IELTS Preparation (CRICOS course code 0100375) is a Non AQF Award delivered by SMEAG AUSTRALIA PTY LTD over 24 weeks, designed to help international students build the English skills needed for success in the IELTS exam. This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), meaning it meets Australian Government standards for international education. With tuition fees starting at A$6,400 and delivery locations in Melbourne and Mildura, this course offers flexible options for students aiming to improve their English proficiency and meet university or visa requirements. As a CRICOS-registered provider, SMEAG Australia ensures international students receive the protections of the ESOS Act.
IELTS Preparation (CRICOS course code 0100375) is a Non AQF Award classified under field of education 091501 - ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). It is delivered by SMEAG AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (CRICOS registration 03718D), a private education provider with campuses in Victoria. The course runs for 24 weeks and focuses on developing the four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, specifically for the IELTS test. This program is ideal for students who need to achieve a target IELTS band score for further study, employment, or migration purposes. All courses offered by SMEAG Australia are CRICOS-registered, ensuring compliance with Australian education standards and student protections. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this IELTS Preparation course is a trusted option for international students.
This course falls under the field of 'Language and Literature' within the broader 'Society and Culture' category. ELICOS programs like this IELTS Preparation course are designed to improve English proficiency in an academic context. Students typically engage in lessons that cover grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and exam strategies. While specific syllabi are set by the provider, graduates of such courses generally gain the ability to understand complex texts, write structured essays, participate in discussions, and deliver presentations in English. For international students, completing an IELTS Preparation course can be a stepping stone to further studies at Australian universities or vocational colleges, where English language requirements vary by institution and course level.
The IELTS Preparation course has a CRICOS-listed duration of 24 weeks. Instruction is delivered in English, and the course is a single qualification (no dual qualification). It is designed as a full-time program, typically requiring 20–25 hours of class time per week. The study mode is face-to-face at the provider's campuses. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions. The course does not include a work component, but students on a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
The indicative tuition fee for the IELTS Preparation course is A$6,400, plus non-tuition fees of A$280, bringing the estimated total to A$6,680. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by SMEAG Australia. Please note that fees are indicative and subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For current and accurate fees, always check the provider's official website at https://brightenglish.vic.edu.au/. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$1,500–$2,000 per month, while Mildura is generally more affordable.
Entry requirements for IELTS Preparation courses vary by provider and course level. For this course at SMEAG Australia, English language requirements typically range from IELTS 5.5 to 7.0 overall, depending on the target score. Students may also be assessed through an internal placement test. Prior qualifications expected for this Non AQF Award level include completion of secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12. If you do not meet the direct entry requirements, the provider may offer pathway options such as foundation or bridging programs. Always confirm specific requirements with SMEAG Australia before applying.
This course includes no work component. It is purely academic and does not include mandatory internships, work placements, or practical training. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions. Note that work rights are a benefit of the student visa, not part of the course curriculum.
SMEAG Australia delivers this IELTS Preparation course at three locations in Victoria: Level 1, 318 King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 (Melbourne CBD); MEL-CBD Queen St Campus in Melbourne; and Shop 2, 840 Fifteenth St, Mildura VIC 3500. Melbourne’s CBD is well-served by public transport, with trams, trains, and buses providing easy access to the King Street campus. Mildura is a regional city in northwestern Victoria, offering a quieter lifestyle and lower living costs. Both locations provide international students with access to quality education and support services. Victoria is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers.
International students enrolled in this IELTS Preparation course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. Visa requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from SMEAG Australia, proof of English proficiency (if required), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC, and dependents), and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Students on a Subclass 500 visa can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. After course completion, graduates may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if they meet further study and skills requirements. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa advice.
Melbourne is one of Australia's most popular study destinations, with a vibrant international student community and excellent public transport. The city has over 150 CRICOS-registered providers offering a wide range of courses. Living costs in Melbourne are higher than regional areas like Mildura, but students benefit from diverse cultural experiences, job opportunities, and support services. When choosing between Melbourne and Mildura, consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and study goals. Mildura offers a more affordable cost of living and a quieter environment, but fewer employment options. Both campuses are registered on CRICOS, so ESOS Act protections apply. Always compare provider locations and facilities before applying.
Follow these three steps to enrol in IELTS Preparation at SMEAG Australia: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by field, level, and location. Confirm that SMEAG Australia (CRICOS 03718D) offers the course you need. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit https://brightenglish.vic.edu.au/ to review entry requirements, English test scores, application deadlines, and submit your application with required documents (e.g., academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, SMEAG Australia will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application, arrange OSHC, and prepare for your stay in Australia.
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IELTS Preparation is a CRICOS-registered programme at SMEAG AUSTRALIA PTY LTD. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.