TAFE SA
Build your future with world-class technical and vocational skills.
📍 Adelaide, Australia 🇦🇺
🏆 #1 in Australia
Quick Facts about TAFE SA
- Type: Public
- Students: 70,000
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $10,000 – $25,000/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About TAFE SA
Academics
TAFE SA offers nationally accredited training across more than 80 areas, ranging from Certificate I to IV, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees, and even Bachelor Degrees. Key faculties and popular study areas include Engineering, Business & Management Studies, Accounting & Commerce, Nursing & Health Sciences, Information Technology & Cybersecurity, Hospitality & Commercial Cookery, and Creative Arts & Design. The teaching approach blends theory with hands-on, practical learning, utilizing industry-standard facilities and technology, with many courses incorporating industry work placements.
International Students
TAFE SA provides comprehensive support services for international students, including orientation programs, accommodation assistance, and visa advice. English language proficiency can be proven through approved tests like IELTS (most courses require Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band less than 5.0) or by completing an English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) program at TAFE SA's English Language Centre. International students come from over 65 different countries, fostering a diverse and multicultural campus environment. Cultural integration is supported through various events and opportunities to engage with Australian life and other international students.
Campus & Location
TAFE SA has multiple campuses across South Australia, with a significant presence in Adelaide. The Adelaide City Campus, located on Currie Street, boasts specialist facilities such as nursing and pathology labs, an English Language Centre, and a cyber security training facility. Adelaide is consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities, offering an affordable, welcoming, and accessible environment. The city provides a vibrant lifestyle with diverse experiences, from fresh food markets to arts festivals, and is well-served by public transportation.
Career Outcomes
TAFE SA has strong relationships with businesses and industries, ensuring courses are relevant and up-to-date, and many include industry work placements for practical experience and valuable connections. Over 90% of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of their training, and 86% secure employment or pursue further study upon completion. Graduates are highly sought after by employers, with TAFE SA playing a crucial role in addressing skills shortages in various sectors, including care, defence, manufacturing, construction, and IT. Adelaide's growing tech industry and focus on innovation, including the space sector, create numerous opportunities for graduates.
Information for International Students at TAFE SA
TAFE SA in Adelaide, Australia welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for TAFE SA
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to TAFE SA:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 46
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: Ongoing
Programs at TAFE SA (20 programs)
TAFE SA offers 20 programs across Bachelor levels.
Bachelor Programs (20)
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development) (BSc) — 36 months · English · $15,500/yr · STEM
Focuses on the full software development lifecycle, including coding, testing, and project management using modern programming languages.
Field: Information Technology
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Web Programmer - Bachelor of Creative Arts (Costume Design) (BA) — 36 months · English · $16,000/yr
Focuses on the design and creation of costumes for film, television, and theater productions.
Field: Creative Arts
Career outcomes: Costume Designer, Wardrobe Supervisor - Bachelor of Tourism and Event Management (BA) — 36 months · English · $15,000/yr
Provides students with the skills to plan, manage, and market large-scale events and tourism destinations.
Field: Tourism
Career outcomes: Event Manager, Tourism Officer - Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts) (BA) — 36 months · English · $14,800/yr
A collaborative program with Flinders University focusing on studio practice in painting, sculpture, and digital media.
Field: Creative Arts
Career outcomes: Professional Artist, Gallery Curator - Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) (BA) — 48 months · English · $13,500/yr
Prepares students for careers as early childhood teachers, focusing on child development and pedagogical practices for young children.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Early Childhood Teacher, Childcare Center Manager - Bachelor of Business (Enterprise) (BA) — 36 months · English · $14,500/yr
A comprehensive business degree focusing on entrepreneurship, management, and organizational leadership in a global context.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Analyst, Project Manager - Bachelor of Information Technology (Network Security) (BSc) — 36 months · English · $15,500/yr · STEM
Students learn to design, implement, and manage secure computer networks while developing skills in ethical hacking and digital forensics.
Field: Information Technology
Career outcomes: Network Security Specialist, Systems Administrator - Bachelor of Creative Arts (Fashion) (BA) — 36 months · English · $16,000/yr
Students learn garment construction, pattern making, and fashion business strategies to prepare for the global apparel industry.
