FAQ International - Application Process

• What is the Application Process?

  You can find a step-by-step guide to the application process including the International application form. The step-by-step application guide will tell you the entry requirements, what documents you may need and how to apply for a student visa.

  Generally, you will need to apply to TAFE South Australia at least two months before you want to start your studies in Australia. If you have to complete a pre-visa assessment for your student visa, you may need to apply at least six months before you want to begin your course in Australia.

  To see if you are required to complete a pre-visa assessment, you can check your visa assessment level with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and find a fact sheet on applying for a student visa. Generally, if you are required to complete a pre-visa assessment, this will be stated on your letter of offer.

  You can choose the right course for you from the International course and fees list. Make sure that you check the course information for any special admission requirements for your preferred program.

  Then you will need to complete the International application form and attach the relevant documents such as proof of English language testing and your educational records.

  The International application form can be submitted online or you can print it out and send it direct to us.

  You can also make your application through an agent in your country.

  Back to top

• What do I need to apply for a course at TAFE South Australia?

  You need to have completed your schooling to the overseas equivalent of Australian Year 12. You will also need to be aged 18 years or over when you arrive in Australia.

  The general entry requirement for most Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Degree award programs is that you have an IELTS score of 5.5 (with no band under 5.0) in either the general or academic IELTS test.

  For Certificate award programs, the basic entry requirements are completion of Year 12 high school or equivalent and an IELTS score of 5.5 (with no band under 5.0) in either the general or academic IELTS test.

  You must check the specific IELTS score and other entry requirements for your chosen course before applying. Some courses require a general IELTS score of more than 5.5 and others require an academic IELTS score of more than 6.0 for entry.

  All entry requirements are listed against each course in the International course and fees list. More information is available at the IELTS website.

  Some courses such as Performing Arts may have special admission requirements such as presentation of a portfolio of your work. You should check the admission requirements for your selected course in the International courses and fees list.

  Back to top

• What if I score less than 5.5 points on my IELTS?

  You can still study at TAFE South Australia but you will need to complete an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) and achieve an IELTS score of 5.5 (with no band under 5.0).

  Depending on your English skills your ELICOS course may be for a week or for a few months. You will need to pay the fees for your ELICOS course. Dependent on which ELICOS course you study and your progress, you may need to sit an IELTS test for which may be a cost.

  The quality of teaching at TAFE South Australia is very high and once your English skills have developed, you’ll be ready to start your formal qualification.

  You can find more information about English Language courses in the International course and fees list.

  When you need to combine an English language (ELICOS) course with your main study program, this is called course packaging.

  Course packaging will affect your student visa class and how long it takes to process and receive your visa. This may mean you have to apply up to six months before you want to begin studying in Australia.

  Back to top

• Do you accept general or academic IELTS scores?

  TAFE South Australia accepts both general and academic IELTS scores. The IELTS entry requirement is different for different courses and programs.

  The general entry requirement for most Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Degree award programs is that you have an IELTS score of 5.5 (with no band under 5.0) in either the general or academic IELTS test.

  For Certificate award programs, the basic entry requirements are completion of Australian Year 12 high school or overseas equivalent and an IELTS score of 5.5 (with no band under 5.0) in either the general or academic IELTS test.

  You must check the specific IELTS score and other entry requirements for your chosen course before applying. Some courses require a general IELTS score of more than 5.5 and others require an academic IELTS score of 6.5 for entry.

  You can find the entry requirements for your chosen course in the International course and fees list.

  Back to top

• When will I receive my letter of offer?

  TAFE South Australia aims to send your letter of offer to you as quickly as possible. Usually this is within 72 hours of us receiving your application. In some cases this may take a little longer. If there is a delay, we will advise you or your agent.
  Back to top

• Where can I get an International application form for TAFE South Australia?

  There is an online international application form.

  Every course in the international course and fees list links to the international application form.

  You can use the paper form in the back of the TAFE South Australia International Course Guide and mail it to us at the below address, or you can obtain an international application form direct from TAFE South Australia at:
  
  TAFE South Australia International
  Adelaide City Campus
  Level 2, 120 Currie Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000.
  Tel: + 61 8 8207 8279 Fax: +61 8 82078283
  Email:international.tafe@sa.gov.au
  
  Opening hours:
  8:30am- 5.00pm Monday to Thursday
  8:30am to 4:00 Friday

  or

  • From our accredited agents in your country
  • From an Australian Education Agent
  • From a TAFE South Australia booth at certain education exhibitions

   

  Back to top

• Can I apply online?

  Yes, you can apply online using the international application form which is linked to every course in the international courses and fees list.

  Once you have filled out the International application form you can send it to us by email to international.tafe@sa.gov.au.

  Remember to attach the relevant documents including proof of your IELTS score and a copy of your academic records.

  Back to top

• Are there any agents in my country that I can contact for assistance?

  TAFE South Australia has accredited agents in more than forty countries.

  If there are no accredited agents for TAFE South Australia in your country, you can find help through an Australian education advisers around the world provide reliable and impartial advice on studying in Australia.

  Australian Embassies, High Commissions or Consulates may be able to assist you if there are no accredited agents or Australian Education Agents in your country. A list of Australian Diplomatic Missions is available at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

  Back to top

• How can I get a student visa?

  The student visa application process and the information that you will need to supply with your application is dependent on the specific assessment level of your visa application.

  This level, which is shown as a number from one to five, is based on the country where your passport is held, the educational sector where you will be studying and is determined by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

  The assessment level can significantly affect your student visa application and how you accept your offer. Generally, your letter of offer will advise you if you need to complete a pre-visa assessment before you accept your letter of offer and pay your fees.

  The Department of Immigration and Citizenship provide details on applying for a student visa as well as a list of visa assessment levels.

  You can also apply for your student visa through an agent and you may be able to apply online.

  Find more information on accepting your offer and applying for a student visa.

  Back to top

• What are the final dates for International applications?

  For the first semester intake courses which start in February, the closing date will be the first week of January.

  For the second semester intake of courses, which start in July, the closing date will be the first week of June.

  English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) start each Monday during term time. Some courses may have more than one intake every year, so you will need to check the International courses and fees list and the academic year calendar.

  Back to top