Course in Initial General Education for Adults
Overview
This course is designed for those who have low literacy and numeracy skills and to build confidence, re-engage with learning and pathway into further general education studies. Through this course, you will learn basic reading, writing, numeracy, learning and/or communication skills to improve access to further study, initial work or to participate in the community.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Your next move?
Join us at Change of Preference Expo on Friday 12 December. Access one-on-one VTAC support, guided campus tours, and expert advice – based on your ATAR. We’ll get you on your way.
Skills you’ll learn
- Reading and writing
- Numeracy
- Learning
- Oral communication
Your career opportunities
- Access to further certificates in General Education
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:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
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.
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Certificate I in General Education for Adults
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Certificate II in General Education for Adults
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Certificate III in General Education for Adults
Course structure
To be eligible for the award of the Course in Initial General Education for Adults (Introductory), learners must successfully complete a total of 11 core units made up of:
- One Compulsory core unit
- Three Reading and Oracy core units
- Three Writing core units
- Four Numeracy units.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Develop strategies for learning
Core unit |
VU23753 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Engage with short simple texts for personal purposes
Core unit |
VU23754 |
|
Engage with short simple texts for learning purposes
Core unit |
VU23755 |
|
Engage with short simple texts to participate in the community
Core unit |
VU23757 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Create short simple texts for personal purposes
Core unit |
VU23759 |
|
Create short simple texts for learning purposes
Core unit |
VU23760 |
|
Create short simple texts to participate in the community
Core unit |
VU23762 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Work with numbers in highly familiar situations
Core unit |
VU23763 |
|
Work with money in highly familiar situations
Core unit |
VU23764 |
|
Work with measurement in highly familiar situations
Core unit |
VU23766 |
|
Work with shape in highly familiar situations
Core unit |
VU23767 |
2026 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$3,910
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$1,180
2026 fees
Yearly fee* ($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 for Education and Employment (SEE)
Free for eligible students
This is a specialised program funded by the Australian Government.
SEE provides uncapped hours of free accredited language, literacy numeracy and digital skills training for eligible job seekers for up to two years. You will receive training to help you improve your skills, confidence and access to education and job opportunities.
Find out more information about the SEE Program at Swinburne University by emailing or calling:
Email: seeenquiries@swinburne.edu.au
Phone:
Hawthorn campus: +61 3 9726 1670
Croydon campus: +61 3 9726 1670
Wantirna campus: +61 3 9210 1104
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.
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Study this course for free in 2025
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2025 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE initiative.
Free TAFE is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 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.
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.