INTERNATIONAL

Diploma of Food Science and Technology

CRICOS Code: 107350M
National Code: FBP50121

2025 2026

Description

Food science and technology studies cover food biochemistry, microbiology, mathematics, quality systems and food safety, and sensory analysis. This Diploma is your pathway to a variety of careers in the dynamic and growing food technology industry. You’ll learn about the science that underpins food development and creating new foods. Gain practical skills as you research and develop your own new food product, participate in industry tours and field trips, and produce a range of value-added food products including cheese, ice cream, confectionery, olive oils, and jams and sauces. Enjoy learning from experienced food industry professionals as you study in our world class facilities.

Duration (incl. holidays)

Semester(s)

Teaching Duration

Print Course Page

52 weeks

40 weeks

International Applications

Campus / Location

Study Mode

Contact Hours

Study Load

Commences

Scheduled

Regency Park

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

20 hours per week

Full Time

January, July

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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 classes

Day Classes

Day time classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes

Course Admission Requirements
(for International Applications)

Academic IELTS score of 6.0 Overall with minimum of 5.0 in all bands or equivalent.
Satisfactory completion of Year 12 or overseas equivalent or the Certificate III in Baking.

Fees

These course fees are for international students only.

Duration

Tuition Fees

Incidental Fees^*

Semester 1

AUD $7635

Semester 2

AUD $7635

Fee Totals

AUD $15270

Total Course Cost

AUD $15270

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

This Qualification targets those working in technical and management roles covering product development, food safety and quality, food production and distribution, environmental factors and functions, and the management and review of workplace systems. The job role requires technical skills and knowledge in the science and technology that support food processing. Job titles may include food technologist, production manager, food testing manager, quality systems manager, food safety systems manager, product development team leader, processing systems manager, environmental manager (food processing).

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

Diploma of Food Science and Technology (FBP50121)
During the course you will research and develop your own new food product, participate in industry tours, produce a range of value-added food products including cheese, ice cream, confectionery, olive oils, jams and sauces, experiment with the production of a range of beverages including beer, coffee and soft drinks and you will have the opportunity to work alongside highly qualified industry professionals in world class facilities. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 11 core units and 9 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

Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

Core

Name	Nominal Hours	Subject Code	National Code
Apply food microbiological techniques and analysis	70	BACAD	FBPFST5006
Conduct sensory analysis	40	LABFL	MSL975038
Describe and analyse data using mathematical principles	50	BACAH	FBPTEC4007
Develop a HACCP-based food safety plan	60	BACAG	FBPFSY5001
Develop, manage and maintain quality systems for food processing	60	BACAE	FBPFST6001
Examine the biochemical properties of food	70	BACAC	FBPFST5005
Identify and implement required process control for a food processing operation	50	BACAB	FBPFST5002
Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices	40	LAAGM	MSMENV472
Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs	50	FACYT	BSBWHS411
Perform microbiological procedures in the food industry	65	BACAA	FBPFST4004
Supervise and maintain a food safety plan	50	BACAF	FBPFSY4001

Elective

Name	Nominal Hours	Subject Code	National Code
Apply an understanding of food additives	50	BABZX	FBPTEC4005
Apply principles of food packaging	50	BACAR	FBPTEC4002
Conduct a traceability exercise	50	BACNC	FBPFSY4005
Implement and review the manufacturing and processing of edible fats and oils	30	BACAN	FBPFST5028
Implement and review the processing of high and low boil confectionery	30	BACAL	FBPFST5016
Implement and review the production of gums and jellies	30	BACPM	FBPFST5013
Implement and review the production of ice creams and frozen dairy products	60	BACAM	FBPFST5026
Manage and evaluate new product trials	60	BACAS	FBPTEC5001
Perform chemical tests and procedures	100	BACSE	MSL974032

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.