Overview

The Certificate III in General Education for Adults focuses on the development of literacy skills to read, interpret, critically analyse and create complex texts and solve maths equations. This course is recommended for people from English and non-English speaking backgrounds who left school before Year 11 or who have had disrupted formal education. Upon completion, students will be able to identify their goals and pursue further pathway study options.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
Looking to start in Semester 1, 2025?

Whatever stage you're at – from browsing courses to starting an application – our Study Expo is your one-stop-shop for info and advice.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Literacy skills
  • Maths skills

Your career opportunities

  • Administration officer
  • Customer service officer
  • Apprenticeship

Admissions

Applicants are required to attend an interview where their learning goals and current language, literacy and numeracy skills will be assessed to ensure that the program best meets their needs.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

To be eligible for the award of the Certificate III in General Education for Adults, learners must successfully complete a total of eight units made up of 5 core and 3 elective units.

5
Core units
+
3
Elective units
=
Certificate III
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 390

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Evaluate pathway options, design a learning plan and compile a portfolio
Core unit, 60.0 credit points
VU22434

Select 4 units from Core Skills Reading/Writing/Numeracy and Mathematics:

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Engage with a range of highly complex texts to participate in the community
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
VU22438
Engage with a range of highly complex texts for personal purposes
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
VU22435
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Create a range of highly complex texts for personal purposes
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
VU22439
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Use formal mathematical concepts and techniques to analyse and solve problems
Core unit, 50.0 credit points
VU22444
Analyse and evaluate numerical and statistical information
Core unit, 50.0 credit points
VU22442
Units of study Unit code
Elective units
Design and review a project
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
VU22446
Participate in complex spoken interactions
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
VU22417
Operate presentation packages
Elective unit, 25.0 credit points
ICTICT106
Participate in negotiations
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
FNSCUS401
Develop and use information literacy skills
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
BSBLIB304
Communicate in the workplace
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
BSBCMM201
Create a range of complex texts to participate in the workplace
Elective unit, 30.0 credit points, Croydon and Wantirna only
VU22420
Engage with a range of complex texts for employment purposes
Elective unit, 30.0 credit points, Croydon and Wantirna only
VU22415
Work in a team
Elective unit, Croydon and Wantirna only
PUATEA001

2024 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$3,510

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$1,180

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2024 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Skills first government-subsidised place

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Concessions rates for vocational students

If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2024 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
22474VIC
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
December intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
27-November-2024
Start dates
02-December-2024
December intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
27-November-2024
Start dates
02-December-2024
December intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
27-November-2024
Start dates
02-December-2024
December intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
27-November-2024
Start dates
02-December-2024
Start dates
Location
Start dates
December intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
02-December-2024
December intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
02-December-2024
December intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
02-December-2024
December intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
02-December-2024
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