Certificate IV in Massage Therapy (CRICOS course code 092419M) is a Certificate IV delivered by TAFE SA over 39 weeks (~9 months). This course sits within the field of Complementary Therapies (Health) and is designed for international students seeking a practical, hands-on qualification in massage therapy. TAFE SA is a government-owned provider with CRICOS registration 00092B, ensuring quality education and student protections under the ESOS Act. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level roles in the massage industry, with skills in remedial massage, anatomy, and client assessment. Course fees are indicative: tuition A$9,080, with no additional non-tuition fees charged by the provider. Excluding OSHC, living costs, and visa charges, the estimated total is A$9,080. This page provides a comprehensive overview of the course, entry requirements, delivery locations, and steps to apply.
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This course falls under the field of Complementary Therapies (Australian Standard Classification of Education code 061999). At the Certificate IV level, students typically learn foundational and intermediate skills in massage therapy, including anatomy and physiology, massage techniques for various client needs, professional practice, and infection control. While specific units are determined by the provider, graduates generally develop competence in conducting client assessments, planning and delivering massage treatments, and maintaining a safe therapy environment. This qualification aligns with the VET national code HLT42015 and can lead to further study in Diploma of Remedial Massage or related health fields. HeadStart Academy recommends checking with TAFE SA for the exact syllabus and any prerequisite units.
The CRICOS register lists the duration as 39 weeks (~9 months). The course is delivered in English and is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). Students attend classes at the Adelaide City Campus, with a work component integrated (see below). Class schedules are typically full-time to meet student visa requirements. As an international student, you must maintain full-time enrolment under your Student visa (Subclass 500). The language of instruction is English, so you must meet the provider's English language proficiency requirements (see entry requirements). It is a single qualification, meaning upon successful completion, you will receive the Certificate IV in Massage Therapy.
Fees shown are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and set by TAFE SA. TAFE SA charges tuition of A$9,080 for the entire course. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, but this may not include materials, uniforms, or other course-related costs – confirm with TAFE SA. The estimated total is A$9,080. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which is mandatory for international students (approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover), living costs (Adelaide average: rent A$200–$350/week, groceries A$80–$120/week, transport A$30–$50/week), and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always confirm current fees directly with TAFE SA on their website. HeadStart Academy does not set or guarantee any fees.
TAFE SA sets its own entry requirements. For Certificate IV level, a typical English proficiency is IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). You are expected to have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent. Prior qualifications in a health-related field may be beneficial but are not always required. For international students, TAFE SA may also require a minimum age (usually 18). Foundation or pathway options: If you do not meet the academic or English requirements, TAFE SA may offer a Certificate III or English language course as a pathway – check with TAFE SA. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting TAFE SA International directly for precise entry criteria.
This course includes a compulsory work component: 10 weeks, 8 hours per week (approximately 80 total hours). This is a structured industry placement where you will apply massage therapy skills in a real clinical setting, such as a massage clinic, wellness centre, or aged care facility. Work-integrated learning (WIL) or clinical placement provides invaluable hands-on experience and helps you meet the competency requirements for the qualification. It also enhances your resume and prepares you for employment. As a student visa holder, you must check that any unpaid placements comply with visa conditions – typically, placements that are a required part of the course are allowed.
The course is delivered at TAFE SA's Adelaide City Campus, located in the heart of Adelaide, South Australia. Adelaide is the capital city of SA, with a population of about 1.3 million. It is known for its affordability compared to Sydney and Melbourne. The city has over 20 CRICOS-registered providers offering courses across all fields. The campus is well-served by public transport, including buses, trains, and trams, with a free city connector tram nearby. Adelaide offers a vibrant student lifestyle, with many cafes, parks, and events. Living costs are lower than the eastern capitals: average rent for a share house is around A$180–$250 per week. Students can also work part-time (up to 48 hours per fortnight during term) under their Student visa.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Visa conditions include: enrolling in a full-time CRICOS-registered course, maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, satisfying the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, and demonstrating sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). The Department of Home Affairs assesses visa applications. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent – consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for individual advice.
Apply for Certificate IV in Massage Therapy at TAFE SA in three steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Certificate IV), field (Health), and location (Adelaide). Confirm that TAFE SA (CRICOS 00092B) is registered to offer this course (092419M).
2. **Apply directly to TAFE SA**: Meet entry requirements (English test, academic qualifications, and any prerequisites). Submit your application via TAFE SA International website (http://www.tafesa.edu.au/international) before the deadline. Provide all required documents (transcripts, English test results, passport copy).
3. **Receive your CoE and apply for a Student visa**: If accepted, TAFE SA will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via the Department of Home Affairs. Pay the visa application charge, arrange OSHC, and demonstrate financial capacity. Do not travel to Australia without a valid visa.
Ready to start your journey in massage therapy? Explore the course on TAFE SA's website or use HeadStart Academy to compare similar courses in Adelaide.
Certificate IV in Massage Therapy is a CRICOS-registered programme at TAFE SA. 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.