Certificate IV in Visual Arts (CRICOS course code 105802D) is a Certificate IV delivered by TAFE SA over 1 year. This course is designed for international students seeking to develop practical and theoretical skills in visual arts, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media. TAFE SA is a government-owned provider with CRICOS registration 00092B, ensuring quality and compliance with ESOS Act protections. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students can study in Australia on a Student visa (Subclass 500). The course is delivered at Adelaide College of the Arts, located in Adelaide's vibrant cultural precinct. Adelaide is home to over 50,000 international students and offers a lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, with indicative weekly rent between $200–$400 for shared accommodation. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and HeadStart Academy provides this free resource to help you compare options without any referral fees.
The Certificate IV in Visual Arts falls under the field of education 10 - Creative Arts, specifically 1003 Visual Arts and Crafts (n.e.c.). At this AQF Level 4, students typically develop foundational and intermediate skills in visual arts practices, including creative techniques, design principles, art history, and professional practice. The course encourages experimentation across multiple media such as drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and digital arts. Graduates often pursue roles as visual artists, studio assistants, or continue to further study. Please note that the above is general guidance — for the precise syllabus, you should consult TAFE SA directly.
The course has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks) as registered on the CRICOS register. It is delivered in English as a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. The full-time study load is designed to meet Student visa requirements. Classes are conducted face-to-face at the Adelaide College of the Arts campus.
The indicative fees for Certificate IV in Visual Arts are as follows: tuition fee A$17,960, non-tuition fees A$0, estimated total A$17,960. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by TAFE SA. Please note that this does not include other costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For the most current fees, always visit TAFE SA's official website. Living costs in Adelaide are approximately A$21,000 per year for a single student, covering accommodation, food, and transport.
Entry requirements for Certificate IV in Visual Arts typically include an IELTS overall band score of 5.0–5.5 or equivalent English language proficiency. Applicants are usually expected to have completed Year 12 or equivalent qualifications. TAFE SA may also consider relevant work experience or prior learning. For foundation or pathway options, please contact TAFE SA directly. Note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are limited.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student on a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
The course is delivered at Adelaide College of the Arts, located in Adelaide, South Australia. Adelaide is a student-friendly city with a vibrant arts scene and affordable living costs. The campus is accessible by public transport, including buses and trains. Adelaide has a student population of over 50,000 international students from diverse backgrounds. The city offers a range of accommodation options, from shared apartments to homestays, with weekly rent typically ranging from A$200 to A$400.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Visa conditions include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition protection and quality standards. For detailed visa information, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate IV in Visual Arts at TAFE SA:
**Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers** Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Verify that TAFE SA is CRICOS-registered (00092B) and that the course (105802D) is current.
**Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution** Visit TAFE SA's international website to review entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents (transcripts, passport, English test results).
**Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** Once TAFE SA issues a CoE, you can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
Adelaide is a excellent choice for international students pursuing visual arts. The city has a thriving creative community, with numerous galleries, studios, and cultural events. Adelaide College of the Arts is centrally located, with good public transport links. Living costs in Adelaide are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne — weekly rent for shared accommodation averages A$200–A$400, groceries A$100–A$200, and public transport A$50–A$100. With over 50 CRICOS-registered providers in Adelaide, you have many options for creative arts courses. All providers must comply with ESOS Act protections, and HeadStart Academy helps you compare them for free.
Use HeadStart Academy to compare CRICOS-registered courses and find your perfect program. Start exploring today!
Certificate IV in Visual Arts 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.