There are 37 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses offered by 31 CRICOS-registered providers across South Australia. Also known as the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), this qualification is the final stage of secondary schooling in the state, typically undertaken in Years 11 and 12. It prepares international students for university entry, vocational training, or employment. South Australia is home to a vibrant international student community, with affordable living costs and high-quality education. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government, ensuring they meet strict standards for teaching and student support. Data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), covering 26,433 courses across all study levels and states. Whether you're aiming for an Australian university or a career pathway, the SACE opens doors. Explore your options below and take the first step toward studying in Adelaide or regional SA.
Counted from the official register for SA: 37 non-expired CRICOS courses across 31 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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education 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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education 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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education 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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education 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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education 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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education 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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education 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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education 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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education 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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education 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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education 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).
The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) is the highest level of secondary school qualification in Australia, typically completed in Years 11 and 12. In South Australia, it is specifically known as the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). While not directly part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the SSCE is a prerequisite for entry into AQF-level programs such as diplomas and bachelor's degrees. The SACE curriculum is broad, allowing students to choose from a range of subjects across various fields, including sciences, humanities, languages, and the arts. Entry requirements for international students generally include completion of the equivalent of Year 10 in their home country, proficiency in English, and a demonstrated commitment to study. Upon completion, students can pathway directly to undergraduate degrees at Australian universities, or pursue vocational training through TAFE or private colleges. The SACE is recognized nationally and internationally, making it a valuable stepping stone for global academic and career opportunities.
Tuition fees for SSCE courses in South Australia vary widely, ranging from A$14,175 to A$111,279 for the full program. Duration can be as short as 30 weeks (~7 months) for an intensive program, or up to 5 years for a standard progression including Year 11 and 12. Fees are indicative and set by individual providers, subject to change. The table below shows tuition and duration by field of education (as classified by CRICOS). Note that non-tuition costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), school uniforms, textbooks, and accommodation are not included. Living expenses in Adelaide are relatively affordable, with weekly costs for rent, groceries, and transport approximately A$400–A$600 for a student. Always confirm current fees directly with the institution.
Several CRICOS-registered providers offer SSCE programs in South Australia, with the following having the highest number of courses (each with 2 or more):
Each provider is CRICOS-registered, ensuring compliance with the ESOS Act protections for international students.
For the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education level in South Australia, the CRICOS register lists only one broad field: Mixed Field Programmes (code 12). This category encompasses a wide range of subjects that allow students to develop a well-rounded education. Typical SACE subjects include English, mathematics, science, history, languages, and arts. Students can tailor their studies to suit their interests and future goals, whether that be university entry, vocational training, or employment. The flexibility of Mixed Field Programmes means schools can offer diverse subject combinations, though specific courses vary by provider. When exploring options, check the provider's curriculum details on the CRICOS register to ensure your desired subjects are available.
International students applying for a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in South Australia typically need an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). Some schools may require a higher score, especially for direct entry into Year 12. Acceptable alternatives include TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. If you do not meet the English requirement, many providers offer English language preparatory courses (ELICOS) to help you reach the necessary level. Always verify the exact English requirements with your chosen institution, as they can vary.
To study an SSCE in South Australia on a full-time basis, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements, and have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. If you are under 18, your accompanying parent or guardian may need a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590). All international students are protected under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. For detailed visa guidance, visit our [Student visa (Subclass 500) page](/visa/student-visa-subclass-500). HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; consult a MARA agent for personal advice.
Ready to start your journey? Use HeadStart Academy's free filter to find CRICOS-registered SACE providers in South Australia. Compare fees, locations, and more. Your path to studying in Australia begins here.
Showing 37 senior secondary certificate of education courses from 31 CRICOS providers in South Australia.