Overview

Continue to develop your English skills for further education, training, employment and community needs. The Certificate III in EAL (Access) is designed for a diverse range of adult learners with an aim to help you improve your English speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. You’ll also gain knowledge and skills in a range of areas related to an Australian education, training and work environment.

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

Course currently in transition

The course code, title, units, and content may change. Further information will become available on our website, upon enrolment or during your studies.

Want help applying for midyear 2025?

Get tailored, on-the-spot support with your application at drop-in application week (Mon 30 June–Fri 4 July) – whether you’re enrolling fresh or switching courses.

Learn more

Skills you’ll learn

  • English language speaking
  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing

Your career opportunities

  • Sales assistant
  • Apprentice
  • Office junior

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.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification.


This will be assessed at the time of your application. If you would like further information, contact your education agent or get in touch with our team.

Email us your question
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.

Book your Pearson Test of English

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. 

Learn more about credit

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.

Learn more about RPL

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 complete 22486VIC Certificate III in EAL (Access), students must successfully complete a total of eight (8) units made up of: 

  • one core unit
  • one Speaking and Listening unit
  • one Reading and Writing unit
  • two language skills units
  • three general elective units.
5
Core unit
+
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: 500

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Develop and document a learning plan and portfolio
Core unit
VU22384
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Give and respond to a range of straightforward information and instructions
Core unit
VU22611
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Read and write straightforward informational and instructional texts
Core unit
VU22613
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Read and write straightforward descriptive and narrative texts
Core unit
VU22614
Engage in casual conversations and straightforward spoken transactions
Core unit
VU22610
Units of study Unit code
Elective units
Investigate issues in the Australian environment
Elective unit
VU22615
Undertake a simple investigation of health and wellbeing
Elective unit
VU22402
Implement and review a project
Elective unit
VU22412
Produce simple word processed documents
Elective unit
BSBITU201
Access the internet and email to develop language
Elective unit
VU22606
Read and write straightforward texts for study purposes
Elective unit
VU22642

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$5,300

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$1,730

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 2025 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.

Learn more about Skills first government subsidies

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.

Find out more about fees

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.
Learn more about paying your fees

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.

Learn more about concession rates

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 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.

Learn more about scholarships

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.

Learn more about scholarships

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
22486VIC
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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.

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