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INTERNATIONAL

Associate Degree in Biomedical Engineering

CRICOS Code: 092136M
 National Code: CRS1400351


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2025 2026

Description

Become a paraprofessional biomedical engineer and you could be installing, commissioning, testing and fault-finding essential biomedical equipment used in the health system. You will also be qualified for work in electronics and related industries, government, biomedical equipment, and research institutions. Learn about engineering practice, mathematics, digital electronics, anatomy and physiology for biomedical technologists, computer science, project management, biomedical instrumentation and microcontroller programming. And you have the option to fast-track to a university degree. Kick-start your career and further your studies in this rapidly growing sector with TAFE SA.

Duration (incl. holidays)
Semester(s)
Teaching Duration
Print Course Page
104 weeks
4
80 weeks
Print

International Applications

Campus / Location
Study Mode
Contact Hours
Study Load
Commences
Scheduled
Regency Park
On Campus On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
24 hours per week
Full Time Full Time
January, July
Day & Evening Day & Evening
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On campus/location

On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Full Time

Full Time

Full Time classes
Day Classes

Day Classes

Day time classes
Evening Classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes

Course Admission Requirements
(for International Applications)

  • Academic IELTS score of 6.0 Overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands or equivalent.
  • Satisfactory completion of Year 12 including Year 12 Maths, or overseas equivalent or the successful completion of the CIII in Engineering – Technical (if no Year 12) or the Diploma of Engineering – Technical (if no Year 12 maths background)
  • All international students will be required to undertake an Engineering Diagnostic Test during the orientation and induction program at TAFE SA (prior to commencing their course) to demonstrate sufficient and required technical skills for academic success. See course note for more information.

Course Notes

  • This qualification is accredited by Engineers Australia. This accredited qualification is recognised in Australia and some overseas countries. Graduates of this course are eligible for migration skills assessment by Engineers Australia. The occupational outcome of this assessment is in the Engineering Associate category. The specific occupation code depends on the program studied and on the Engineers Australia guidelines. See the Engineers Australia website for further details.
  • Within 2 weeks of commencement, students will need to purchase a laptop and a 2nd screen to enable practice at home/on campus. TAFE SA will provide any compulsory software.
    Minimum requirements:
    • Windows 10 or later
    • Minimum 16 GB RAM
    • Minimum 12th Gen Intel I5 or AMD 6000 Series Ryzen 5
    • Minimum 250 GB hard drive
    • Apple Macs and mobile devices are not suitable

    These computing requirements would cost approximately $1500-$2000 and can be purchased online or in store. TAFE SA loaned laptops are unavailable after 5pm and do not have the compulsory software for this course. More specific details will be provided at or after commencement.
  • All international students will be required to undertake an Engineering Diagnostic Test during the orientation and induction program at TAFE SA (prior to commencing their course) to demonstrate sufficient and required skills for academic success. The diagnostic test will help identify a student’s current level of mathematical skills and determine any areas of improvement. The test involves the below areas:

    • Arithmetic
    • Notation
    • Algebra
    • Graphs, scales and data
    • Reasoning
    • Geometry and trigonometry
    • Reading and comprehension

    The duration of the test is 60-90 minutes and no calculators, including phones, can be used.

    Results of the test:

    Students achieving 60% will be able to commence in the Associate Degree.

    Students achieving 40% or less in the test will not be able to commence in the Associate Degree and will be required to commence with either the Certificate III or Diploma in Engineering - Technical to build their technical knowledge.
    Any changes to course enrolment based on the result in the Test will affect that student’s enrolment and study duration at TAFE SA.
  • This Associate Degree will be taught at both Regency and Tonsley Campus. Some classes may be held in the evening. More details will be provided upon commencement into the Associate Degree.
  • As part of the Associate Degree program, TAFE SA will provide work experience and/or industry-based project opportunities. While optional, these activities, will give you first-hand experience of the workplace, allowing you to test your skills and make valuable industry contacts.

Fees

These course fees are for international students only.

Duration
Tuition Fees
Incidental Fees*
Semester 1
AUD $10067
AUD $2000*
Semester 2
AUD $10067
-
Semester 3
AUD $10068
-
Semester 4
AUD $10068
-
Fee Totals
AUD $40270
AUD $2000*
Total Course Cost
AUD $42270

* The computer equipment requirements (outlined in the course notes) would cost approximately $1500-$2000 and can be purchased online or in store. More specific details will be provided after commencement.

Note: TAFE SA course tuition and other fees/costs are subject to regular increases and are reviewed annually. TAFE SA accepts applications for courses commencing beyond the current year, course, tuition and other fees/costs for these years will apply once published. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to alter, amend or delete any fee, course, admission requirement, mode of delivery, duration or other arrangement without prior notice. If the study duration is extended beyond the period of the student’s visa the student will be liable for visa and related costs, eg medical examinations, OSHC and living expenses.

Overseas Students Health Cover

All overseas students are required to have Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) insurance for the entire duration of the course. The health cover rate will vary depending on the personal circumstances and duration of stay in Australia. Read more about Overseas Students Health Cover.

  • Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

    Employment Outcomes

    As a biomedical paraprofessional you will be installing, commissioning, testing and fault-finding biomedical equipment used in the health system. The employment opportunities for the graduates of this course are in the SA Biomedical Engineering (SA BME) department at a paraprofessional engineer level, as well as other private companies who offer biomedical engineering services to the South Australian health institutions. You will also find employment opportunities in electronics and related industries, Government, biomedical equipment and research institutions.

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Associate Degree in Biomedical Engineering (CRS1400351)
    Topics covered include engineering practice, mathematics, digital electronics, anatomy and physiology for biomedical technologists, computer science, project management, biomedical instrumentation and microcontroller programming. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 15 core units and 2 elective units.

    90%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.
    87%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings

  • Course Units

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Anatomy and Physiology 144
    Basic Electrical Circuits 144
    Biomedical Instrumentation 144
    Computing for Engineering 144
    Drawing for Manufacturing 144
    Electronic Circuits 144
    Engineering Mechanics 144
    Engineering Workshop 144
    Infrastructure Engineering Project 144
    Materials for Engineering 144
    Mathematics 1 144
    Mathematics 2 144
    Mechatronics 144
    Project Management 144

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Biomedical Unspecified Elective 144
    Digital Technologies 144
    Engineering Programming 144
    Mathematics 3 144

  • University Packaged Programs

    If your goal is to achieve a bachelor degree in your chosen field of study, TAFE SA offers two different types of pathway to university - a University Packaged Program or Credit Transfer.


    A University Packaged Program allows you to select the course and the university you wish to study at, before commencing your studies at TAFE SA.


    This course is available as a University Packaged Program. This allows students to accept a joint packaged offer with a local South Australian University, and upon successful completion of TAFE SA qualification, the student is eligible for a guaranteed entry into a nominated University Program. Find out more about University Packaged Programs.


    The table below shows current packages available for this course.


    Institution Course Indicative Package Cost
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic) AUD$126,500

  • Credit Transfer

    Studying at TAFE SA is one of the easiest pathways towards a University Degree. Credit Transfer is the formal recognition that parts of a TAFE SA course are equivalent in content and level to parts of some University courses. Below are the Credit Transfer details for this course. View all TAFE SA Credit Transfer Agreements

    University University Course Details
    Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical) (Honours)

  • Living in Adelaide

    The city created for students

    You will never find another city like Adelaide. With welcoming locals, it is the perfect place for you to study, live and enjoy.

    Affordable living
    A student city

    A student city

    Adelaide is home to over 30,000 international students and has a strong and growing reputation as an education city. In addition to TAFE SA, Adelaide is home to six world-leading universities: The University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia, Flinders University, Carnegie Mellon University, Torrens University Australia and CQ University Australia.

    Safe

    Adelaide’s crime rates are the lowest in the country and for that reason, Adelaide has previously been named the safest city in Australia.

    Safe
    Beach Culture

    Beach Culture

    Adelaide’s pristine sandy beaches are just a 20 minute tram ride from the city centre. On hot summer days, you can study in the day and take the tram to have dinner at the beach and watch the sunset with friends.

    Live centrally

    Accommodation is more affordable in Adelaide than in other cities in Australia making it often possible for students to live in the heart of the city or just outside. This means more time is spent studying and less time travelling.

    Live centrally
    Delicious!

    Delicious!

    Adelaide is known for its cafe culture, with more cafes and restaurants by population than any other city in Australia. In recent years, Adelaide has also developed a vibrant and varied bar scene. The city is big enough that you will struggle to visit all of the places you would like to drink and eat in during in your first year of study. Our mix of cultures means there’s likely to be a supermarket that sells food from your home country too.

    Easy to get around

    Adelaide is a flat city so it is ideal for walking or cycling. Its grid layout makes it almost impossible to get lost! There are free trams and buses around the city centre. International students can show their ID to get cheaper tickets.

    Easy to get around
    Festivals

    Festivals

    Adelaide is known for its festivals, which are famous around the world. WOMADelaide, the Adelaide Festival of Arts, Fringe Festival and Cabaret Festival are just some of the international arts and music festivals that keep the city buzzing

    Everyone agrees – Adelaide is a great place to live and study

    Adelaide is recognised as one of the world’s most liveable cities. In 2014, Lonely Planet’s Best of Travel book ranked Adelaide in the global top ten. For the last four years Adelaide has been ranked one of the most liveable cities in the world by The Economist Intelligence Unit.

    Everyone agrees – Adelaide is a great place to live and study
    Beautiful weather

    Beautiful weather

    Adelaide has four distinct seasons, with moderate winters and warm to hot summers. In winter you will need woolly jumpers and jackets and in summer, shorts and t-shirts. The heat in South Australia is dry, rather than humid.

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Further Information

Contact us

Course enquiries and more information

TAFE South Australia International

Level 1, 120 Currie Street
Adelaide, South Australia, 5000

Enquire online