SAE Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS provider code 00312F) is a private CRICOS-registered provider offering 54 active courses to international students. Trading as SAE University College, this institution specialises in creative arts and information technology, delivering programmes from diploma to master's degree levels across six Australian cities. As a CRICOS-registered provider, SAE meets Australian Government standards for enrolling overseas students, ensuring your education is protected under the ESOS Act. Whether you aim to launch a career in audio production, film, design, or IT, SAE's hands-on, industry-focused approach can help you achieve your goals. With campuses in Adelaide, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, you can choose a study location that suits your lifestyle and budget. Use this guide to explore SAE's offerings, understand visa requirements, and take the first step toward studying in Australia.
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SAE Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 00312F) is a private higher education provider with a capacity of 676 international students across all its campuses. Founded in 1976, SAE has grown into a global network of creative media institutes, and its Australian operations are concentrated in key cities. As of April 2026, the CRICOS register shows 54 active courses, ranging from Diplomas to Master's degrees. The institution's trading name, SAE University College, reflects its focus on university-level qualifications in creative arts and IT. SAE is known for its project-based learning, small class sizes, and strong industry connections, giving students practical skills and portfolio experience that employers value. All courses are CRICOS-registered, meaning they meet Australian quality standards and enable international students to obtain a Student visa (Subclass 500).
In the CRICOS system, providers are classified as Government or Private. Government providers include public universities, TAFE institutes, and government schools. Private providers, like SAE Institute Pty Ltd, are independently owned and operated, often specialising in specific fields such as creative arts, business, or English language. Choosing a private provider can offer advantages such as smaller class sizes, flexible scheduling, and niche programmes that may not be available at larger institutions. However, it's important to ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered – all courses listed on this page are. SAE is a fully accredited private provider, meaning it must comply with the same rigorous standards as public institutions under the ESOS Act and the National Code. International students at private providers enjoy the same legal protections, including tuition fee protection and access to complaints handling processes.
SAE Institute Pty Ltd delivers courses from six campuses across Australia. Each campus is equipped with industry-standard facilities tailored to creative and IT disciplines. Here are the delivery locations grouped by city/suburb:
Byron Bay and Chippendale (Sydney) are both in New South Wales, offering students the choice of a coastal creative hub or a vibrant inner-city campus. Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth each provide unique cultural and lifestyle experiences. When choosing your campus, consider factors like living costs (indicative weekly rent: Adelaide $200–350, Sydney $350–600, Byron Bay $250–400), public transport access, and part-time work opportunities. All campuses are close to public transport links, making commuting easier.
SAE Institute Pty Ltd offers courses at six qualification levels, catering to students at different stages of their education journey:
In total, 54 courses are available. Most courses are offered across multiple campuses, but some may be location-specific. Use the CRICOS register to filter by campus and level to find your ideal programme.
SAE Institute Pty Ltd delivers courses in two broad ASCED fields of education: Creative Arts (field 10) and Information Technology (field 02). Creative Arts includes subfields such as audio engineering, film and television production, animation, graphic design, music business, and game development. Information Technology covers areas like web development, software engineering, and network security. This dual focus allows students to combine creativity with technical skills – for example, a Bachelor of Game Development blends IT and art. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, but SAE stands out for its dedicated creative technology focus. If you're passionate about making, designing, or coding, SAE's programmes offer a direct pathway into these industries.
International students enrolling at SAE Institute Pty Ltd will typically need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include:
All CRICOS-registered courses at SAE meet visa requirements. After receiving your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from SAE, you can apply for your visa. For detailed guidance, refer to our Student Visa Subclass 500 page. Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; for personalised advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Applying to SAE is a straightforward three-step process:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use our site to filter by course level, field, and city. Compare SAE's offerings and check entry requirements for your chosen course.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit your application through SAE's online portal or via a registered education agent. You'll need academic transcripts, English test scores (e.g., IELTS), and a portfolio for some creative courses. Deadlines vary, so apply early.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once SAE accepts you, they'll issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE, OSHC, and financial requirements. Our visa guides can help, but always confirm details with official sources.
Always verify CRICOS registration status on the official register at cricos.teqsa.gov.au. SAE Institute Pty Ltd's provider code is 00312F. As of April 2026, the register confirms 54 active courses and a capacity of 676 international students. Registration status may change, so check before applying. CRICOS registration is your primary trust signal – only registered providers can legally enrol international students. ESOS Act protections apply, including tuition fee protection and access to the Overseas Students Ombudsman.
Before committing to SAE, think about your career goals and preferred learning style. SAE's project-based approach suits students who thrive on hands-on work and collaboration. If you prefer traditional lectures, a university might be a better fit. Location matters: Byron Bay offers a relaxed beach lifestyle but higher living costs; Perth has a growing tech scene; Sydney and Melbourne are bustling hubs with ample part-time job opportunities. Research industry connections – SAE has strong ties with media companies, which can help with internships and employment after graduation. Also consider the duration and cost of your course. While fees vary by programme, indicative CRICOS data shows Bachelor degrees range from AUD $60,000 to $90,000 total. Use our cost of living guides to budget accurately. And remember, the ESOS Act protects your tuition fees if SAE closes or fails to deliver the course.
Ready to apply to SAE Institute? Start by browsing our course directory or contact SAE directly for entry requirements. Don't forget to check your visa eligibility – visit our Student Visa guide for step-by-step help.
SAE Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 00312F) is a Private provider in Byron Bay, NSW with 54 currently non-expired CRICOS courses [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Example course from the register: Bachelor of Film (Production) (CRICOS 062747K) is listed at 138 weeks with tuition A$83,880 and estimated total A$85,124 [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Important: This page is general information only and not migration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) evidence requirements and current financial settings, verify directly with the Department of Home Affairs [checked 2026-08-21].