There are 237 Diploma courses offered by 63 CRICOS-registered providers across South Australia. Whether you're looking to launch your career or pathway into a bachelor's degree, a Diploma (AQF Level 5) in SA gives you practical skills and industry connections in cities like Adelaide, Mount Gambier, and Whyalla. This guide covers everything from tuition ranges and duration to top providers and student visa requirements — so you can make an informed decision.
Counted from the official register for SA: 506 non-expired CRICOS courses across 115 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 Diploma in South Australia on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-06). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
Commercial disclosure: Payment does not affect this ranking or inclusion. Ordering is coverage-based from the CRICOS register — not an endorsement or quality score. How we rank · Is this legit?
Adelaide University is a government CRICOS provider with 497 active courses matched to Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 (2026-10-06).
| Field of Education | Approx Tuition Range (AUD) | Approx Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 06 - Health | $5,000 – $87,921 | 20 weeks – 2.5 years |
| 08 - Management and Commerce | $5,000 – $87,921 | 20 weeks – 2.5 years |
| 03 - Engineering and Related Technologies | $5,000 – $87,921 | 20 weeks – 2.5 years |
| 05 - Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies | $5,000 – $87,921 | 20 weeks – 2.5 years |
| 04 - Architecture and Building | $5,000 – $87,921 | 20 weeks – 2.5 years |
| 10 - Creative Arts | $5,000 – $87,921 | 20 weeks – 2.5 years |
| 02 - Information Technology | $5,000 – $87,921 | 20 weeks – 2.5 years |
| 09 - Society and Culture | $5,000 – $87,921 | 20 weeks – 2.5 years |
| 11 - Food, Hospitality and Personal Services | $5,000 – $87,921 | 20 weeks – 2.5 years |
| 07 - Education | $5,000 – $87,921 | 20 weeks – 2.5 years |
| 01 - Natural and Physical Sciences | $5,000 – $87,921 | 20 weeks – 2.5 years |
A Diploma is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 5 qualification that typically takes 1 to 2 years of full-time study. It prepares you for skilled work or further study at a higher level, such as an Advanced Diploma or a Bachelor's degree. Entry requirements usually include completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) and an English proficiency of IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall. Diploma courses are offered by both government institutions (like TAFE SA and Adelaide University) and private colleges, all CRICOS-registered to accept international students.
Tuition fees for Diploma courses in South Australia range from A$5,000 to A$87,921, depending on the provider and field of study. Duration can be as short as 20 weeks or as long as 2 years and 6 months (~130 weeks). Note that these are indicative figures from the CRICOS register — always confirm with the institution. Non-tuition costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (rent, groceries, transport), and materials are separate. For example, living costs in Adelaide are around A$20,000–A$25,000 per year for a single student.
Leading providers include: TAFE SA (00092B) — a government provider with 28 Diploma courses, campuses across Adelaide and regional areas, strong industry links. Adelaide University (04249J) — a top-tier university offering 19 Diploma pathways into bachelor degrees. EQUALS International (Aust) Pty Ltd (02804C) — private college in Adelaide CBD, 10 Diplomas focusing on business and health. ABBI Educational Services Pty Ltd (04050B) — 9 Diplomas in management and IT. Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd (00561M) — 7 Diplomas in hospitality and business. ICHM Pty Ltd (02914G) — specialist in hospitality management (7 Diplomas). SALFORD COLLEGE PTY LTD (03076M) — 7 Diplomas in business and IT. Australian Adelaide International College Pty Ltd (03126F) — 7 Diplomas in business and community services.
Diploma courses in South Australia span 11 broad fields of education: 06 - Health (nursing, aged care), 08 - Management and Commerce (business, accounting, marketing), 03 - Engineering and Related Technologies (mechanical, electrical), 05 - Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies (horticulture, environmental management), 04 - Architecture and Building (construction, design), 10 - Creative Arts (graphic design, music), 02 - Information Technology (software development, networking), 09 - Society and Culture (community services, social work), 11 - Food, Hospitality and Personal Services (cookery, hospitality management), 07 - Education (early childhood education), and 01 - Natural and Physical Sciences (laboratory technology). This diversity means you can find a Diploma that matches your career goals — from health to IT to creative arts.
Most Diploma courses in SA require an IELTS overall score between 5.5 and 6.0 (or equivalent). Some providers may accept TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Check specific entry requirements of your chosen institution. If you need to improve your English, many providers offer ELICOS programs to help you meet the standard before starting your Diploma.
International students studying a Diploma in Australia need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, proof of financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC), and Overseas Student Health Cover. Once you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider, you can apply for your visa. HeadStart Academy provides detailed visa guides on our site. Remember, we are not a migration agent — always consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps:
South Australia offers a balanced lifestyle with affordable living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne. Adelaide, the capital, is known for its festivals, food scene, and accessible public transport. Regional campuses provide a quieter study environment. With 63 CRICOS providers and 237 Diploma courses, SA is a solid choice for international students seeking quality education and a welcoming community. Consider factors like climate, part-time work opportunities, and proximity to industries relevant to your field.
Ready to find your Diploma in South Australia? Browse our CRICOS-registered provider listings, compare courses, and start your application today.
Showing 80 diploma courses from 13 CRICOS providers in South Australia.