English for Academic Purposes (CRICOS course code 0101064) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Technical and Further Education Commission over 26 weeks (~6 months). This course is designed for international students who need to improve their English language skills for academic study in Australia. It falls under the field of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) and is ideal for those preparing to enter university or vocational education. TAFE NSW, a government-owned provider registered on CRICOS (00591E), offers this course across multiple campuses in New South Wales. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000 courses available in Australia, choosing a registered institution ensures quality and compliance with Australian education standards. HeadStart Academy provides free, unbiased information sourced directly from the CRICOS register to help you make an informed decision.
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English for Academic Purposes (CRICOS course code 0101064) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Technical and Further Education Commission over 26 weeks (~6 months). This ELICOS program focuses on developing the academic English skills needed for tertiary study in Australia. Students learn to write essays, read academic texts, listen to lectures, and participate in tutorials. The course is designed for non-native English speakers who have a basic command of the language but need to reach the proficiency required for university or VET courses. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the standards set by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, ensuring international student protections. TAFE NSW, trading as Technical and Further Education Commission, is a government institution with a strong reputation for vocational and language training. This course is ideal for students planning to pursue further studies in Australia or improve their English for professional purposes.
This course falls under the field of education 091501 - ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), within the broader Society and Culture field. The curriculum typically covers academic reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking. Students engage with authentic academic materials, practice essay writing and research skills, and develop strategies for note-taking and presentation. While the exact syllabus may vary by campus, the focus is on preparing students for the linguistic and cultural demands of Australian higher education. Graduates often proceed to diploma, bachelor, or postgraduate studies. Note that this is a Non AQF Award, meaning it does not contribute to the Australian Qualifications Framework but serves as a pathway to AQF qualifications.
The course is delivered over 26 weeks (~6 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and is not classified as foundation studies or a VET course (no national code). Full-time study is expected, typically 20-25 contact hours per week. Classes may be held during the day at various campuses. Students are expected to attend all sessions and complete assignments. The duration includes scheduled breaks, and the course does not include a work component. For specific timetables, contact TAFE NSW directly.
The indicative tuition fee for English for Academic Purposes at Technical and Further Education Commission is A$8,320 for the full 26-week program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, giving an estimated total of A$8,320. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees with TAFE NSW before applying. Additional costs not included are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the student visa application charge. For a single student, the Department of Home Affairs recommends at least A$29,710 per year for living costs (excluding tuition). OSHC typically costs between A$500 and A$700 per year for single cover. We recommend reviewing the provider's website at https://www.tafensw.edu.au/international for the most up-to-date fee schedule.
Entry requirements for English for Academic Purposes vary by provider. For this course at TAFE NSW, applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, typically IELTS 5.5-7.0 overall depending on the intended further study level. A test date within the last two years is usually required. TAFE NSW may also accept equivalent scores from TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Additionally, students must have completed secondary education equivalent to Year 10 or 11 in Australia, depending on the campus. No prior tertiary qualifications are required. For those who do not meet the English requirement, TAFE NSW may offer pathway options such as general English courses. Always check the specific entry criteria on the provider's website or contact their international admissions office. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent for personalised advice.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work is not part of the curriculum but can help with living expenses. Note that work rights begin once your course starts and you have commenced your studies. Always comply with visa conditions to avoid breaching your student visa.
English for Academic Purposes is delivered at five TAFE NSW campuses: TAFE NSW Meadowbank (MEADOWBANK, NSW), TAFE NSW Tighes Hill (TIGHES HILL, NSW), TAFE NSW Ultimo (ULTIMO, NSW), TAFE NSW Wollongong (WOLLONGONG, NSW), and TAFE NSW Wollongong West (WOLLONGONG, NSW). These campuses are located in New South Wales, Australia's most populous state. Sydney (Ultimo and Meadowbank) offers a vibrant multicultural environment with excellent public transport. Wollongong is a coastal city about 80 km south of Sydney, known for its affordable living and university community. Newcastle (Tighes Hill) is a regional hub with a growing international student population. Each campus provides modern facilities and support services for international students. Choosing a campus depends on your preferred lifestyle and budget. Living costs in regional areas like Wollongong and Newcastle are generally lower than in Sydney's CBD.
To study English for Academic Purposes at TAFE NSW, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Key requirements include: meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, having sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and maintaining enrolment in a registered course. Upon visa grant, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of your stay. Australia's ESOS Act provides legal protections for international students, including tuition assurance and refund policies. For visa application details, visit the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent if needed.
New South Wales (NSW) is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Sydney, the capital, has a large international student community with diverse cultural events and job opportunities. Regional centres like Wollongong and Newcastle offer a lower cost of living while still providing quality education. Typical weekly living costs in Sydney: rent A$350-600, groceries A$80-150, transport A$40-60. In Wollongong or Newcastle, rent averages A$250-400 per week. All TAFE NSW campuses are accessible via public transport. NSW also has beautiful beaches, national parks, and a temperate climate. Studying in NSW gives you access to world-class institutions and a supportive environment for international students.
Applying for English for Academic Purposes at Technical and Further Education Commission (TAFE NSW) involves three key steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy’s free resources to compare courses and providers. Filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and location (NSW). Ensure the course is CRICOS-registered (code 0101064) and that you meet the entry requirements.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit TAFE NSW’s international website (https://www.tafensw.edu.au/international) and complete the online application. Prepare required documents: passport, academic transcripts, English test scores (e.g., IELTS). Pay attention to application deadlines, which may vary by intake.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, TAFE NSW will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE requirements. Visa processing times vary, so apply early.
Ready to apply? Visit TAFE NSW’s international website to start your application for English for Academic Purposes. Ensure you meet the entry requirements and have your documents ready.
View the full Technical and Further Education Commission profile →
English for Academic Purposes is a CRICOS-registered programme at Technical and Further Education Commission. 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.