IETS Preparation (CRICOS course code 0100388) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Australian College of International Studies Pty Ltd over 22 weeks. This ELICOS course is designed to help international students improve their English language proficiency for academic or general purposes. Located in North Sydney, NSW, the program is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian Government standards for international education. With an indicative tuition fee of A$5,400, this course offers a focused pathway to enhance language skills in a supportive learning environment. As a CRICOS-registered provider, Australian College of International Studies (ACIS) is committed to delivering quality education under the ESOS Act protections. Whether you aim to meet English requirements for further study or personal development, this course provides a structured curriculum and modern facilities. Explore the details below to understand the curriculum, fees, entry requirements, and application process.
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IETS Preparation (CRICOS course code 0100388) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Australian College of International Studies Pty Ltd over 22 weeks. The course falls under the field of education '09 - Society and Culture' with a focus on '0915 - Language and Literature' and the sub-field '091501 - ELICOS'. This means it is an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students, designed to develop proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The programme is full-time and conducted in English, with no dual qualification or foundation studies component. It is not a VET course, so no national VET code applies. The indicative total tuition fee is A$5,400, with no non-tuition fees listed. Delivery occurs at the ACIS campus in North Sydney, a vibrant area with easy access to public transport and student services. As a CRICOS-registered course, it adheres strictly to Australian educational standards, providing international students with legal protections under the ESOS Act.
As an ELICOS course (Field of Education 091501), IETS Preparation focuses on building English language competence across all four macro-skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for academic or professional environments, with emphasis on vocabulary development, grammar accuracy, pronunciation, and communication strategies. While the exact syllabus is set by the provider, typical ELICOS programmes at this level incorporate task-based learning, group discussions, presentations, and written assignments. Students are expected to progress from their current English level towards a higher proficiency, which can support further study in Australia or enhance career prospects globally. The course does not award a formal degree but is a stepping stone for many international students aiming to meet English entry requirements for vocational or higher education courses.
The IETS Preparation course runs for 22 weeks as indicated on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time programme delivered in English at the provider's campus. It is a single qualification, meaning no dual award or foundation studies component. The language of instruction is English throughout. Students should expect a structured timetable with both classroom-based learning and self-study components. The duration is fixed, and extensions may not be possible without a new enrolment. For visa purposes, the course length is recognised by the Department of Home Affairs for a Student visa (Subclass 500) application.
The indicative tuition fee for IETS Preparation is A$5,400 for the entire 22-week programme. No non-tuition fees are listed on the CRICOS register, making the estimated total cost A$5,400. Please note that these fees are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change. The provider, Australian College of International Studies, sets the actual fees – always confirm current fees on their website (www.acis.edu.au). Additional costs not included in this total are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$400–600 per week depending on lifestyle and location), and the student visa application charge (currently A$710 for the main applicant). Budgeting for these is essential for a successful study experience.
English language requirements vary by provider for this course. Typically, ELICOS programmes expect students to have a basic to intermediate level of English, often demonstrated by an IELTS score of 5.5–7.0 overall, depending on the course level. However, some providers may offer placement tests to determine suitable entry. Prior educational qualifications are generally not mandatory for ELICOS, but students must be at least 18 years of age or have completed high school. For those who do not meet the English requirements, Australian College of International Studies may offer pathway options – contact the provider directly for details. Foundation studies are not applicable for this Non AQF Award.
No work component: This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students may still be eligible to work part-time under their Student visa conditions (48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks), but this is not part of the curriculum.
The course is delivered at: ACIS - Level 4 213 Miller St NORTH SYDNEY NSW. This is in the suburb of North Sydney, part of the Sydney metropolitan area. North Sydney is a major business district with excellent transport links, including train and bus services to the city centre (about 10 minutes). The area is home to many educational institutions and offers a variety of accommodation options, from shared apartments to homestays. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average; typical weekly expenses for a single student range from A$400–600 for rent, food, and transport. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, choosing a location with a strong student community can enhance your study experience.
International students enrolling in IETS Preparation will require a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia for the duration of the course. Key conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa period, and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student work rights permit 48 hours per fortnight during course term and unlimited hours during recognised holidays. After completing this ELICOS course, you may be eligible to apply for a further Student visa or a Graduate visa if you progress to another registered course. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for current visa information.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Compare ELICOS courses like IETS Preparation at Australian College of International Studies. Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and location (NSW). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (English proficiency, age), submit application documents (passport, educational certificates, English test scores), and meet deadlines. ACIS may require a placement test. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once accepted, ACIS issues a CoE. Use it to lodge a visa application online via ImmiAccount. Remember to arrange OSHC and prepare for the GTE interview.
Australia offers hundreds of ELICOS courses across all states, from intensive general English to exam preparation. When choosing a course like IETS Preparation, consider your goals: are you aiming for academic entry, migration, or personal improvement? Think about location – Sydney offers a vibrant multicultural environment but higher living costs, while regional areas may be more affordable. Check provider quality: ACIS is CRICOS-registered, meaning it meets ESOS Act protections. Verify course duration – 22 weeks is a substantial commitment. Compare fee structures and read student reviews if available. Finally, assess the pathway options: does the provider offer direct entry to further studies? HeadStart Academy is a free resource with data from the official CRICOS register – no referral fees, just genuine information to help you decide.
Ready to start your ELICOS journey? Follow the How to Apply steps above to enrol in IETS Preparation at Australian College of International Studies.
View the full Australian College of International Studies Pty Ltd profile →
IETS Preparation is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian College of International Studies 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.