Trade Courses in South Australia for International Students: New Rules & July 2026 Deadline

If you’re an international student planning to study a trade course in South Australia, there is an important pathway change coming into effect on 1 July 2026 that you should understand before making any enrolment decisions.

Trade courses are not closing.
However, how international students can qualify in trades is changing.

Students who enrol before July 2026 will have greater flexibility and clearer study pathways compared to those who enrol later. This guide explains the changes in simple, practical language, based on official South Australian updates, to help you make an informed and confident decision.

Quick Check: Does This Affect You?

Answer these quick questions:

1. Are you planning to study a trade such as Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter, Automotive, or Commercial Cookery?

• Yes → This update applies to you
• No → Your course may be a Declared Vocation (likely unaffected)

2. Are you already enrolled or do you already hold a COE?

• Yes → You are covered under transition arrangements
• No → Your enrolment timing is critical

3. Will you enrol before 1 July 2026?

• Yes → You can follow the current institutional pathway
• No → Trade qualification pathways will be more restricted

Table of Contents

• What’s Happening Right Now
• Why South Australia Is Changing Trade Pathways
• What Changes After 1 July 2026
• Trade Courses vs Other Vocational Courses
• What You Should Do Now
• Why Enrolling Before July 2026 Can Be a Smart Decision
• Common Misunderstandings Explained
• How Aussizz Group Supports Students
• Key Takeaway for International Students
• Final Thoughts: Plan Early, Decide Wisely
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s Happening Right Now

Current Scenario (Before 1 July 2026)

At present, international students can still enrol in trade-aligned courses through registered institutes in South Australia.

Under the current structure, students can:

• Apply to a college or TAFE
• Receive an offer letter and COE
• Study through classroom and workshop-based delivery
• Work part-time within student visa conditions
• Complete their qualification institutionally

Students who enrol before 1 July 2026 are covered by transition arrangements, which allow them to:

• Finish course normally through institute
• No need to find employer first
• Apply for Occupational Certificate (ORS) after completion
• Continue under standard Subclass 500 student visa conditions

This is why timing matters for trade-bound students.

2. Why South Australia Is Changing Trade Pathways

The changes are not designed to restrict international students. Instead, they aim to:

• Ensure real workplace skill development
• Improve safety and supervision standards
• Align trade qualifications with national apprenticeship frameworks
• Protect the integrity of skilled occupations

Going forward, trade qualifications will be primarily earned through apprenticeships, where learning happens on the job under supervision. This reflects how trades have traditionally been trained in Australia and globally.

For students, this means trade education is becoming more employment–centred, rather than purely institute-based.

3. What Changes After 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, new international students seeking trade qualifications will face a different structure.

Key points:

• Trade qualifications will mainly require apprenticeship-based training
• Apprenticeships are employment-based, not study-only
• Students will generally need:
  • an employer willing to engage them as an apprentice
  • a registered training contract
• Institutes will deliver training after employment is secured
• Standard student visas may not be suitable for full apprenticeships

In simple terms:

After July 2026, students may need to secure employment before commencing trade training, which changes how and when study can begin.

4. Trade Courses vs Other Vocational Courses

Not all vocational programs are affected in the same way, and this distinction is essential for course selection.

Trade Courses (Affected by the Change)

Examples include:

• Electrician | Plumber | Carpenter
• Automotive Mechanic | Painter | Bricklayer
• Welder | Cook (Commercial)

After July 1, 2026: These occupations are moving toward apprenticeship-first pathways, with workplace training at the core.

Declared Vocations (Not Affected)

Can still be studied normally at institutes:

• Aged Care | Disability Support | Business
• IT | Hospitality Management | Early Childhood

Anytime: These courses continue with institution-based study and remain well-aligned with the student visa framework.

How to Check Your Course

Visit TAP Schedule at www.skills.sa.gov.au:

• (T) = Trade – affected by change
• (DV) = Declared Vocation – NOT affected

At Aussizz Group, education counsellors help students confirm whether a course is classified as a trade or a declared vocation before enrolment – a step that is now more important than ever.

Before vs After Comparison

Key Takeaway: Pathway BEFORE July 1, 2026, is much easier for international students.

