Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles

Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles - MST31022

VOCATIONAL

Explore the world of fashion, textiles and clothing production by improving your skills in sewing and pattern-making.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable*

Duration:
Part-time 2 years
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Brunswick
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable

Are you interested in a career in fashion or clothing production?

The Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles is designed to provide you with skills and capabilities in sewing, pattern-making and industry practices for making clothes, or to pursue further studies in fashion and textile design.

As a student in this certificate, you will learn about fabric identification, pattern-making techniques, sewing techniques, laying-up, professional finishing, repairs and alterations, all of which are important skills in this once more growing industry sector.  

If you're already employed or hoping to enter the industry, this course will develop your skills in operational and organisational techniques, which can be applied within clothing production and alteration enterprises, or while working from home.

Why study apparel, fashion and textiles at RMIT?

Top-ranked university

RMIT is ranked #1 in Australia and among the top 30 universities globally for studies in Art and Design*.

Expert educators

Learn from experts with current industry experience and up-to-date knowledge of the market as well as recent innovations.

Cutting-edge facilities

Complete your course in an industry-standard production room, learning to operate a wide variety of industrial machines.

*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Please note: this certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

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Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches that give you direct insight and experience into the global fashion and textiles industries.

The Certificate III is a practical, hands-on course delivered face to face, predominantly from the production room. RMIT trainers have current industry experience and up-to-date knowledge of the market and the latest trends and innovations. You will learn through a variety of practical exercises.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes practical tasks, observation, quizzes and short answer written responses. You can access online resources through the student portal.

All courses are delivered in English.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT Capabilities

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice. 

This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.

In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.

This qualification is delivered through manuals, learning materials and practical exercises, and competency-based training and assessment.

The Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles incorporates the following subjects:

  • Apply quality standards
  • Work safely in the TCF industry
  • Identify and handle fabrics and textiles
  • Sew materials by machine
  • Sew stretch knit garments
  • Set up, adjust and maintain industrial sewing machines
  • Sustainable work practices in TCF design and production
  • Interact with production personnel
  • Perform garment repairs and alterations
  • Embellish textile products
  • Fabric performance and handling
  • Develop patterns using basic pattern-making principles
  • Modify patterns
  • Organise and plan work
  • Prepare and communicate design concepts
  • Sew garments
  • Estimate and cost jobs

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles
Program code: C3417
National curriculum code: MST31022
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles
Brunswick Campus
Full Time 2 Years, Part Time 4 Years
C3417
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
Full Time 2 Years, Part Time 4 Years
Plan code
C3417
CRICOS
View plan

Important information for international students

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Upon completion of this qualification, you will be able to mark out, cut and sew fabric, as well as operate specialised machinery. You will turn pattern designs into finished garments and be able to repair and alter garments.

Working in smaller companies, you may be involved in all stages of production, from marking fabric with the design through to sewing the garment together. In larger operations, you may undertake specialist tasks.

As a graduate, you may find work in a variety of garment manufacturing enterprises, ranging from couture or ready-to-wear to garment alterations and repairs. Many past students have used the Certificate III as a stepping stone to further study options.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this course. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you'll need to complete this course

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

By understanding the types of activities you'll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you.

Adjustments

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there is a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities.

Please contact the Equitable Learning Services (ELS) team to discuss any adjustments you may require. To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

View inherent requirements

Pathways and further study

A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.

Pathways into the Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles

Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer formal pathways into this course. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Further study

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below. Credit may apply which will reduce the total duration of the destination course. See destination course page pathways for full details on entry and credit.

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Credit and recognition of prior learning

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2026 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$800* per annum
  • 2026 government subsidised place (without concession): AU$4,000* per annum
  • 2026 full-fee place: AU$10,500* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$373 maximum fee for 2026*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

Scholarships

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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