There are 7 Certificate I courses offered by 6 CRICOS-registered providers across Queensland. These entry-level qualifications are designed for international students who want to build foundational skills in specific fields such as architecture and building, management and commerce, or mixed field programmes. Whether you're just starting your education journey or looking to improve your English and study skills before advancing to higher levels, Certificate I in Queensland offers an accessible and supportive start. Tuition fees range from A$2,000 to A$7,800, with course durations between 15 and 28 weeks (roughly 6 months). All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring your studies are protected under Australian education laws. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about studying a Certificate I in Queensland: from fees and providers to visa requirements and how to apply.
Counted from the official register for QLD: 7 non-expired CRICOS courses across 6 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.
Ranked by active CRICOS course coverage for Certificate I in Queensland on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-06). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
Commercial disclosure: Payment does not affect this ranking or inclusion. Ordering is coverage-based from the CRICOS register — not an endorsement or quality score. How we rank · Is this legit?
The University of Queensland is a government CRICOS provider with 377 active courses matched to Certificate I in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$3,420 to A$447,525. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00025B, Government, 377 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Griffith University is a government CRICOS provider with 293 active courses matched to Certificate I in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$18,447 to A$342,017. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework), Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00233E, Government, 293 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is a government CRICOS provider with 288 active courses matched to Certificate I in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$900 to A$304,700. Common levels include Masters Degree (Research), Bachelor Degree, Doctoral Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00213J, Government, 288 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Bond University is a private CRICOS provider with 179 active courses matched to Certificate I in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$248.6 to A$301,972. Common levels include Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Certificate, Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00017B, Private, 179 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
University of the Sunshine Coast
University of the Sunshine Coast is a government CRICOS provider with 145 active courses matched to Certificate I in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$167,500. Common levels include Masters Degree (Research), Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01595D, Government, 145 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Torrens University Australia Limited
Torrens University Australia Limited is a private CRICOS provider with 126 active courses matched to Certificate I in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$500 to A$129,000. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03389E, Private, 126 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
James Cook University is a government CRICOS provider with 121 active courses matched to Certificate I in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$473,482.483. Common levels include Diploma, Masters Degree (Research), Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00117J, Government, 121 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Southern Cross University (SCU)
Southern Cross University (SCU) is a government CRICOS provider with 119 active courses matched to Certificate I in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$13,880 to A$144,000. Common levels include Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01241G, Government, 119 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian Catholic University Limited
Australian Catholic University Limited is a government CRICOS provider with 116 active courses matched to Certificate I in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$10,640 to A$210,176. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00004G, Government, 116 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Central Queensland University is a government CRICOS provider with 105 active courses matched to Certificate I in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$218,771. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Non AQF Award.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00219C, Government, 105 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Similar to a register-first directory: every claim you can act on should be checkable against an official source. Full ranking rules: methodology.
Maintained by HeadStart Academy editorial · Snapshot recalculated this build (2026-10-06).
| Field of Education | Approx Tuition Range | Approx Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 04 - Architecture and Building | A$2,000 – A$7,800 | 15–28 weeks |
| 08 - Management and Commerce | A$2,000 – A$7,800 | 15–28 weeks |
| 12 - Mixed Field Programmes | A$2,000 – A$7,800 | 15–28 weeks |
A Certificate I is the first level on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 1). It is designed to introduce you to a broad range of basic knowledge and skills in a specific field. Typical entry requirements are minimal—often no formal qualifications are needed, though some providers may require a certain level of English proficiency. Certificate I courses are ideal for students who are new to formal study or who need to build confidence and foundational skills before progressing to Certificate II, Certificate III, or higher. They can also serve as a pathway to employment in entry-level roles. In Queensland, you'll find Certificate I courses in fields like Architecture and Building, Management and Commerce, and Mixed Field Programmes.
Tuition fees for Certificate I courses in Queensland range from A$2,000 to A$7,800, depending on the provider and field of study. Course durations vary from 15 weeks to 28 weeks (approximately 6 months). These are indicative figures sourced from the CRICOS register and are set by individual institutions—always confirm with the provider. Below is a breakdown by field of education. Note that non-tuition costs such as application fees, textbooks, uniforms, health insurance (OSHC), and living expenses are separate and should be budgeted for separately. For example, living costs in Brisbane can range from A$400 to A$600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport.
Six CRICOS-registered providers offer Certificate I courses in Queensland. The top provider by number of courses is Charlton Brown Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03822D), a private institution based in Brisbane, offering 2 Certificate I courses with a focus on community and health services. YWAM Townsville Assoc. Inc. (CRICOS 02205D) offers 1 Certificate I course in Townsville, ideal for students interested in mission and community work. Australian Language Schools Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02885G) is located in Brisbane and provides 1 Certificate I course, often combined with English language support. Spencer College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03093K) in Brisbane offers 1 Certificate I course in business-related studies. Gamma Education & Training Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03580F) and ELS FUTURES PTY LTD (CRICOS 04010K) each offer 1 Certificate I course, with a focus on general preparatory programs.
Certificate I courses in Queensland fall under three broad fields of education, as classified by the Australian Government. 04 - Architecture and Building: This field covers basic construction skills, safety awareness, and introductory building techniques. It's a great starting point if you're interested in the trades. 08 - Management and Commerce: Courses in this field introduce fundamental business concepts, customer service, and office administration skills. 12 - Mixed Field Programmes: These are general preparatory programs that combine literacy, numeracy, and study skills to prepare you for further study or employment. Each field has its own focus, so choose based on your career goals.
English language requirements vary by provider and course type. For Certificate I courses in Queensland, typical IELTS scores range from 5.5 to 7.0 overall, depending on the field of study and provider. Some institutions may accept alternative tests like TOEFL or PTE Academic. Others may offer internal English placement tests or pre-sessional English courses. It's essential to check the specific entry requirements on the provider's website before applying. If your English level is below the threshold, consider enrolling in an English language course (ELICOS) at the same provider or a specialist language school.
To study a Certificate I in Queensland, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, which assesses your intention to stay temporarily in Australia for study. You'll also need to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living costs, and health insurance. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of your stay. As a Certificate I student, your course duration is typically less than 12 months, so plan accordingly. Remember that all listed providers are CRICOS-registered, meaning your course and provider meet Australian standards. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for specific visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Queensland is a popular destination for international students, with vibrant cities like Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Cairns. Brisbane alone has over 30,000 international students. The cost of living is generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$250–$400. Public transport is well-connected, and students enjoy a subtropical climate. However, Certificate I courses are limited to a few providers, so if you're looking for a wider selection, you might consider larger states like New South Wales or Victoria. Think about your long-term study plans—if you hope to progress to higher levels, check that the provider offers a pathway to Certificate II or III.
Applying for a Certificate I course in Queensland is straightforward. Follow these three steps:
Ready to start your Certificate I journey in Queensland? Use HeadStart Academy to explore providers, compare fees, and apply today.
Showing 7 certificate i courses from 6 CRICOS providers in Queensland.