Thinking about studying in Australia but want a city that combines natural beauty with affordable living and a close-knit community? Launceston, in the City of Launceston, Northern TAS, might be your perfect match. With 6 CRICOS-registered providers delivering 209 active courses, Launceston offers a range of study options from vocational certificates to bachelor degrees. As a regional area, studying here may qualify you for additional points towards permanent residency, and the laid-back lifestyle appeals to international students seeking a quieter alternative to Sydney or Melbourne. Every provider on HeadStart Academy is CRICOS-registered, meaning your education is protected under the ESOS Act. Whether you're interested in IT, healthcare, or business, this guide covers everything you need to know about studying in Launceston — from costs and transport to applying for your Student visa (Subclass 500).
Counted from the official register for Launceston: 209 non-expired CRICOS courses across 6 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.
Ranked by active CRICOS course coverage for Launceston on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-11). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
Commercial disclosure: Payment does not affect this ranking or inclusion. Ordering is coverage-based from the CRICOS register — not an endorsement or quality score. How we rank · Is this legit?
University of Tasmania (UTas) is a government CRICOS provider with 166 active courses matched to Launceston. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$455,588.297. Common levels include Masters Degree (Coursework), Masters Degree (Research), Doctoral Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00586B, Government, 166 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Tred Consultants Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 16 active courses matched to Launceston. Indicative course totals on register from A$7,300 to A$37,300. Common levels include Certificate IV, Certificate III, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03741E, Private, 16 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
LEARNVAULT PTY LTD is a private CRICOS provider with 15 active courses matched to Launceston. Indicative course totals on register from A$12,450 to A$33,250. Common levels include Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Certificate IV.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03854G, Private, 15 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
TasTAFE is a government CRICOS provider with 6 active courses matched to Launceston. Indicative course totals on register from A$8,645 to A$18,815. Common levels include Advanced Diploma, Certificate IV, Certificate III.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03041M, Government, 6 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
SCOTCH OAKBURN COLLEGE is a private CRICOS provider with 3 active courses matched to Launceston. Indicative course totals on register from A$62,400 to A$161,600. Common levels include Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, Junior Secondary Studies, Primary School Studies.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00480A, Private, 3 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Department for Education, Children and Young People
Department for Education, Children and Young People is a government CRICOS provider with 3 active courses matched to Launceston. Indicative course totals on register from A$26,450 to A$71,790. Common levels include Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03352G, Government, 3 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Similar to a register-first directory: every claim you can act on should be checkable against an official source. Full ranking rules: methodology.
Maintained by HeadStart Academy editorial · Snapshot recalculated this build (2026-10-11).
| Provider Name | Type | Popular Courses | CRICOS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tasmania (UTAS) | Government | Bachelor of Nursing, MBA, Engineering | 00125B |
| TasTAFE | Government | Certificate III in Hospitality, Diploma of Business | 02350L |
| International College of Tasmania | Private | ELICOS, Business bridging programs | 03567C |
| Australian College of Nursing | Private | Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Re-entry) | 03895J |
Launceston is Tasmania's second-largest city, known for its stunning natural surroundings — including the Tamar Valley wine region and Cataract Gorge. For international students, the city offers a safe environment, a growing multicultural community, and more affordable cost of living compared to mainland capitals. Key industries include tourism, agriculture, health care, and education, providing opportunities for part-time work and internships. The city has a cool temperate climate with four distinct seasons, perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Public transport is accessible via Metro Tasmania buses, with student concessions available. With only 6 CRICOS-registered providers, class sizes are smaller, allowing for personalised attention and stronger connections with lecturers. Additionally, studying in a regional area like Launceston can extend your post-study work rights, making it an attractive option for students planning to settle in Australia.
According to the official CRICOS register (April 2026), there are 6 CRICOS-registered providers offering courses in Launceston. These are split into 3 government-funded institutions (such as TAFE Tasmania and university campuses) and 3 private colleges. Notable providers include: University of Tasmania (UTAS) — Newnham campus, which offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees; TasTAFE — delivering vocational qualifications in hospitality, business, and trades; Australian College of Nursing; International College of Tasmania; and two private English language colleges. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, meaning they meet Australian Government standards for international student education. The University of Tasmania is the state's largest university, with its Launceston campus specialising in health sciences, maritime, and engineering courses. For institution-specific details, browse our directory of CRICOS providers in Launceston.
Launceston's 209 active courses span all study levels — from ELICOS (English language) to doctorate degrees. The most popular fields are Management and Commerce, Health, Information Technology, and Engineering. At the vocational level, popular certificates include Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and Certificate IV in Accounting. For bachelor degrees, nursing, business, and information technology are common choices. Postgraduate options include MBA and public health. Course fees vary significantly: for example, a Certificate III in Hospitality may cost around $5,000 per year, while a Bachelor of Nursing can be $30,000–$35,000 annually. All fees shown are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register — always confirm with the provider. HeadStart Academy covers all 26,433 courses across Australia, so you can easily filter by location, level, and field. For IT courses specifically in Launceston, see our detailed listing.
As a regional city, Launceston is more affordable than major capitals. Indicative weekly costs for a single international student: rent for a shared apartment or student accommodation: $150–$250; groceries: $60–$90; public transport (bus): $25–$35 (with concession); utilities (electricity, internet): $20–$30. Total estimated living expenses: $255–$405 per week, excluding tuition. These are rough estimates; actual costs depend on lifestyle. The Department of Home Affairs requires proof of funds for living costs — currently A$21,041 per year for a single student. Launceston also has options for on-campus accommodation through UTAS and private rentals. Remember to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders. For a detailed comparison, refer to our cost of living guides.
Launceston's main campus is the University of Tasmania's Newnham Campus, located about 8 km north of the city centre. The trip by bus takes approximately 20–30 minutes, with frequent services along the Northern Suburbs line. TasTAFE's Alanvale Campus is also in the northern suburbs. The city centre itself is compact and walkable, and many private colleges are located within the CBD. Metro Tasmania operates all bus services, offering student concession fares of about $1.85 per trip or $30 for a weekly pass. Bicycle routes are limited but improving. For those living on campus or nearby, walking is viable. If you're considering buying a car, fuel costs are lower than mainland averages, but parking can be limited. Overall, Launceston is easy to navigate without a vehicle.
Choosing Launceston over Sydney or Melbourne involves trade-offs. Pros: lower cost of living, a tight-knit international community (around 2,000 students), extended post-study work rights under regional migration settings, and access to nature. Cons: fewer job opportunities in specialised fields, colder winters (average 3°C in July), and less cultural diversity. The city is ideal if you prefer a slower pace and want to save money while studying. However, if you plan to work in finance or tech at a global firm, a bigger city may offer better internships. Always check the current SOL (Skilled Occupation List) to see if your field has demand in Tasmania. ESOS Act protections apply equally to all CRICOS-registered institutions, so your rights are the same regardless of city.
Applying to study in Launceston is straightforward when you follow these three steps. First, research CRICOS-registered providers by course level, field, and city using HeadStart Academy's directory. Compare entry requirements, English language scores (e.g., IELTS 6.0 for most bachelor programs), and application deadlines. Second, apply directly to your chosen institution through their online portal or via a registered education agent. Submit academic transcripts, English test results, and a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement. Third, once you receive a Letter of Offer and accept it, the institution will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this CoE to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. For personalised advice, consult a MARA-registered migration agent.
Start your study journey by searching CRICOS-registered courses in Launceston today.