Last Updated: 8th January 2026
If you’re an international student planning to study a trade course in South Australia, this is a critical update you need to know.
The South Australian Skills Commission has confirmed a major reform that will significantly change how trade qualifications are delivered – and as a result, international students will no longer be able to commence trade courses in SA.
What’s Changing?
From 31 January 2026, many trade qualifications in South Australia must be completed through an apprenticeship with an employer.
In practical terms, this means:
- Trade courses will no longer be offered as classroom-based study only
- Students must already have a job and apprenticeship contract to enrol
- Without an employer, you won’t be able to start these trade courses
For most international students, securing an apprenticeship before arriving in Australia is extremely difficult, which effectively closes this pathway.
Under this reform, many RTOs will no longer be able to offer their existing trade courses to international students.
What Does This Mean for International Students?
- To summarise:Studying trades in South Australia will no longer be an option for most international students
- Popular trade courses such as automotive, construction, carpentry, engineering trades, and similar pathways will be affected
- Delaying your decision could mean missing this pathway entirely
This is one of the biggest changes to trade education in South Australia in recent years, and it will permanently reshape how international students access these courses.
The Final Opportunity: Amnesty Period Until 1 July 2026
Due to significant push back from the industry, the South Australian Skills Commission has postponed it’s initial deadline from 31st January 2026 to 1st July 2026.
This postponement means that international students can continue to enrol in trade qualifications affected trade courses under the current system before the new rules take effect on the 1st July 2026.
If you enrol before 1st July 2026, you can:
- Start your trade qualification without an apprenticeship
- Continue studying even after the new rules begin
- Secure your place under the existing pathway
After this date, new enrolments without an employer will no longer be permitted.
What Courses Are Still Available to Enrol?
We’ve spoken directly with multiple key education providers we work with and have summarised trade courses that still have intakes available before 1 July 2026.
Act Now — This Window Is Closing
If you’re serious about studying a trade in Australia, this is likely your last chance to do so in South Australia.
Contact us today to check your eligibility, available intakes, and enrol as soon as possible to secure your place before this pathway closes.
