There are 154 Certificate III courses offered by 50 CRICOS-registered providers across South Australia. Whether you're looking to enter the workforce, upgrade your skills, or change careers, a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) can open doors to a wide range of industries. South Australia's capital, Adelaide, is home to many of these providers, offering a vibrant student community and a lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne. This page covers everything you need to know: course fees and durations, top providers, fields of study, English language requirements, and student visa steps. All data comes directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
A Certificate III is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 3 qualification. It is designed to provide individuals with a range of well-developed technical and practical skills to perform skilled work in a specific occupation or field. Typical entry requirements include completion of Year 10 or equivalent, or a Certificate II in a related field. Certificate III can serve as a pathway to Certificate IV, Diploma, or direct employment. It is a popular level for international students due to its balance of practical training and manageable duration. In South Australia, Certificate III courses cover diverse sectors such as hospitality, engineering, IT, and health.
Tuition fees for Certificate III courses in South Australia range from A$4,800 to A$40,000, depending on the provider and field of study. Course durations vary from 19 weeks to 2 years 2 months (approximately 112 weeks). These indicative fees are sourced from the CRICOS register and are set by individual institutions. Note that non-tuition costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and materials fees are additional. Below is a breakdown by field of education:
South Australia has 50 CRICOS-registered providers delivering Certificate III courses. The top providers by course count include:
Certificate III courses in South Australia span ten broad fields of education. The most popular include Food, Hospitality and Personal Services (e.g., cookery, patisserie), Management and Commerce (e.g., business administration), and Engineering and Related Technologies (e.g., electrical, fabrication). Other fields include Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies (e.g., conservation), Information Technology (e.g., cybersecurity), Education (e.g., early childhood), Society and Culture (e.g., community services), Architecture and Building (e.g., carpentry), Health (e.g., aged care), and Natural and Physical Sciences (e.g., laboratory techniques). This variety means students can find programs aligned with their career goals in one of Australia's most affordable study destinations.
International students applying for a Certificate III in South Australia typically need an IELTS score of 5.0 to 5.5 overall (or equivalent). Some providers may require a higher score for specific courses, especially those involving client interaction or safety. Check the entry requirements on the provider's CRICOS-listed course page. If your English level is below this, many providers offer pathway programs or English language courses to help you meet the requirement.
To study a Certificate III in South Australia as an international student, you will need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to: - Be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course - Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion - Show evidence of sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC) - Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your stay HeadStart Academy provides a comprehensive guide on the student visa process. Note that we are not registered migration agents; consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa advice.
Follow these three steps to start your study journey:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use the CRICOS register to find providers offering Certificate III courses in South Australia. Filter by field of study, location, and fee range to narrow your options.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Check entry requirements (including English test scores and academic qualifications) and submit your application. Be mindful of application deadlines and intake dates.
3. **Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, you'll receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Don't forget to arrange OSHC.
South Australia offers a blend of quality education, affordable living, and a relaxed lifestyle. Adelaide, the capital, has a population of around 1.3 million and a thriving international student community. The cost of living is lower than in Sydney or Melbourne: indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$150–A$250, groceries A$60–A$100, and public transport (with student concession) around A$30. Many campuses are accessible by bus, tram, or train. If you prefer a quieter, more affordable study environment with access to world-class wine regions and national parks, South Australia is an excellent choice. Remember, every provider on our list is CRICOS-registered, ensuring you receive the ESOS Act protections that guarantee quality education and student rights.
Ready to start your Certificate III journey in South Australia? Explore our list of CRICOS-registered providers and courses to find the perfect fit.
Showing 80 certificate iii courses from 18 CRICOS providers in South Australia.
Counted from the official register for SA: 269 non-expired CRICOS courses across 83 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.