TAFE South Australia

International students who enrol for TAFE SA's ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program get to study at the only government owned English Language Centre (ELC) in South Australia.

The ELICOS program at TAFE SA is designed specifically for the benefit of international students. English courses on offer may be studied as a standalone or combined with one of TAFE SA's award courses, or another university course offered in Adelaide. Students can enrol in these courses on a range of visas, including a tourist visa, student visa, working holiday visa and other temporary visas.

ELICOS courses on offer at TAFE SA broadly comprise two types of courses – Academic English and General English. These courses will develop a students' English skills for the purposes of English language tests including IELTS, PTE and others, for study at TAFE SA or other universities, for employment in the future, or simply for travel and leisure. Courses are taught by highly qualified and experienced staff and are conveniently located in the centre of Adelaide.

International students can also undertake short courses, which can be studied in parallel with their main programme as they are part-time – usually for two-and-a-half hours every week – in the evenings.

International students on a student visa should follow the procedure listed below in order to apply to study at TAFE SA. All international students applying to study at TAFE SA must be 17 years old or older prior to commencing their studies at the college. The following is the set of steps to be followed in applying to TAFE SA:

• Students must choose their TAFE SA course or university pathway program
• Students must inform themselves of the entry requirements and the information needed for their application to be processed
• International students may apply online or through an agent in their country before the closing date
• If a full offer is made, students must accept the offer online within eight weeks. If there are conditions, students are expected to meet the as soon as possible before admissions change it into a full offer
• Students must make sure to receive their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from TAFE SA either through their agent or via TAFE SA's online application system
• Students need to apply as soon as possible for their student visa, to allow enough time for processing
• Once they have booked their flights, students should review the website to learn about pre-departure, transport and accommodation options

Read what students from different countries have to say about their time at TAFE SA:

Susan Kandel/ Nepal

Study Area - Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering

''I chose TAFE SA as it provides a wide range of courses that are valued in the market and helps students to get into their professional careers quickly. It provides a course that includes both practical and theoretical sessions. Also, the courses begin with a very basic introduction to the standard level of engineering which really helps a student who is keen to start a new career of interest.

Besides this, the TAFE SA has a tuition of almost one-half compared to Uni. While you can get 2 years of credit to Uni by studying 2 years at TAFE SA with a lower fee and getting a good understanding of all the courses with the help of practical and theoretical sessions. Also, TAFE SA provides you with a certificate of course which gives you a higher chance of working on a professional job.''

Cauthan Janet Buluma / Uganda

Study Area – ICT

''I chose to study at TAFE SA because it is a vocational institution that offers a range of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) courses. TAFE SA has a diverse culture and inclusiveness, so you will always feel welcome as well as make many friends from different parts of the world. I hope to finish my Certificate IV in Information Technology (Programming) then continue for a Diploma in Information Technology (Programming) and become a professional IT programmer. With this qualification from TAFE SA the sky is the limit.''

Jose Miguel Calzia / Chile

ELICOS Student

''My English is not very good, so I decided to enrol in the English course at TAFE SA. I come from the world of education, and I must say that the way of teaching has been really innovative. The learning that I have experienced with the teachers motivates me to want to continue learning and above all, to want to continue in TAFE SA.''

TAFE SA offers extensive support to all its international students. There is a dedicated international student support Consultant available to help international students with a variety of support services. These include:

• Being the first point of contact for queries and concerns and for giving advice
• Providing students with a good orientation and being the source of information
• Helping students with student visa information and advice on related matters
• Processing requests to changes to enrolment - deferral, withdrawal, release, change of course, COE extensions etc
• Handling requests for extension of tuition fees or the Standard Payment (Instalment) Plan
• Assisting students with referrals to professional medical and counselling services and emergency aid, external agencies, legal and financial services

TAFE SA is home to a vibrant student community and hosts a range of events, both academic and non-academic, for the benefit of students. Events range from academic workshops and industry networking sessions to leisure activities, such as ice skating and beach visits.

TAFE SA has six campuses in the heart of the city of Adelaide that accept international students. All of TAFE SA's campuses are equipped with modern training facilities and industry-standard technology and equipment. Students get to learn with the aid of the most up-to-date training and learning technologies, in addition to studying at the college's award-winning specialist education centres and having virtual learning experiences.

Training facilities at TAFE SA include hair and beauty salons at the Adelaide campus, training restaurants at the Regency campus, and other amenities like workshops, studios, computer suites, art theatres, dental clinics, laboratories, nursing wards, and industry simulators.

Student facilities to help students excel in their studies and to enjoy breaks and leisure time include libraries equipped with computers and study rooms, cafeterias and cafes, and student common areas.

Applications from international students will be assessed by the TAFE SA International Unit based on the following criteria:

• academic requirements, in terms of grades
• proficiency in the English language, indicated by results in any approved testing examination
• some courses have program specific criteria such as an interview, a portfolio or specific aptitude testing
• some courses have policy or legislative requirements, such as those relating to student visas or Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) assessment
• university partner or institution's admission requirements – this applies to packaged courses and/or collaborative arrangements

The minimum academic entry requirements for most courses offered at TAFE SA are the completion of the equivalent of a Year 10 or Year 11, for entry to Certificate III and Certificate IV courses, respectively. For diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degree and bachelor's courses, students need to have completed Year 12 or its equivalent.

As proof of English language proficiency, most TAFE SA courses require students to have obtained the equivalent of a score of 5.5 with 5.0 in all bands in the Academic IELTS.