TAFE South Australia
Cricos: 00092BTop reasons to study at TAFE South Australia
TAFE SA is the largest government owned provider of vocational education and training and higher education in South Australia. You can choose from 80+ courses and follow pathways within your own areas of study or to university. It provides you with practical and affordable courses to help you reach your career goal.
At TAFE SA you will develop the skills employers want. We have strong relationships with business and industry, ensuring our courses are relevant and provide our graduates with work ready skills.
Our lecturers are all highly experienced, and they are active in their fields of expertise. Our teaching methods blend theory with hands-on, practical learning using industry-standard facilities and technology, so when you complete your course, you are job ready.
Many of our courses offer work placements as part of the course program. These work placements or practical skills training give you first-hand experience of the workplace, allowing you to test your skills and make valuable industry contacts.
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Overview of the university
With nationally accredited courses from a wide variety of industries, University Packaged Programs and state-of-the-art training facilities, turn your passion into a career with TAFE SA International.
TAFE SA is the largest vocational education and training (VET) provider in South Australia. Each year, hundreds of international students from more than 70 countries choose to improve their English language or study an award course with us. Many go on to study a bachelor’s degree at one of Adelaide’s finest universities.
Explore our courses in:
- Arts and Design
- Building and Construction
- Business and Marketing
- Community Services
- Education and Languages
- Hair and Beauty
- Health and Lifestyle
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Information Technology
- Engineering and Automotive
- Primary Industries and Science
UNIVERSITY PACKAGED PROGRAMS
If a bachelor degree is your end goal, we offer packaged programs with South Australian universities. This allows students to accept a joint packaged offer with the university, with guaranteed entry and significant cost saving.
ASSOCIATE DEGREES IN ENGINEERING
A TAFE SA associate degree is a two-year full time Higher Education course. Study at this level to obtain strong grounding and practical experience so you graduate job ready to enter into the workforce immediately as a highly skilled employee, or you can go on to study a Bachelor of Engineering at university using the two years credit you earn from your studies in the associate degree... it’s the best of both worlds.
ELICOS PROGRAM
Study intensive English language programs taught by highly qualified English language teachers. TAFE SA ELC is the only government-owned English Language Centre in South Australia.
RTO: 41026 | CRICOS: 00092B | IHE: PRV14002
To speak to somebody about your study requirements:
International students calling from overseas + 61 8 8207 8279
If you would rather ask a question or make an enquiry online, please fill in the form here.
Programs and courses at TAFE South Australia
62 courses at TAFE South Australia, listed alphabetically:
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Student reviews
Pauline Kareah Bill, originally from Papua New Guinea, embarked on her educational journey in Adelaide to expand her skills in Community Services. With over 10 years of experience as a registered nurse and a background as a community health worker, Pauline sought a deeper understanding of holistic care through the Certificate IV and Diploma in Community Services (case Management) at TAFE SA.
In Adelaide, Pauline discovered a city that was peaceful, safe, and easy to adapt to, despite not having family here. She quickly built a network of friends and found comfort in Adelaide's affordable living standards and vibrant international student community.
Now, Pauline is successfully transitioning from a student to a professional career, currently working as a Care Leader: "I am privileged to have received an offer to work as a Care Leader, which has allowed me to transition from a student visa to a working visa." She credits her growth to the practical skills and real-life experience gained at TAFE SA. "The hands-on learning and the support from experienced lecturers have been invaluable," she reflects.
Looking forward, Pauline aims to continue her studies in Public Health or Health Management, utilising TAFE SA’s pathways to further her education. Her long-term goal is to make a meaningful impact in community services and to bring her family to live with her in Adelaide.
To international students considering TAFE SA, Pauline shares, "Choosing TAFE SA was the best decision for me. It promotes diversity and has a supportive community that makes adapting easier. Despite the challenges of being in a new country, TAFE SA helped me secure a full-time job at the management level in Adelaide."
Join us in celebrating Pauline's journey of courage, resilience, and success!
Driven by a passion for ecology and hands-on experience in two small-scale environmental projects, Lily came to Adelaide to scale her impact through specialised training.
Lily shared how the program has shaped her study experience and future goals:
“This scholarship provided me with an incredible opportunity to pursue my education in Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management (104847K/AHC51120) at TAFE SA. One of the biggest benefits is the financial support, which allows me to fully focus on my studies without the pressure of having to work.
The scholarship provides a fortnightly stipend that covers my living expenses, helping me manage daily costs while staying committed to my academic journey. In addition, they cover tuition fees, health insurance, and even provide a return airfare to visit my family after 1 year of study in Australia. This level of support has made a significant difference in my experience, allowing me to concentrate on gaining practical skills and knowledge that I plan to take back to contribute to conservation efforts in Laos. The Australia Awards also offer workshops and networking opportunities that have helped me grow both personally and professionally.”
Sam begun his journey in Adelaide with a 10-month ELICOS course at TAFE SA. He then continued his studies in hospitality at Le Cordon Bleu, focusing on Restaurant and Catering Management. After graduation, he gained valuable experience working for various businesses and restaurants.
Now, Sam is the proud owner of Cutboy Knife, a thriving business with two stores in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Cutboy Knife specialises in selling cooking knives and kitchen equipment, offering services such as knife sharpening, engraving, and woodworks for knife covers, handles, and boxes.
Reflecting on his education, Sam shares, "TAFE SA is well-respected in the hospitality industry and offered a great pathway to university through its English program. Everything I learnt from there, including accounting, marketing, and management, I use in my business every day. It is the core success of my business."
For international students considering their next study option, Sam advises, "If you want to be a part of the hospitality world, Adelaide is the place to be. It's rich in food culture and a beautiful, multicultural city. I see a lot of potential there and wish to return for business in the future."
Join us in celebrating Sam's inspiring journey and success!