The Early Transition Program (CRICOS course code 092320M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by South Australian Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd (SAIBT) over 1 year (52 weeks). This course is designed to help international students transition into higher education or vocational pathways in Australia. It falls under the field of Mixed Field Programmes (n.e.c.), offering a broad foundation of skills and knowledge across multiple disciplines. SAIBT, a private CRICOS-registered provider (02193C), delivers this program at the University of South Australia's City East Campus in Adelaide. As a HeadStart Academy resource, we ensure all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) so you can trust the accuracy. Whether you're exploring foundation studies or preparing for further qualifications, this course provides a structured entry point. Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is home to over 40,000 international students and offers a welcoming environment with lower living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne. With this program, you'll gain essential academic and communication skills to succeed in your chosen field.
The Early Transition Program (092320M) is a Non AQF Award, meaning it does not lead to a nationally accredited qualification but serves as a preparatory or bridging course. It is offered by South Australian Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd (SAIBT), a private institution with CRICOS code 02193C. The program runs for 52 weeks (1 year) with instruction in English. It is a single qualification (no dual qualification) and does not include a work component. The indicative tuition fee is A$29,900, plus non-tuition fees of A$225, totalling an estimated A$30,125. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are additional. For the most current fees, always check SAIBT's website. This course is ideal for students who need to improve their academic skills before entering a degree or diploma program. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, you are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
As a Mixed Field Programme (n.e.c.), the Early Transition Program covers a broad range of foundational subjects designed to prepare you for further study. While the exact syllabus is set by SAIBT, courses at this level typically include academic English, study skills, critical thinking, and introductory units in areas like mathematics, communications, or information technology. The goal is to equip you with the competencies needed to successfully transition into a AQF-qualified course (e.g., a bachelor's degree or diploma). You may also develop cross-cultural awareness and independent learning strategies. It's important to note that this is a Non AQF Award, so it does not confer a specific qualification but rather acts as a stepping stone. Graduates often progress to programs in business, health, engineering, or arts at universities across Australia.
The Early Transition Program has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Full-time study is expected. The language of instruction is English, so you will need to meet the provider's English language proficiency requirements. This is a single qualification program, meaning you study only this course without dual qualifications. There is no work component included, so you cannot rely on work placements for income. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Always check your visa conditions before commencing work.
The indicative fees for the Early Transition Program at SAIBT are as follows: tuition fee A$29,900 for the full program (1 year), non-tuition fees A$225 (which may cover materials, administration, or other charges), for an estimated total of A$30,125. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. SAIBT sets the final fees, so always confirm directly on their website (http://www.saibt.sa.edu.au). Remember that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which costs around A$500–A$700 per year for single cover, living expenses (indicative A$20,000–A$25,000 per year depending on lifestyle), or the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 as of 2025). Plan your budget accordingly. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a guide only.
Entry requirements for the Early Transition Program are determined by SAIBT. Generally, for a Non AQF Award at this level, you may need to have completed secondary schooling equivalent to Australian Year 11 or 12. English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For this program, SAIBT may require IELTS 5.5 or equivalent. Additional preparation courses may be available if you don't meet the English threshold. There are no specific prior qualifications in a particular field, as the course is designed for transition. Always check the provider's website for the most accurate and up-to-date entry criteria. As a CRICOS-registered course, SAIBT is required to assess your suitability under the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion when you apply for a student visa.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. There is no work placement, internship, or practical training requirement as part of the Early Transition Program. However, as an international student holding a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic year and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, provided your visa conditions allow. This work is not part of the course curriculum and you must ensure it does not interfere with your studies. The Australian government sets these conditions to support students financially while maintaining academic focus.
The Early Transition Program is delivered at the University of South Australia's City East Campus in Adelaide, South Australia. The campus is located in the Adelaide city centre, providing easy access to public transport, libraries, and student services. Adelaide is a vibrant capital city with a population of nearly 1.4 million, including over 40,000 international students from various countries. The city has more than 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering a wide range of courses. Living costs in Adelaide are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne — indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$200–A$300, groceries about A$100–A$150, and public transport approximately A$30–A$50. The campus itself is modern and well-equipped, with dedicated spaces for SAIBT students. Studying in Adelaide offers a balanced lifestyle with a strong sense of community.
To study the Early Transition Program in Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus additional time for travel. Key requirements include: enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (you have it), meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, having sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents, obtaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and meeting English language proficiency (as specified by SAIBT). You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks. Your visa may also allow family members to accompany you. For detailed visa advice, consult the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide visa advice.
Adelaide is a fantastic destination for international students, especially those looking for a more affordable, laid-back environment. With a lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, you can stretch your budget further. The city has a strong student community, with over 40,000 international students enrolled across various institutions. Public transport is efficient, and the city centre is compact and walkable. However, it's important to consider that Adelaide has fewer job opportunities in some sectors, so plan your finances accordingly. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters. If you prefer a smaller, friendly city with easy access to nature and cultural events, Adelaide could be the perfect fit. Before choosing a Mixed Field Programme like the Early Transition Program, think about your long-term goals — this course is designed to bridge into further qualifications, so ensure you have a clear pathway.
Applying for the Early Transition Program at South Australian Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd is straightforward. Follow these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to explore courses and compare options. Filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (Mixed Field Programmes), and location (Adelaide) to find the right program. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit SAIBT's website (http://www.saibt.sa.edu.au) to check entry requirements, English language test scores (e.g., IELTS), application deadlines, and submit your application. You may need to provide academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a personal statement. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, SAIBT will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet the GTE requirement, have OSHC, and show financial capacity. For visa help, consult a MARA agent.
Here are answers to common questions about the Early Transition Program.
Ready to start your journey? Explore more courses or contact SAIBT directly for application details.
View the full South Australian Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd profile →
Early Transition Program is a CRICOS-registered programme at South Australian Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.