INTERNATIONAL

Diploma of Automotive Technology

CRICOS Code: 091697G
National Code: AUR50216

2025 2026

Description

Industry's intent is that this qualification concentrates on the acquisition of skills and knowledge in current technology which is advancing at an exceptional rate in modern vehicles. This qualification includes the Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology (Specialising in Light Vehicle) and the Certificate IV in Automotive Technology and prepares candidates well for working in a modern mechanical workshop.

Duration (incl. holidays)

Semester(s)

Teaching Duration

Print Course Page

26 weeks

20 weeks

Course Admission Requirements
(for International Applications)

Academic IELTS score of 6.0 Overall with minimum of 5.0 in all bands or equivalent.
Satisfactory completion of the Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis or equivalent.
Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi and Nepalese students need satisfactory completion of Year 12 or overseas equivalent 60% in the top 4 subjects (excluding native language). If student has needed to re-sit for their exam, student will also need to provide all exam results.
Ability to meet the physical demands of working in the automotive industry, particularly the requirements of manual handing.

Work Placement Duration: 152 hours

Students will undertake a work placement for 4 weeks (38 hours per week)

Fees

These course fees are for international students only.

Duration

Tuition Fees

Incidental Fees^*

Semester 1

AUD $8795

AUD $1000^*

Fee Totals

AUD $8795

AUD $1000^*

Total Course Cost

AUD $9795

* International students will be required to purchase steel cap safety boots, work safety clothing, safety glasses and textbooks within the first few weeks of commencement. The approximate cost of these is $A500-$1000.

Note: TAFE SA course tuition and other fees/costs are subject to regular increases and are reviewed annually. TAFE SA accepts applications for courses commencing beyond the current year, course, tuition and other fees/costs for these years will apply once published. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to alter, amend or delete any fee, course, admission requirement, mode of delivery, duration or other arrangement without prior notice. If the study duration is extended beyond the period of the student’s visa the student will be liable for visa and related costs, eg medical examinations, OSHC and living expenses.

Overseas Students Health Cover

All overseas students are required to have Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) insurance for the entire duration of the course. The health cover rate will vary depending on the personal circumstances and duration of stay in Australia. Read more about Overseas Students Health Cover.

Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

Employment Outcomes

Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

Qualifications & Skills Covered

Diploma of Automotive Technology (AUR50216)
This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required to diagnose, analyse, evaluate, design and modify automotive electrical and mechanical systems. It is suitable for those working in the automotive service and repair industry at the forefront of the implementation of new technologies. Units also covered in the diploma include preparing technical reports, dynamometer testing of engines and vehicles and modification to mechanical systems. To complete the qualification, you are required to complete 1 core unit and 11 elective units.

Course Units

Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

Core

Name	Nominal Hours	Subject Code	National Code
Develop and document specifications and procedures	40	TABCK	AURAFA007

Elective

Name	Nominal Hours	Subject Code	National Code
Adapt work processes to new technologies in an automotive workplace	40	TAAMP	AURAKA002
Analyse and evaluate electrical and electronic faults in engine management systems	60	TABCM	AURETE001
Analyse and evaluate faults in light vehicle braking systems	60	TABCR	AURLTB002
Analyse and evaluate faults in light vehicle engine and fuel systems	60	TABCS	AURLTE003
Analyse and evaluate faults in light vehicle transmission and driveline systems	60	TABCT	AURLTQ003
Conduct research and present technical reports	40	TABYP	AURAFA106
Develop and apply electrical system modifications	80	TABCP	AURETR034
Develop and apply mechanical system modifications	60	TABCX	AURTTA022
Estimate and quote automotive vehicle or machinery modifications	40	TABCW	AURTNA001
Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices	40	LAAGM	MSMENV472
Maintain business image in an automotive workplace	15	TABCY	AURAMA004

Living in Adelaide

The city created for students

You will never find another city like Adelaide. With welcoming locals, it is the perfect place for you to study, live and enjoy.

A student city

Adelaide is home to over 30,000 international students and has a strong and growing reputation as an education city. In addition to TAFE SA, Adelaide is home to six world-leading universities: The University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia, Flinders University, Carnegie Mellon University, Torrens University Australia and CQ University Australia.

Safe

Adelaide’s crime rates are the lowest in the country and for that reason, Adelaide has previously been named the safest city in Australia.

Beach Culture

Adelaide’s pristine sandy beaches are just a 20 minute tram ride from the city centre. On hot summer days, you can study in the day and take the tram to have dinner at the beach and watch the sunset with friends.

Live centrally

Accommodation is more affordable in Adelaide than in other cities in Australia making it often possible for students to live in the heart of the city or just outside. This means more time is spent studying and less time travelling.

Delicious!

Adelaide is known for its cafe culture, with more cafes and restaurants by population than any other city in Australia. In recent years, Adelaide has also developed a vibrant and varied bar scene. The city is big enough that you will struggle to visit all of the places you would like to drink and eat in during in your first year of study. Our mix of cultures means there’s likely to be a supermarket that sells food from your home country too.

Easy to get around

Adelaide is a flat city so it is ideal for walking or cycling. Its grid layout makes it almost impossible to get lost! There are free trams and buses around the city centre. International students can show their ID to get cheaper tickets.

Festivals

Adelaide is known for its festivals, which are famous around the world. WOMADelaide, the Adelaide Festival of Arts, Fringe Festival and Cabaret Festival are just some of the international arts and music festivals that keep the city buzzing

Everyone agrees – Adelaide is a great place to live and study

Adelaide is recognised as one of the world’s most liveable cities. In 2014, Lonely Planet’s Best of Travel book ranked Adelaide in the global top ten. For the last four years Adelaide has been ranked one of the most liveable cities in the world by The Economist Intelligence Unit.

Beautiful weather

Adelaide has four distinct seasons, with moderate winters and warm to hot summers. In winter you will need woolly jumpers and jackets and in summer, shorts and t-shirts. The heat in South Australia is dry, rather than humid.