, with no option for part-time study under the student visa conditions. The qualification is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include a foundation studies component. Students attend classes at the provider’s campus in Melbourne. This duration is standard for Certificate III level trade courses in Australia, allowing sufficient time to develop practical competence. The language of instruction is English, so proficiency requirements apply (see Entry Requirements). Single qualification means you focus entirely on painting and decorating, without combining another field.
Indicative fees for this course, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, are as follows: tuition fee A$20,000, non-tuition fee A$2,500 (covering materials, uniforms, or other institutional charges), giving an estimated total of A$22,500. Please note that these fees are set by Australian Academy of Business and Technology Pty Ltd and may change. Always confirm current fees on the provider’s website (visit the institution page on HeadStart Academy for the link). The following costs are NOT included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — mandatory for international students (approx. A$500–$700 per year for single cover), living expenses (approx. A$21,041 per year in Melbourne as per Department of Home Affairs guidelines), and the Student visa (Subclass 500) application charge (currently A$1,600). You must show evidence of these funds when applying for your visa.
As a guideline, international students need an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) to enrol in this Certificate III course. Prior qualifications expected for this level typically include completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Some providers may also require a pre-training assessment or relevant work experience. Foundation or pathway options are not offered with this course; however, applicants who do not meet English requirements may consider a General English or English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program at the same provider. For exact entry criteria, including academic and English language requirements, refer to Australian Academy of Business and Technology Pty Ltd. All CRICOS-registered providers are required to have clear entry policies.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. There is no requirement for placements, internships, or work experience as part of the curriculum. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work while studying: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions and course progress). Work opportunities can help offset living costs and provide valuable experience, but should not interfere with study commitments.
The course is delivered at Level 3, 382 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC. This location is in the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD), offering excellent access to public transport (trains, trams, buses). Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city with a large international student population (over 250,000). The campus is close to Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station. Living costs in Melbourne are typical for a major city: indicative weekly rent for shared accommodation is A$200–$300, groceries A$80–$120, and transport A$30–$50. The city also offers a diverse range of cultural and leisure activities.
To study this course as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and work rights (48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during breaks). You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, prove financial capacity (tuition, OSHC, living costs), and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration. The Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) assesses all applications. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent for visa advice. Ensure your provider is CRICOS-registered — Australian Academy of Business and Technology Pty Ltd is (CRICOS 03734D).
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by Certificate III level, Architecture and Building field, and Melbourne location. Compare Australian Academy of Business and Technology Pty Ltd with other providers. 2. Apply directly to the institution: Submit your application through the provider’s website with required documents (transcripts, English test score, passport copy). Check application deadlines and whether they charge an application fee. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, you’ll receive a CoE from the provider. Use this to lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application online. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. The visa fee is currently A$1,600 (check Home Affairs website).
Melbourne is a dynamic city known for its strong construction and trades sector. With over 300 CRICOS-registered providers in Victoria alone, the state offers a wide range of vocational courses. For building and architecture fields, Melbourne has numerous providers due to high demand from both domestic and international students. The city’s multicultural environment and supportive student services make it a popular choice. Public transport is efficient, and students can access discounts with a myki card. Living costs in Melbourne are approximately A$21,041 per year as per government guidelines, but actual costs vary. The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene, which may inspire your decorating skills. When choosing a course, consider factors like location, industry connections, and pathway opportunities to further study or employment.
Ready to start your painting and decorating career? Visit the Australian Academy of Business and Technology Pty Ltd page on HeadStart Academy for application details.
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Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Academy of Business and Technology 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.