Certificate III in Dental Assisting (CRICOS course code 108534F) is a Certificate III delivered by Technical and Further Education Commission over 20 weeks. This qualification is designed for those who want to work as dental assistants in Australia, supporting dentists and oral health professionals in clinical settings. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00591E), it meets the Australian Government’s quality standards for international education. With Australia’s growing health sector, dental assistants are in demand across public and private practices, especially in major cities like Sydney. HeadStart Academy presents this page as a free resource to help you compare courses and plan your study journey.
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Certificate III in Dental Assisting (CRICOS course code 108534F) is a Certificate III delivered by Technical and Further Education Commission over 20 weeks. This vocational qualification equips you with the clinical and administrative skills needed to assist dentists during procedures, sterilise instruments, manage patient records, and provide chair-side support. The course is part of Australia’s VET system, benchmarked against industry standards. As an international student, you will benefit from training at TAFE NSW Randwick, a government-owned institution with a strong reputation for practical education. The course code 108534F is prominently listed on the CRICOS register, ensuring it meets ESOS Act protections.
This qualification falls under the field of education 06 Health (Dental Studies, 060703 Dental Assisting). You will develop competencies in infection control, radiography, oral health education, and workplace communication. While the specific syllabus is set by TAFE NSW, graduates typically learn to prepare dental materials, assist with procedures, maintain clinical records, and support patient care. The program combines theory with practical exercises in simulated dental clinics, preparing you for entry-level roles in the dental industry. No dual qualification or foundation studies are included.
The course runs for 20 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English. It is a single qualification (no combined award). Study mode is typically full-time, with a mix of classroom learning and supervised work placement. TAFE NSW may offer flexible timetables; check with the provider for exact class schedules.
Tuition fee: A$12,050. Non-tuition fees: A$0. Estimated total: A$12,050. These are indicative figures sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Please visit the TAFE NSW international website (https://www.tafensw.edu.au/international) for current fees. Note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the Student visa application charge are not included. You should budget approximately A$20,000–A$30,000 per year for living expenses (Sydney is in the higher range).
IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall is a common requirement for Certificate III courses, but TAFE NSW may require a specific band score. You should also have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent. No foundation or pathway program is listed for this course; if you need additional English or academic preparation, contact TAFE NSW directly. All applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for their Student visa.
This course includes a mandatory work placement of 20 weeks, approximately 300 hours total (hours per week vary). The work-integrated learning component involves supervised clinical placement in a dental practice or hospital setting. This gives you real-world experience and helps you build professional networks in Australia’s health sector.
The course is delivered at TAFE NSW Randwick in RANDWICK, New South Wales. Randwick is a suburb in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, close to the city centre and major transport links. Sydney has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering health courses, and the city’s student population exceeds 200,000. Living costs in Sydney are around A$500–A$700 per week for rent, A$80–A$120 for groceries, and A$40–A$60 for public transport.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. You must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Ensure you meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and provide evidence of financial capacity. Consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent for current visa advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Dental Assisting at Technical and Further Education Commission: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers (filter by course level, field, and city) — use HeadStart Academy’s course search to find this and other courses. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution — meet entry requirements (English test, academic qualifications) and submit your application before the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs.
Start your application — visit the TAFE NSW international website to apply.
View the full Technical and Further Education Commission profile →
Certificate III in Dental Assisting is a CRICOS-registered programme at Technical and Further Education Commission. 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.