22690VIC Certificate I in General Education for Adults

VU course code: 22690VIC | Level of study: TAFE

Duration

0.5 years full time

Delivery mode

Face to Face

Fees

VET

Location

Footscray Nicholson Campus

All start dates

Overview

Build essential reading, writing, numeracy and computer skills with Certificate I in General Education for Adults (22690VIC) at Victoria University.

Learn in a supportive and encouraging environment, where you’ll build confidence and skills in:

reading and writing
numeracy and mathematics
communication – listening and speaking
using computers and digital technology.

This course is designed for adult learners (both migrants and native English speakers) who have had limited formal education, and who want to improve their skills to explore further study or employment pathways.

: 22690VIC Certificate I in General Education for Adults qualification learning outcomes are as follows:

Knowledge

Graduates at this level will have foundational knowledge for everyday life, further learning and preparation for initial work through knowledge of:
• own short term learning objectives
• highly familiar and predictable text types relevant to own needs
• basic reading strategies to engage with familiar paper based and web based text types
• stages or processes of writing including planning, drafting and editing
• simple mathematical problem-solving processes and concepts

Skills
Graduates at this level will have foundational cognitive, technical and communication skills to:
• identify and review achievement of own short term learning objectives
• undertake defined routine activities such as planning and carrying out a simple project based on own identified interests
• identify and report simple issues and problems such as identifying problems in achieving learning goals
• use a limited range of reading strategies to create meaning from simple familiar and predictable texts
• construct simple and familiar texts with appropriate support
• interpret and communicate mathematical information and apply simple mathematical problems solving processes in familiar and predictable situations
• use paper based and digital mediums to engage with and create simple texts.

Application of knowledge and skills
Graduates at this level will apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy in highly structured and stable contexts and within narrow parameters through:
• working with a support person to discuss, identify and implement own short term learning objectives
• completing project tasks according to agreed steps
• working with other learners to discuss roles and expected outcomes for a project
• locating, reading and interpreting specific information in simple, familiar and predictable paper based and web based text types
• creating texts for a limited purpose and audience• applying relevant mathematical concepts in familiar contexts.
: This certificate is part of the Western Melbourne English Program (WMEP).
The WMEP specialises in foundation courses for students who are learning English, or building confidence to enter the workforce.
They can also help you with your application.
Find out more about the program and its support services
: Victoria University is a supportive place to study. We have a range of academic support programs that can help you if you’re struggling with your studies.
We can help you with your assignments and assessment tasks, maths, writing skills and English language support, as well as showing you effective ways to study and manage your time and preparation. Our study support programs include:
workshops and study groups
student mentors and peer learning
maths and writing resources.
We also have disability support services and counselling services available for all students.
: We believe in inclusivity, diversity and opportunity. Studying with us means you’ll be learning in an environment that values community empowerment.
Victoria University received the highest rating of five stars for cultural diversity by the Good Universities Guide. Our students feel fortunate to learn in a setting that has such a rich representation of cultures.
VU also works to address refugee issues, tackle diversity and social inclusion issues and improve the health and social wellbeing of the region. We are proud of our cultural diversity initiatives and projects with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and Indigenous communities.

This course is nationally recognised training.

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your education, work experience, current skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a different course. We call this a ‘pathway’.

You may also be eligible for ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’, which lets you finish your course more quickly when you have gained some of the skills required from past study or work experience.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

You will attend scheduled classes 3 days per week.

You are also required to complete independent study, including eLearning activities and assessments. We recommend dedicating up to 2 hours per week for this.

Approximate class times: 9am–2.30pm

To be awarded the 22690VIC Certificate I in General Education for Adults, 16 units must be completed consisting of:

2 core units
14 elective units, comprising of:
3 core skills reading and oracy units
3 core writing units
4 core skills numeracy units
4 special interest electives units, which can be selected from:

- units listed in the Special Interest Electives, which have not been previously completed, and / or - Core Skills Reading & Oracy, Writing and Numeracy units from the 22689VIC Certificate I in General Education for Adults (Introductory), or the 22690VIC Certificate I in General Education for Adults or the 22691VIC Certificate II in General Education for Adults, which have not previously been completed, and / or- units which are first packaged in AQF level 1 or 2 qualifications in nationally endorsed training packages or accredited courses

Units

Fees & scholarships

TAFE fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer.

Fees 2026

Fee type¹	Tuition²	SSAF³
Skills First subsidised	$1,134	$261 (max)
Concession	$226.80	$112 (max)
Full fee (not subsidised)	$5,250	–

Fee type – depends on your eligibility for subsidies and concessions; if you are not eligible you will pay the full fee amount
Tuition – the student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment
SSAF – Student Services and Amenities Fees for non-academic costs are charged at $0.33 (Skills First subsidised) or $0.14 (concession) per enrolled hour, up to the maximum per year

Scholarships

Careers

This course will help you prepare for entry-level roles, and get you ready for further learning.

Start dates

TAFE coursework

On campus – Melbourne Footscray Nicholson Campus

Course starts 13 July 2026

Applications close 24 July 2026

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information on this page, please note that dates are subject to change. Some courses may close early due to an earlier start date or there being limited places available.