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Personal training courses

Study Fitness

Request info pack Ready to apply
Duration Get qualified in 5 months
Study locations Study in Wollongong or Liverpool
Flexible study options Flexible study options (on campus or mixed mode)
Flexible entry No ATAR required
Become a Personal Trainer Become a personal trainer or group fitness instructor

Fitness career outcomes and study pathways

Career outcomes

Career outcomes for students that have completed the Certificate III in Fitness include:

  • Gym instructor
  • Group fitness instructor

Study pathways

On completion of the Certificate III in Fitness, you will possess the required Units of Competency to be granted entry into the Certificate IV in Fitness.

Career outcomes

Career outcomes for students that have completed the Certificate IV in Fitness include:

  • Gym instructor
  • Group fitness instructor
  • Personal trainer
  • Team leader in a fitness environment.

Study pathways

On completion of the Certificate IV in Fitness, you can progress to the Diploma of Medical and Health Sciences (Fast Track) at UOW College, providing a clear pathway to university. Successful completion of this diploma offers guaranteed entry into the second year of a Bachelor of Exercise Science, Bachelor of Nutrition Science, or Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Wollongong (UOW), Wollongong campus.

Why study fitness at UOW College?

Get job-ready with practical, industry-focused training designed to prepare you for a career in fitness.

  • Train in real fitness environments
    • Access high-quality training facilities at the University of Wollongong or a leading fitness facility in Liverpool, using industry-standard equipment.
  • Build practical, job-ready skills
    • Learn how to design programs, coach clients, and deliver training sessions in real-world settings.
  • Learn in smaller classes
    • Benefit from personalised support and a more hands-on learning experience.
  • Get support throughout your studies
    • Access a range of academic and personal support services to help you succeed.

Fitness courses

Choose your study location

We deliver this course from two locations - choose from either on-campus or mixed mode delivery in Wollongong; or mixed mode delivery in Liverpool. Mixed mode delivery involves online evening classes two days a week, as well as six practical sessions conducted on Saturdays at UOW Wollongong campus or at a fitness facility located in Liverpool.

Meet Peter

Being able to do practical sessions in person, coaching other students and having our tutors guide us at every step was incredibly valuable. Peter Certificate IV in Fitness

Our stories

Our fitness courses will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the fitness industry. Our experienced trainers are dedicated to ensuring our students are well-prepared for success in their fitness journeys or for further studies in health and fitness.

Meet Peter
Meet Kelly
Meet Eloise
Meet Jordan

Selecting a delivery option

What is it?

Students attend face-to-face classes and interact with their trainer and classmates in a classroom and training facilities. It's a great way to build relationships with peers and trainers, ask questions in real-time, and engage in group discussions and activities.

Note - on campus delivery is available at our Wollongong campus only.

Is it for me?

If you can attend 2.5 weekday classes per week, studying on campus is a great option. Get valuable weekly face-to-face time plus you’ll get to experience campus life and use a wide range of facilities such as the library, computer labs and many study spaces.

 

Fitness students talking outside with laptop

What is it?

Mix of online and face-to-face study. We offer online classes that run weekly in the evenings, combined with intensive face-to-face practical sessions at UOW Wollongong campus or at a leading fitness facility located in Liverpool. There are 6 practical sessions over the course duration conducted on Saturdays from 8.30am - 3.30pm. This allows students to balance their studies with other responsibilities by minimising the time they need to spend away from their other commitments.  

Is it for me?

Learning online is usually more demanding than face-to-face study. It requires self-motivation and the ability to work independently. You’ll need to have access to a computer and fast internet.

A woman sitting on the floor using a laptop

Certificate III in Fitness
On campus Mixed mode
  • face-to-face 2.5 days a week between Monday and Friday
  • 30 hours of work placement
  • online workshops: Monday 6-8pm; Tuesday 7-8pm
  • 6 practical workshops: conducted on Saturdays at UOW Wollongong campus or at a leading fitness facility located in Liverpool, 8.30am - 3.30pm (see schedule below)
  • minimum of 8 hours of self-directed study weekly
  • 30 hours of work placement
Note The Certificate III in Fitness also available as a traineeship or school-based traineeship (SBAT) program.
Certificate IV in Fitness
On campus Mixed mode
  • face-to-face 2.5 days a week between Monday and Friday
  • 40 hours of work placement
  • online workshops: Monday 6-8pm; Tuesday 7-8pm
  • 6 practical workshops: conducted on Saturdays at UOW Wollongong campus or at a leading fitness facility located in Liverpool, 8.30am - 3.30pm (see schedule below)
  • minimum of 8 hours of self-directed study weekly
  • 40 hours of work placement
Note The Certificate IV in Fitness is also available as a Traineeship.

Saturday Practical Sessions schedule

The dates for students studying by mixed mode delivery:

February 2026 intake July 2026 intake

Week 3 - 21 February 2026

Week 6 - 14 March 2026

Week 10 - 11 April 2026

Week 14 - 9 May 2026

Week 17 - 30 May 2026

Week 20 - 20 June 2026

Week 3 - 1 August 2026

Week 6 - 22 August 2026

Week 10 - 19 September 2026

Week 14 - 17 October 2026

Week 17 - 7 November 2026

Week 20 - 28 November 2026

 

 

Setting you up for success

Study and course help

Access a range of services to assist you with your course and enhance your study skills, including academic support services available at UOW.

Personal support and wellbeing

Receive support to help you adapt to study life, including assistance from student advisors, individual counselling, health and wellbeing advice, and referrals to external services.

Access to UOW campus facilities

Unlock full access to UOW’s campus from day one, including the library, computer labs, study spaces, accommodation, and various on-campus cafes.

Read more about support and resources

Steps to apply

Interested in one of our courses? Here's what to do next:

Ask a question

Ask a question about the course or request for a course advisor to contact you.

Check the entry requirements

Check the entry requirements and pathway details here.

Apply now

Submit your application now.