There are 44 Certificate III courses offered by 17 CRICOS-registered providers across Australian Capital Territory. Whether you're looking to start a career in hospitality, information technology, or building and construction, Certificate III qualifications provide practical skills and a pathway to further study or employment. Canberra, the capital city, is home to most of these providers, offering a vibrant student community and easy access to public transport. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students can study with confidence under the ESOS Act protections. Below, we break down tuition fees, durations, top providers, and visa requirements to help you plan your study journey.
Certificate III is a qualification at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 3. It typically requires completion of Year 10 or equivalent and is designed to provide broad skills and knowledge for paraprofessional or skilled work. Graduates can enter the workforce or pathway to Certificate IV or Diploma levels. Entry requirements may also include an English proficiency test such as IELTS 5.0–5.5. This level is popular among international students seeking vocational training in fields like hospitality, IT, and community services.
Tuition fees for Certificate III in ACT range from A$1,500 to A$28,500, with durations from 6 weeks to 2 years. Fees vary by field and provider. Below is an indicative breakdown by field of education, based on CRICOS data. Note that additional costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and materials fees are separate. For 2026, living costs in Canberra are estimated at A$400–A$550 per week for rent, groceries, and transport.
According to the CRICOS register (April 2026), these providers offer the most Certificate III courses in ACT:
Certificate III in ACT covers diverse fields, each leading to specific career outcomes: - **Food, Hospitality and Personal Services** – Includes commercial cookery, hospitality, and hairdressing. Popular for hands-on roles. - **Information Technology** – Covers programming, networking, and cybersecurity fundamentals. - **Management and Commerce** – Focuses on business administration, customer engagement, and accounting support. - **Education** – Prepares for roles as education support workers or teacher aides. - **Society and Culture** – Includes community services, mental health, and legal support. - **Architecture and Building** – Covers carpentry, bricklaying, and building finishing. - **Engineering and Related Technologies** – Includes electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering support roles.
Most Certificate III courses in ACT require an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent). Some providers may accept PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT. Check with your chosen institution, as English language waivers may be available for students from certain countries or with prior study in English.
International students need a **Student Visa (Subclass 500)** to study a Certificate III in ACT full-time. Key requirements include: - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion - Financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (approx. A$25,000/year), OSHC, and travel - OSHC for the duration of your stay - Enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course
For detailed guidance, see our [Student Visa Subclass 500 page](/visa/student-visa-subclass-500).
Follow these three steps to start your study journey: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use our site to filter by course level (Certificate III), field, and location (ACT). Check entry requirements, English scores, and application deadlines. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Submit your application, academic transcripts, English test results, and any required documents. Many providers offer online applications. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use it to apply for the visa, attach proof of OSHC, and demonstrate financial capacity.
Canberra offers a unique study experience: a capital city with a strong focus on education and public service. With over 40,000 international students, you'll find a supportive community. Living costs are moderate compared to Sydney or Melbourne, and public transport (light rail and buses) connects campuses. However, job opportunities for Certificate III graduates are concentrated in government, hospitality, and retail sectors. Consider your field and career goals before deciding.
Ready to find your Certificate III course in ACT? Explore our complete list of CRICOS-registered providers and compare options.
Showing 58 certificate iii courses from 25 CRICOS providers in Australian Capital Territory.
Counted from the official register for ACT: 58 non-expired CRICOS courses across 25 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.