South Australia offers 34 Associate Degree (AQF Level 6) courses across 7 CRICOS-registered providers. These programs blend academic theory with practical skills, preparing you for skilled employment or further study. With tuition ranging from A$39,968 to A$102,000, South Australia provides a cost-effective pathway into industries like engineering, information technology, health, and management. Adelaide, the state capital, is Australia’s most affordable mainland city for students, with weekly living costs around A$400–A$550. All providers are CRICOS-registered, ensuring high-quality education and ESOS Act protections. Start your journey with HeadStart Academy – your free resource for CRICOS verified courses.
Counted from the official register for SA: 53 non-expired CRICOS courses across 13 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.
Ranked by active CRICOS course coverage for Associate Degree in South Australia on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-05). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
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Adelaide University is a government CRICOS provider with 497 active courses matched to Associate Degree in South Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$12,110 to A$592,590. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 04249J, Government, 497 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Flinders University is a government CRICOS provider with 448 active courses matched to Associate Degree in South Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$459 to A$415,381. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00114A, Government, 448 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
University of South Australia (UniSA)
University of South Australia (UniSA) is a government CRICOS provider with 344 active courses matched to Associate Degree in South Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$231,000. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00121B, Government, 344 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
The University of Adelaide (Adelaide)
The University of Adelaide (Adelaide) is a government CRICOS provider with 341 active courses matched to Associate Degree in South Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$2,000 to A$567,990. Common levels include Doctoral Degree, Masters Degree (Research), Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00123M, Government, 341 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Torrens University Australia Limited
Torrens University Australia Limited is a private CRICOS provider with 108 active courses matched to Associate Degree in South Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$500 to A$129,000. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03389E, Private, 108 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
TAFE SA is a government CRICOS provider with 80 active courses matched to Associate Degree in South Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$5,875 to A$80,260. Common levels include Diploma, Non AQF Award, Associate Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00092B, Government, 80 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Le Cordon Bleu Australia Pty Limited
Le Cordon Bleu Australia Pty Limited is a private CRICOS provider with 69 active courses matched to Associate Degree in South Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$9,980 to A$82,551. Common levels include Advanced Diploma, Bachelor Degree, Graduate Certificate.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02380M, Private, 69 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
SAE Institute Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 54 active courses matched to Associate Degree in South Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$12,498 to A$85,249. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Associate Degree, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00312F, Private, 54 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Young Rabbit Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 47 active courses matched to Associate Degree in South Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$4,100 to A$23,130. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Diploma, Advanced Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01331F, Private, 47 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Greenwich College Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 44 active courses matched to Associate Degree in South Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$1,660 to A$28,000. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Certificate IV, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02672K, Private, 44 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Similar to a register-first directory: every claim you can act on should be checkable against an official source. Full ranking rules: methodology.
Maintained by HeadStart Academy editorial · Snapshot recalculated this build (2026-10-05).
An Associate Degree is a two-year qualification at AQF Level 6, sitting between a Diploma (AQF Level 5) and a Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7). It provides foundational knowledge and practical skills in a specific field, often serving as a pathway to the second year of a related bachelor’s degree. Entry typically requires completion of Year 12 or equivalent, with an IELTS score of 5.5–6.5 overall. Many universities offer credit transfer arrangements, so you can continue your studies seamlessly. In South Australia, Associate Degrees are available in both university and TAFE settings, giving you flexible study options across Adelaide and regional centres.
Tuition fees for Associate Degree courses in South Australia range from A$39,968 to A$102,000 for the full program. Duration is typically 1 year 11 months (~100 weeks) to 2 years 1 month (~107 weeks), depending on the field and provider. Below is a breakdown by field of education (indicative fees and duration from CRICOS register as at April 2026). Remember: tuition fees do not include non-tuition costs like Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC – approx A$500–A$700 per year), living expenses (approx A$21,041 per year as per Department of Home Affairs), textbooks, and transport.
Adelaide University (CRICOS 04249J) leads with 19 Associate Degree courses, covering engineering, IT, commerce and more. As a new university formed from the merger of the University of Adelaide and UniSA, it offers city campuses with excellent transport links. TAFE SA (CRICOS 00092B) provides 6 Associate Degrees in fields like education and health, with campuses across Adelaide and regional centres, known for strong industry connections. ICHM (CRICOS 02914G) – International College of Hotel Management – offers 5 Associate Degrees in hospitality management, based in Adelaide’s CBD. Flinders University (CRICOS 00114A) and University of South Australia (CRICOS 00121B) each offer 1 Associate Degree. EQUALS International (CRICOS 02804C) provides a single program in English language teaching. All providers are CRICOS-registered and subject to ESOS Act protections.
South Australia’s Associate Degree programs span nine broad fields of education: Engineering and Related Technologies, Natural and Physical Sciences, Architecture and Building, Society and Culture, Management and Commerce, Information Technology, Creative Arts, Education, and Health. This variety means you can pursue a pathway to a bachelor’s in areas like civil engineering, nursing, business, or digital design. For example, Adelaide University’s Associate Degree in Engineering provides a pathway to the Bachelor of Engineering, while TAFE SA’s Associate Degree in Education Support leads to careers in schools. Whether your interest is in health sciences or creative arts, SA offers a CRICOS-registered course to match your goals.
English language requirements vary by provider and course level. For Associate Degrees in South Australia, you typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.5 to 7.0, with no band below 5.0 in many cases. Some providers accept equivalent tests like TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. For example, Adelaide University may require IELTS 6.0 for most programs, while TAFE SA may accept 5.5. Always check the specific course page on the provider’s CRICOS-registered website. If your English is below the required level, you may be able to enrol in an ELICOS program before starting your Associate Degree.
To study an Associate Degree in South Australia, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement, proof of financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC), and English language proficiency. OSHC is mandatory for the visa duration. You must also hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider. South Australia is a popular destination for international students due to its affordable living and skilled migration opportunities. For detailed visa guidance, consult a registered MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to start your Associate Degree journey in SA:
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Showing 53 associate degree courses from 13 CRICOS providers in South Australia.