There are a few things you can do before you start your classes that can help calm nerves and make for a smooth beginning. Doing some planning and preparation for your studies can boost your confidence and help you feel more comfortable with getting your training underway.
Use the resources on this site to learn more about the systems, activities, support and resources available to help you get off to great start!
During the start of Semester 1 2025, TAFE SA will hold two Start Smart Student Panel events, where you can find out about the experiences of real students, and learn their tips for studying at TAFE SA. .
But don't worry if you can't make it to a session or are starting outside of our main enrolment times. You can find a range of short 'snackable' videos to view anytime, with topics about your learning, finances, wellbeing and your career - just head to the Orientation Video Library.
Check out some of our news items, live presentations and short videos, with a range of information about your finances, study skills, getting prepared, and being organised for study.
You can also download a copy of our Getting Ready Checklist, to help keep track of your progress.
Unsure about the campus, where to go, or how to get there? Visit our Campus Locations page to find out more information, and download a map of your local campus. Many locations have a virtual campus tour to check out our learning facilities and imagine yourself in your future study environment.
Depending on your campus location, you may have access to personal lockers, computing facilities (including lap-safes), cafeterias, libraries, student lounge, vending machines and security staff.
You can find information and technology troubleshooting on our Technology Support webpage for help with a wide range of tech-related questions. And you can learn more about our online learning platforms - LEARN and Collaborate - by visiting our Using LEARN page.
You can also visit any of our Campus Libraries for support with using our online systems and accessing online library resources
Check out information about scholarships and grants and options for paying your fees, to make sure your finances are in shape for study.
If you are studying a diploma or above, you can learn more about VET Student Loans and Fee Help.
If your situation changes and you need to withdraw from study, you can find out more about withdrawals and refunds.
Once you have registered into your subjects/units, you can arrange to get your Student ID Card. To get your ID Card, you will need to complete an online order, upload your ID card photo, and provide proof of identity.
Your Student Card will be needed to borrow library resources, and access printing and photocopying on campus, and full-time students are eligible for some travel concessions.
MyTAFE SA is TAFE SA's central student portal for you to access all of the online systems that you'll need to regularly use, with a single login using your TAFE SA student email and password.
From MyTAFE SA, you can access:
In 2025 the TAFE SA term dates are similar to the South Australian state schools dates, but do not match exactly in Semester 2.
SEMESTER 1
Term 1: 28 Jan - 13 Apr
Term 2: 28 April - 29 Jun
SEMESTER 2
Term 3: 21 Jul - 28 Sep
Term 4: 13 Oct - 14 Dec
Please note: not all TAFE SA courses are scheduled around these dates. Check your program timetable for individual schedule of classes and commencement dates for your qualification.
TAFE SA is committed to providing students with a safe, supportive and intellectually challenging study environment. There are a rights and expectations for students, which are outlined in our Code of Behaviour and Student Policies.
While studying at TAFE SA, you also need to be aware of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS). Information about WHS is available on the Student Safety and Wellbeing webpage, including general safety, evacuations, protective equipment in workshops, and reporting accidents/incidents.
We will also provide COVID-19 updates on our website, and your lecturers will notify you if there are any impacts on your training.
Students living with Disability, mental health, or medical conditions are invited to connect with our friendly team in Student Success and Wellbeing at the start of your study, to discuss your individual situation, and the options for accessing support.
Head to the Disability Support page to book an appointment to speak with a Student Counsellor about your needs, and to learn about Access Plans, supporting documentation, support workers, and sharing your personal information.
There are many ways students can get involved around TAFE SA. As well as opportunities within your classroom to participate in forums and study groups, you can get involved in campus events and the Student Voice representative group. Find out more about ways you can get involved and complete an online expression of interest to hear more about opportunities coming up.
The Student Voice provides the opportunity for current students to meet with senior TAFE SA staff on a regular basis to make sure that the ‘student voice’ is being heard as we plan for the future. Find more information about our Student Voice representatives and activities on the Student Website.
When starting your studies, you will be asked to complete an online tool to build a picture of your reading, writing and numeracy/maths skills. This tool is called the Core Skills Profile for Adults (CSPA).The purpose of this is to help your lecturers assess if you will need any support during your studies and to help to personalise your training. It may also be needed to confirm your eligibility for subsidised training, and for VET Student Loan.More information about the CSPA can be found on the Student Website.
There is more to being a student than just showing up. Good study skills and habits can be developed during your training which will help you achieve success at TAFE and in the workforce. Skills like good communication, planning/organising, self-management, and teamwork are some of the 'soft skills' that are highly valued by employers.
You can learn more about building good skills and habits through reading the range of news items below, and through our orientation presentations.
Did you know that a lot of the technology we use everyday has extra features that can support you while you are studying? Some Microsoft software programs (like word and outlook) can convert text to speech, so you can hear what is written on the page. It can also convert speech to text, which will allow you to use a dictate function when writing notes.
For information about apps and software that can support your study, check out our Study App news item.
Concerned about personal issues which may affect your study? Worried about your career direction and want support? Do you have a disability or learning condition affecting your study? Need extra help to connect with our library resources or online systems?
Visit the Getting Help section of the Student Website to explore the range of great support services available while you study with TAFE SA.
We spend many hours a week at work, and we may spend more time with our workmates than anyone else - those work 'mates' can often notice when we are doing it tough, because we send out signals telling them something isn't quite right - and those 'mates' can support each other to get help.
MatesInConstruction have put together a short video to help you learn about the support they can provide to our trade students.
The TAFE SA Library provides a wealth of information and material for your studies, both in hard copy and electronic formats. Our Campus Library facilities have welcoming spaces for working or relaxing individually or in groups.
The Library provides a range of short, self-paced tutorials for TAFE SA Students. Topics include a range of research, referencing, and study skills. You can access My Information Skills via the Library Website.
Want to tell us what you like about TAFE SA? Or that we could have done something better?
Your feedback is important to us, please tell us!
Missed a workshop or presentation?
You can find a range of short 'snackable' videos to view anytime by visiting our Video Library. With a range of topics to support your learning, your finances, your wellbeing, and your career, you are sure to find the information you need to help you get stared.
View Video Library
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