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INTERNATIONAL

Associate Degree in Civil and Structural Engineering (Design Drafting)

CRICOS Code: 092138J
 National Code: CRS1400353


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2025 2026

Description

Civil and structural engineering underpins the planning, design and construction of private and public buildings and facilities, and our transport and water infrastructure. Become a highly trained paraprofessional with this associate degree covering construction practice, mathematics, computing for engineering, basic drawing, construction geotechnics, water infrastructure, civil drawing, structural analysis, environmental engineering, computer science, and project management. Your studies will combine theoretical study and practical skills, with an emphasis on the strong drafting skills that are in demand by the engineering consulting industry. TAFE SA developed this course in response to the growing workforce needs of the sector in South Australia. Be employed as a design drafter or technical officer and take your place in this expanding industry. Or enhance your qualifications and fast-track to a university degree with our customised study pathways. Be yourself with TAFE SA.

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

  • 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.
  • 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 less than 60% will need to transfer to 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.
  • International students with Year 12, but no maths, could do the Certificate III in Engineering – Technical which provides an excellent foundation of maths knowledge for success in the Associate Degree.
    International students without Year 12 could do the Certificate III in Engineering – Technical, then the Diploma of Engineering – Technical to meet the academic entry into this Associate Degree.
  • 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.

Fees

These course fees are for international students only.

Duration
Tuition Fees
Incidental Fees*
Semester 1
AUD $10067
AUD $2500*
Semester 2
AUD $10067
-
Semester 3
AUD $10068
-
Semester 4
AUD $10068
-
Fee Totals
AUD $40270
AUD $2500*
Total Course Cost
AUD $42770

* International students will be required to purchase textbooks, steel cap boots and a high-visibility vest, sometimes known as hi-vis or hi-viz, that has highly reflective properties. They will also need to purchase long sleeved tops and long trousers. Students also will need to successfully undertake the unit 'Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry' commonly known as a White Card at their own cost. The approximate cost of these items is between $A200-$A500. 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

    Civil and Structural Engineering underpins the planning, design and construction of private and public buildings and facilities, bridges and roads, water infrastructure and more. The industry has two major branches: design (also known as engineering consulting) and construction. The Associate Degree in Civil and Structural Engineering (Design Drafting) was developed by TAFE SA to respond to the workforce development needs of the engineering consulting industry in South Australia. This industry is in need of specialised highly trained paraprofessional staff. You will work as a design drafter or technical officer supporting engineers. Your work may involve preparing drawings, documentation and specifications, inspecting works and cost estimation.

    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 Civil and Structural Engineering (Design Drafting) (CRS1400353)
    Topics include construction practice, mathematics, computing for engineering, basic drawing, construction geotechnics, water infrastructure, civil drawing, structural analysis, environmental engineering, computer science and project management. 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
    Civil and Structural Engineering Project 144
    Civil Drafting 144
    Computing for Engineering 144
    Construction Geotechnics 144
    Engineering Drafting 144
    Engineering Mechanics 144
    Engineering Workshop 144
    Materials for Engineering 144
    Mathematics 1 144
    Mathematics 2 144
    Project Management 144
    Structural Analysis 144
    Structural Design Drafting 144
    Water Infrastructure 144

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Advanced BIM (Building Information Modelling) 144
    Building Services Drafting 144
    Environmental Engineering 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 (Civil) (Honours) AUD$113,500
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) (Major in Defence Systems) AUD$126,500
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) (Major in Environmental Engineering) AUD$126,500
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) (Major in Geotechnical Engineering) AUD$126,500
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) (Major in Renewable Energy) AUD$126,500
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) (Major in Structural Engineering) AUD$126,500
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) (Major in Water Systems Engineering) AUD$126,500
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) (Major in Construction Management) AUD$150,500
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) (Major in Smart Technologies) AUD$150,500
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Construction Management) AUD$104,300
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) AUD$104,300
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Structural) AUD$104,300

  • 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