Overview

The Certificate I in General Education for Adults (Introductory) focuses on the development of literacy and mathematics skills. The aim is to create and interpret simple, personally-relevant texts, and knowledge in numerical skills to apply in everyday familiar situations. It is recommended that on completion, students pathway to the Certificate II in General Education for Adults or other Vocational Education courses.

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

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
My preference is success

Want to maximise your VTAC offers? Discover how to get more for your ATAR with Change of Preference tips and tools.

Skills you’ll learn

  • 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.

One of the following:

  • successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
  • completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates IV (completed), diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).

You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.

If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject bonuses, equity schemes or other factors. Use the above ATAR as a guide on your eligibility, and see the course handbook page for more information on entry requirements. 

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

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 is granted in recognition of previous study and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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
Indicative nominal course hours: 440

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Develop learning goals
Core unit, 20.0 credit points
VU22358
Conduct a project with guidance
Core unit, 20.0 credit points
VU22359
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Engage with simple texts for personal purposes
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22360
Engage with simple texts for learning purposes
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22361
Engage with simple texts for employment purposes
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22362
Engage with simple texts to participate in the community
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22363
Participate in simple spoken interactions
Core unit, 20.0 credit points
VU22364
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Create simple texts for personal purposes
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22365
Create simple texts for personal purposes
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22365
Create simple texts for learning purposes
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22366
Create simple texts for employment purposes
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22367
Create simple texts to participate in the community
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
VU22368
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Work with simple numbers and money in familiar situations
Core unit, 30.0 credit points, Croydon and Wantirna only
VU22369
Work with simple measurements in familiar situations
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
VU22370
Work with and interpret simple numerical information in familiar texts
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
VU22372
Work with and interpret simple statistical information in familiar texts
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
VU22373
Work with and interpret simple directions in familiar situations
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
VU22450
Units of study Unit code
Elective units
Develop keyboard skills
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
BSBITU102
Develop verbal communication skills
Elective unit, 15.0 credit points
VU22374
Apply basic computer skills to language learning
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
VU22375
Access the internet for language learning
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
VU22376
Communicate with others in familiar and predictable contexts
Elective unit, 15.0 credit points
VU22378
Use business resources
Elective unit, 15.0 credit points
BSBOPS101
Use digital technology for short and basic workplace tasks
Elective unit, 10.0 credit points
FSKDIG001
Use digital technology for routine and simple workplace tasks
Elective unit, 10.0 credit points
FSKDIG002

2024 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$4,240

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$1,420

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 2023 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. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Skills first government-subsidised place

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 2023 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
22476VIC
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
January intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
28-December-2023
Start dates
02-January-2024
January intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
28-December-2023
Start dates
02-January-2024
January intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
28-December-2023
Start dates
02-January-2024
February intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
24-January-2024
Start dates
29-January-2024
February intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
24-January-2024
Start dates
29-January-2024
March intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
21-February-2024
Start dates
26-February-2024
March intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
21-February-2024
Start dates
26-February-2024
April intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
27-March-2024
Start dates
01-April-2024
April intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
27-March-2024
Start dates
01-April-2024
April intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
27-March-2024
Start dates
01-April-2024
May intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
24-April-2024
Start dates
29-April-2024
May intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
24-April-2024
Start dates
29-April-2024
June intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
22-May-2024
Start dates
27-May-2024
June intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
22-May-2024
Start dates
27-May-2024
July intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
26-June-2024
Start dates
01-July-2024
July intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
26-June-2024
Start dates
01-July-2024
August intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
24-July-2024
Start dates
29-July-2024
August intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
24-July-2024
Start dates
29-July-2024
September intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
28-August-2024
Start dates
02-September-2024
September intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
28-August-2024
Start dates
02-September-2024
October intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
25-September-2024
Start dates
30-September-2024
October intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
25-September-2024
Start dates
30-September-2024
November intake
Location
Croydon
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
Wantirna
Last date to apply
27-November-2024
Start dates
02-December-2024
Start dates
Location
Start dates
January intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
02-January-2024
January intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
02-January-2024
January intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
02-January-2024
February intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
29-January-2024
February intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
29-January-2024
March intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
26-February-2024
March intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
26-February-2024
April intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
01-April-2024
April intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
01-April-2024
April intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
01-April-2024
May intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
29-April-2024
May intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
29-April-2024
June intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
27-May-2024
June intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
27-May-2024
July intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
01-July-2024
July intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
01-July-2024
August intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
29-July-2024
August intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
29-July-2024
September intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
02-September-2024
September intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
02-September-2024
October intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
30-September-2024
October intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
30-September-2024
November intake
Location
Croydon
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
Wantirna
Start dates
02-December-2024
Upcoming events
Webinar | What Now? Your Change of Preference Gameplan
11-December-2023
Change of Preference Expo
12-December-2023