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CUA30525
Set yourself on the path to a creative career in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry. Gain the practical skills required to gain an entry-level position as an artist.
Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more
There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more
This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.
Set yourself on the path to a creative career in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry. Gain the practical skills required to gain an entry-level position as a performer or artist. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts are a rich contribution to Australia’s diverse contemporary culture and national identity. Now more than ever artists are depicting their culture in their art and showcasing it in recognised exhibitions.
This course will help you develop a range of art and craft skills in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural arts. Develop your understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity and learn to apply this knowledge to an arts context. You will gain drawing skills, explore use of colour, textiles, produce paintings, and printmaking techniques.
Successful completion of this course will prepare you for further study in this area. You will also be able to enter the visual arts industry.
CUA30525 Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts
Courses designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students include intensive blocks of training on campus known as residential blocks. Funding support is available for students who need to travel away from their communities to cover necessities like travel, accommodation, and meals. To see if you're eligible contact our student support officers.
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 7 elective units from the list below.
You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more
View comparison chart
| CAMPUS | STUDY MODE | START DATE | DURATION | WORKLOAD | WHAT YOU'LL PAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Townsville (Pimlico)
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On campus with some online
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24 Aug 2026
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9 months
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Full time 7 x residential blocks 8:30am - 4pm Monday to Friday
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Townsville (Pimlico)On campus with some online
START DATE
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
24 Aug 2026
DURATION
The total length of time it takes to complete the course.
9 months
Workload
The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.
Full time 7 x residential blocks 8:30am - 4pm Monday to Friday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format
Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.
Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS
Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).
No
ASSESSMENT
The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.
Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS
The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
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No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Learn moreThis may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Learn moreYou will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.
The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 3 in English, 3 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.
Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.
Read the Skills Check FAQs.
Whilst this course has no specific entry requirements, the unit CUAATS111 - Develop understanding of own Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Identity and CUAATS312- Product work that expresses own Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity requires interpretation of one's own Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island cultural identity in order to complete the unit of competency. Due to this requirement, enrolment into this core unit is limited to those who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Students who do not identify as Indigenous or Torres Strait Islanders who complete all other units in this qualification will only receive a Statement of Attainment.
TAFE at School only
You must provide evidence of successful completion of the following units of competency:
These units are normally completed as part of your previous enrolment in Certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Art and will be recognised through Credit Transfer upon enrolment.
Before deciding if a course is right for you, it’s important to make an informed choice and consider the key skills, knowledge, assessment, physical requirements involved. Review the inherent requirements below for this course and reflect on whether any of them might present difficulties for you. If you feel you may have challenges due to a disability, a health condition, or for any other reason, we encourage you to speak with a regional Faculty Management, a student services team member, or the regional AccessAbility Officer to discuss your concerns and confirm if the course is suitable for you.
Safe work practices (WHS)
Physical and sensory abilities (art making)
Professional behaviour
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
TAFE Queensland students have access to Microsoft 365 apps & services.
You are requires to bring and have access to:
To complete this program, you will participate in residential block training on campus, along with flexible, self paced online learning. Attendance at residential blocks requires registration with ABSTUDY. Students living in close proximity to the listed campus are also welcome to enrol, provided they can attend all scheduled study blocks.
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about University Pathways
If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