5. What You Should Do Now

If You Want to Study a Trade (T)

Option 1: Enrol Before July 1, 2026 (RECOMMENDED)

Apply NOW → Get COE before July 1 → Study normally → Complete → Apply for ORS Certificate

Benefits: Simple, no employer needed, student visa works, protected by transition

Option 2: Wait Until After July 1, 2026

Find employer → Get sponsorship → Apply for work visa → Start apprenticeship

Challenges: Very difficult, expensive, no guarantee, takes months/years

If You Want to Study a Declared Vocation (DV)

• Enrolment pathways remain unchanged
• No July 2026 deadline pressure
• Institution-based study continues as normal

6. Why Enrolling Before July 2026 Can Be a Smart Decision

Students who enrol before 1 July 2026:

• Access institutional delivery pathways
• Study without needing an employer upfront
• Maintain clear Subclass 500 visa compliance
• Plan post-study options such as the 485 visa
• Keep multiple PR pathways open

Students who wait until after the change may need to:

• Secure employment before study
• Reassess visa options
• Consider alternative courses or states

Timing, therefore, becomes a strategic decision, not just an academic one.

7. Common Misunderstandings Explained

“Are trade courses closing for international students?”
No. Trade courses are continuing, but the delivery pathway is changing.

“Can colleges arrange apprenticeships for students?”
No. Apprenticeships are employment contracts between students and employers.

“Can apprenticeships be done under 48 hours per fortnight?”
No. Apprenticeships require regular workplace participation and are not designed for limited student work hours.

8. How Aussizz Group Supports Students Through These Changes

Navigating education and migration changes can be overwhelming, especially when rules evolve. This is where experienced guidance makes a real difference.

At Aussizz Group, students receive:

• Personalised course selection based on academic background and career goals
• Clear advice on Australian student visa (Subclass 500) requirements
• Support with OSHC, admissions, and documentation
• Guidance on post-study work visa (485) planning
• Long-term strategy discussions around PR pathways

Rather than offering generic advice, the focus is on future-proofing each student’s journey.

9. Key Takeaway for International Students

Trade education in South Australia is continuing – but the pathway is changing, and timing now matters more than ever.

If you are considering a trade course, understanding when to enrol, what course to choose, and how it aligns with your visa and migration goals can protect both your investment and your future.

10. Final Thoughts: Plan Early, Decide Wisely

Australia remains one of the best destinations for international students seeking practical skills and global career opportunities. Trade qualifications continue to be valuable, but they now require smarter planning and earlier decision-making.

Before enrolling, every student should ask:

• Is my course classified as a trade or a declared vocation?
• When am I planning to enrol?
• How does this choice support my post-study work visa and PR pathway?

With the right guidance, these questions become opportunities – not obstacles.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Are trade courses banned for international students?

No. The pathway is changing. Before July 1 = study at institute. After = need employer first.

Q2: I want to be an electrician. Should I enrol now?

Yes, NOW (before July 1, 2026). After that, you need a job offer first (very difficult).

Q3: I want to study aged care. Does this affect me?

No. Aged care is a “declared vocation” – you can enrol anytime.

Q4: What is ORS (Occupational Recognition Service)?

ORS assesses your skills after course completion and may issue an Occupational Certificate.

Contact: ORS@sa.gov.au or 1800 673 097

Q5: Can I work while studying?

Before July 1: Yes, part-time (48 hours/fortnight)
After July 1: Need work visa (apprenticeships are full-time)

Q6: I’m already enrolled. Am I safe?

Yes! Finish normally. Change only affects new students after July 1, 2026.

Q7: How do I check if my course is a trade?

Check TAP Schedule at www.skills.sa.gov.au or ask your college.

Q8: Can my college arrange an apprenticeship?

No. Apprenticeships are job contracts with employers. Colleges train only.

Q9: What if I miss the July 1 deadline?

You’ll need employer sponsorship (very difficult) or consider other states/courses.

Ready to Plan Your Study Journey with Confidence?

If you’re planning to study in Australia and want expert advice that looks beyond just admissions, connect with Aussizz Group for personalised education and migration guidance.

Your study decision today can shape your career for years to come – make it an informed one.