Adelaide TAFE

Why study at TAFE South Australia?

TAFE SA is South Australia’s largest provider of vocational education and training, providing opportunities to develop skills for work and further study, with 53 campuses and 92,000 students who study at TAFE SA each year.

TAFE SA has over 50 campus locations. TAFE SA Campuses stretch from the heart of the Adelaide CDB, through to suburbs in every direction, out to the North, South East and West of our rural and regional areas. Covering the coast and the Riverland, industrial and farming, wineries to the outback, into the ever-expanding suburbs and metropolitan areas.
However TAFE SA extends far beyond its state borders. Increasingly expanding Interstate and Internationally by providing commercial activity and workplace training in over 38 countries around the world, including the Asian Pacific region, South Africa, India and Switzerland.

International Students

TAFE is a leader in tertiary education in South Australia (TAFE SA). Owned and backed by the Government of South Australia, it is the largest provider of tertiary education in the State. TAFE South Australia is a training system comprising of seven independently managed institutes/alliances. Each TAFE Institute offers International Students the opportunity to study a range of courses in particular vocational or educational fields.

Get more information: Adelaide TAFE Application

Benefits of Studying at TAFE South Australia

Quality Courses

• Nationally accredited awards
• Courses designed to suit a wide range of educational backgrounds
• Awards transferable to other TAFE Institutes throughout Australia
• National Curriculum
• Well established national and international reputation
• Industry focused curriculum
Pathways to University
• Alternative pathway to University
• Up to 1-2 years credit transfer to University degrees
Excellent Facilities
• Leaders in the use of technology
• Wide range of student support services
• Excellent classrooms and facilities
Pathways to University

TAFE South Australia provides students with a range of benefits including multiple pathways to university, recognition of prior learning, transferable awards and practical, industry orientated education and training.
Students who successfully complete their Advanced Diploma/Diploma in a TAFE course will be eligible to transfer into a Bachelor Degree Program at certain Universities. This means entry into second year University on completion of a TAFE award course.

Reputation of Quality and Excellence

TAFE South Australia has been accredited and nationally recognised as a Quality Endorsed Training Organisation since 1998.
Each Institute's commitment to quality has resulted in many appointments, accolades and awards, such as:
• Regional Adviser status to the President of the Commonwealth of Learning
• National Training Provider of the Year in 1997 (Regency Institute) and in 1999 (Spencer Institute)
• Australian National Training Authority Best Practice Awards in educational delivery, benchmarking and flexible delivery
• Australian aware for excellence in educational publishing
• National Trainers' award for outstanding and continuous contribution to the Hospitality industry
• Training award for excellence from Tourism Training Australia

Teaching & Learning Methods

Teaching Methods

In Australia, teaching and learning is considered a two way communication, and students are encouraged to discuss and actively participate in learning.
Lecturers can use a variety of methods to impart knowledge and information to students. This can include:
• Tutorial group discussions
• Lectures
• Audio or visual presentations
• Small or large group discussions
• A mix of attendance and self-directed study (independent learning)
• Computer based learning.

Learning Styles

Many subjects and courses are offered in a variety or combination of methodologies, to accommodate a variety of learning styles.
Students learn through watching, doing, researching, listening and reading. All of these learning styles are accommodated in a variety of class activities. Students attend classes which can be done through group based activities. Groups can be large or small. When working in group situations you are responsible for participating and contributing to the group as a whole.
Assessment can be done on a group basis, this means you can be expected to contribute equally with other group members. You are also expected to undertake self directed research to enhance your learning.
Students are responsible for adapting their learning styles to meet the particular teaching styles and assessment requirements of lecturers. As an international student this can be difficult as it is culturally very different to what happens in the majority of your home countries. Therefore, there is Learning Support Officers available to you.

Student Support Services

TAFE South Australia recognises the essential role student support plays in ensuring your success in your studies.
Each TAFE Institute prides itself on delivering the highest quality support services through highly trained specialists. There are no additional fees for the following support services.
• access to a full time International Student Program Manager
• on arrival greeting and airport reception service
• accommodation placement
• personal and career counselling
• on arrival orientation program to familiarise yourself with South Australia
• academic tutorial and English Language support
• use of modern computer and audio visual equipment rooms
• access to excellent research and library facilities
• student lounges and cafeterias


Application

Adelaide TAFE Application

Student Visa Regulations

The Australian Government has strict visa regulations for International students. As an international student in Australia you must comply with the regulations or your visa will be cancelled, and you will have to return home.
To ensure visa compliance, you must:
• Maintain full time enrolment.
• Remain enrolled in a registered course.
• Attend at least 80% of your classes.
• Achieve a satisfactory academic result.
• Not repeat a course more than once.
• Have a work permit, before gaining employment.
• Have adequate arrangements for health insurance whilst in Australia.
• Not be involved in activities that are disruptive to the Australian Community (ie breaking the Australian Law).
Suspension or termination of your enrolment will affect your student attendance record and academic performance, which will result in the cancellation of your visa.

Accommodation Options

As an international student, you have a number of accommodation options in South Australia to choose from. These include:

Homestay Accommodation

Homestay accommmodation can provide you with the 'real Australian experience". You can share a home with an Australian family (with or without children/pets). All meals are provided and shared facilities. If you are interested in homestay accommodation, you should contact your International Student Office, and ask for details of people who provide this service.
Cost is approximately AUS$140,00 - $170,00 per week including meals.

Share Accommodation

If you are looking to share accommodation with other students or Australians, we suggest looking at the Notice Board in your Student Services area or contact a Real Estate Agent in the suburb/town you wish to live in.
The cost will vary according to the size of the home and the location from AUS$70,00 - $180,00 per week rent. Additional expenses such as electricity, food, gas, and telephone are divided equally.

Rental Accommodation

If you would like to rent your own house, apartment, flat or share accommodation, again we suggest asking your local Real Estate Agent.
The cost will vary depending upon the size of your home. You will be required to sign a lease agreement for a period of time. For more information see the Rental Accommodation section.
Hostel Accommodation

International students can be accommodated safely and securely in single rooms in the Torrens Valley, International Residence. This is situated near the Torrens Valley Institute of TAFE, (Tea Tree Gully Campus), and is very close to transportation.
Prices range from AUS$70,00 per week for a standard room to AUS$100,00 per week for a deluxe room.

Employment Opportunities

International Students can apply to work part time while studying in Australia.
To apply for a work permit you will need to obtain your student visa and arrive in Adelaide to study.
Once you have arrived, you can take your passport to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, and pay AUD$50,00 to apply for a work permit. International students can work up to 20 hours per week. During holidays, no restrictions to working hours apply.

Permanent Residency

If you complete an award course such as a Diploma, Degree or post graduate studies, you can apply for permanent residency in Australia.