Overview

The Certificate I in General Education for Adults is a course for adult learners with no formal education. You’ll learn basic reading, writing, maths and computer skills to develop your confidence and help you explore further training options or vocational pathways.

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

  • Computer Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Maths

Your career opportunities

  • Retail assistant
  • Apprentice
  • Office junior
  • Factory hand

Admissions

Applicants are required to attend an interview where their learning goals and current language, literacy and/or 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 I in General Education for Adults (Introductory), learners must successfully complete a total of 16 units, made up of 12 core and 4 elective units.

12
Core units
+
4
Elective units
=
Certificate
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 480

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Develop and document a learning plan and portfolio
Core unit, 20.0 credit points
VU22384
Plan and undertake a project
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
VU22385
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Engage with texts of limited complexity for personal purposes
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22386
Engage with texts of limited complexity for learning purposes
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22387
Engage with texts of limited complexity to participate in the community
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22389
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Engage with texts of limited complexity to participate in the community
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22389
Create texts of limited complexity for personal purposes
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22391
Create texts of limited complexity for learning purposes
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22392
Create texts of limited complexity to participate in the community
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22394
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Work with a range of numbers and money in familiar and routine situations
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
VU22395
Work with measurement in familiar and routine situations
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
VU22397
Work with and interpret statistical information in familiar and routine texts
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
VU22398
Work with and interpret numerical information in familiar and routine texts
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
VU22400

Elective units

Pick 4 electives from the list of Special Interest electives.

Units of study Unit code
Elective units
Operate a personal computer
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
BSBITU101
Use, communicate and search securely on the internet
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points
ICTICT103
Identify Australian environmental issues
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
VU22377
Identify community options
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
VU22379
Units of study Unit code
Elective units
Engage with simple texts for employment purposes
Elective unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22362
Participate in simple spoken interactions
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
VU22364
Create simple texts for employment purposes
Elective unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22367
Develop verbal communication skills
Elective unit, 15.0 credit points
VU22374
Communicate with others in familiar and predictable contexts
Elective unit, 15.0 credit points
VU22378
Work with and interpret simple directions in familiar situations
Elective unit, 30.0 credit points
VU22450
Use business resources
Elective unit, 15.0 credit points
BSBOPS101
Use digital technology for routine and simple workplace tasks
Elective unit, 10.0 credit points
FSKDIG002

2024 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$4,560

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$1,530

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

2024 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 only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

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
22472VIC
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
November intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
23-October-2024
Start dates
28-October-2024
November intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
23-October-2024
Start dates
28-October-2024
November intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
23-October-2024
Start dates
28-October-2024
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
Wantirna
Last date to apply
27-November-2024
Start dates
02-December-2024
Start dates
Location
Start dates
November intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
28-October-2024
November intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
28-October-2024
November intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
28-October-2024
December intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
02-December-2024
December intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
02-December-2024
December intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
02-December-2024
Upcoming events
2025 Study Expo
12-November-2024