Field: Creative Arts
Career outcomes: Fashion Designer, Product Developer - Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) (BA) — 36 months · English · $14,800/yr
Delivered in partnership with Flinders University, this program provides intensive technical training in contemporary dance and choreography.
Field: Creative Arts
Career outcomes: Professional Dancer, Dance Instructor - Bachelor of Hospitality Management (BA) — 36 months · English · $15,000/yr
Combines practical service skills with high-level management training for the global tourism and hospitality sector.
Field: Hospitality
Career outcomes: Hotel Manager, Event Coordinator - Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development) (BSc) — 36 months · English · $15,500/yr · STEM
Focuses on the full software development lifecycle, including coding, testing, and project management using modern programming languages.
Field: Information Technology
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Web Programmer - Bachelor of Creative Arts (Costume Design) (BA) — 36 months · English · $16,000/yr
Focuses on the design and creation of costumes for film, television, and theater productions.
Field: Creative Arts
Career outcomes: Costume Designer, Wardrobe Supervisor - Bachelor of Tourism and Event Management (BA) — 36 months · English · $15,000/yr
Provides students with the skills to plan, manage, and market large-scale events and tourism destinations.
Field: Tourism
Career outcomes: Event Manager, Tourism Officer - Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts) (BA) — 36 months · English · $14,800/yr
A collaborative program with Flinders University focusing on studio practice in painting, sculpture, and digital media.
Field: Creative Arts
Career outcomes: Professional Artist, Gallery Curator - Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) (BA) — 48 months · English · $13,500/yr
Prepares students for careers as early childhood teachers, focusing on child development and pedagogical practices for young children.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Early Childhood Teacher, Childcare Center Manager - Bachelor of Business (Enterprise) (BA) — 36 months · English · $14,500/yr
A comprehensive business degree focusing on entrepreneurship, management, and organizational leadership in a global context.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Analyst, Project Manager - Bachelor of Information Technology (Network Security) (BSc) — 36 months · English · $15,500/yr · STEM
Students learn to design, implement, and manage secure computer networks while developing skills in ethical hacking and digital forensics.
Field: Information Technology
Career outcomes: Network Security Specialist, Systems Administrator - Bachelor of Creative Arts (Fashion) (BA) — 36 months · English · $16,000/yr
Students learn garment construction, pattern making, and fashion business strategies to prepare for the global apparel industry.
Field: Creative Arts
Career outcomes: Fashion Designer, Product Developer - Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) (BA) — 36 months · English · $14,800/yr
Delivered in partnership with Flinders University, this program provides intensive technical training in contemporary dance and choreography.
Field: Creative Arts
Career outcomes: Professional Dancer, Dance Instructor - Bachelor of Hospitality Management (BA) — 36 months · English · $15,000/yr
Combines practical service skills with high-level management training for the global tourism and hospitality sector.
Field: Hospitality
Career outcomes: Hotel Manager, Event Coordinator
Scholarships & Tuition at TAFE SA
Annual tuition for international students: $10,000 – $25,000/year
✅ TAFE SA offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of TAFE SA
- National Ranking: #1 in Australia
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: Low
Campus & Facilities at TAFE SA
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
Key Highlights
- South Australia's largest vocational provider
- Over 100 locations across the state
- Industry aligned training and qualifications
- Extensive range of online study options
- Strong pathways to university degrees
- State government owned and operated training
Accreditation
- Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
- Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
Fields of Study at TAFE SA
- Trades
- Business
- Health
- Technology
- Arts
Notable Alumni
- Steven Hansen
- Malcolm Berce
- James Beaumont
- Kidaan Zelleke
- Giselle Stutzer
Frequently Asked Questions about TAFE SA
What is TAFE SA?
TAFE SA is a public university located in Adelaide, Australia. It has approximately 70,000 students.
How much does it cost to study at TAFE SA?
Tuition fees at TAFE SA for international students range from $10,000 – $25,000/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for TAFE SA?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 46. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: Ongoing.
What language are courses taught in at TAFE SA?
Courses at TAFE SA are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does TAFE SA offer?
TAFE SA offers 20 programs: 20 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is TAFE SA ranked?
#1 in Australia.
Does TAFE SA offer scholarships?
Yes, TAFE SA offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does TAFE SA provide visa support?
Yes, TAFE SA provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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