English For Academic Purposes (CRICOS course code 0101614) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Stellar College Pty Ltd over 28 weeks (~6 months). This ELICOS program is designed for international students who need to improve their English language skills to meet the requirements of tertiary study in Australia. The course falls under the field of Language and Literature (091501) and is taught entirely in English. Stellar College is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 03808B) with campuses in Homebush, NSW, and Melbourne, Victoria. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students are protected under the ESOS Act. Whether you plan to progress to a university degree or a vocational qualification, this course can help you build the academic English skills needed for success. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and HeadStart Academy helps you navigate this landscape. At Stellar College, indicative tuition is A$6,000 for 28 weeks, with no additional non-tuition fees. However, you must also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa charges. This page provides all essential details to help you evaluate this course.
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English For Academic Purposes (CRICOS course code 0101614) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Stellar College Pty Ltd over 28 weeks (~6 months). This course is classified under the field of Language and Literature (091501) and is specifically an ELICOS program. It is designed for international students who wish to develop their English language proficiency for academic contexts, such as university or vocational study. The course does not lead to a dual qualification nor is it a foundation studies program. There is no mandatory work component. Stellar College is a private institution registered on CRICOS since 2018 (CRICOS 03808B). As a Non AQF Award, this course does not confer a formal Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification, but it is widely recognised as a pathway to higher-level studies. Students who complete this course often progress to certificate, diploma, or degree programs at Stellar College or other institutions.
English For Academic Purposes focuses on developing the four key language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with an emphasis on academic contexts. Topics typically include academic writing conventions, critical reading of academic texts, note-taking from lectures, and presentation skills. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the language demands of tertiary education in Australia. As an ELICOS program, it also covers grammatical accuracy, vocabulary expansion, and pronunciation. The course is non-AQF, meaning it is not officially accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework, but it meets the English language requirements for entry into many AQF courses. Students can expect to engage in group discussions, research projects, and essay writing. The course is taught entirely in English, with regular assessments to track progress. Upon completion, students should be able to communicate effectively in academic settings.
The course duration is 28 weeks (~6 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification course with no dual qualification component. The study mode is typically full-time, face-to-face delivery at the provider's campuses. Stellar College may offer various study schedules; contact the provider for details. The course is designed to be completed in one continuous period, and students are expected to maintain full-time enrolment as per student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for English For Academic Purposes is A$6,000 for the full 28-week program. Non-tuition fees are A$0, bringing the estimated total to A$6,000. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included in the tuition fee are: - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): estimated A$500–700 per year depending on cover level and provider. - Living expenses: approximately A$1,200–1,500 per month for rent, food, and transport (varies by city). - Visa application charge: currently A$1,600 for the Student visa (Subclass 500). For the most current fee information, please visit the official Stellar College website at www.stellarcollege.edu.au.
English language requirements vary by provider. For ELICOS courses like English For Academic Purposes, typical requirements include an IELTS score of 5.5–7.0 overall, depending on the course level. Some providers may accept equivalent test scores like TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Additionally, students are generally expected to have completed at least Year 12 or equivalent. Entry requirements are set by Stellar College, and applicants should refer to the provider's admissions page for exact criteria. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who need additional preparation; contact Stellar College for guidance. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, meeting the entry requirements is a prerequisite for enrolment.
This course has no mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may undertake part-time work of up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions. Work experience is not integrated into the curriculum.
English For Academic Purposes is delivered at two Stellar College campuses: 1. Level 2 The Crescent, Homebush NSW 2140 – Homebush is a suburb in Sydney's inner west, well-connected by train and bus. Sydney is home to over 400 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community. Typical living costs in Sydney include weekly rent of A$300–500 for shared accommodation, groceries around A$80–120, and public transport about A$40–60 per week. 2. Melbourne CBD – Melbourne's central business district is a vibrant hub for international students, with over 600 CRICOS-registered providers in the city. Living costs are similar to Sydney, with weekly rent around A$250–450, groceries A$80–120, and transport A$30–50. Both locations offer easy access to public transport, libraries, and student amenities.
To study English For Academic Purposes in Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to: - Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a CRICOS-registered course. - Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily for study. - Have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. - Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. For detailed visa information, visit the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.
Choosing an ELICOS course like English For Academic Purposes involves several factors: 1. Your current English level: Check the provider's entry requirements to ensure you meet the minimum IELTS score (typically 5.5–7.0). If your English is lower, consider a General English course first. 2. Academic goals: ELICOS is a pathway to further study. Ensure the provider offers the courses you plan to progress to. 3. Location: Both Sydney and Melbourne are major education hubs with diverse student populations and high living costs. Consider which city suits your lifestyle and budget. 4. Provider reputation: Research Stellar College's student support services, facilities, and articulation agreements with universities. 5. Course duration: 28 weeks is a typical ELICOS length, but some students may need less or more time depending on their English proficiency goals. Always confirm course details with the provider and consult the CRICOS register for up-to-date information.
Follow these three steps to apply for English For Academic Purposes at Stellar College: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm that Stellar College meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Stellar College's website (www.stellarcollege.edu.au) to complete the application process. Ensure you meet the entry requirements and submit your English test results, academic transcripts, and other documents. Note application deadlines and any additional requirements. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Stellar College will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs. You will also need to arrange OSHC and demonstrate financial capacity. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent.
Ready to take the next step? Follow the How to Apply guide above to start your application to Stellar College. For more information, visit the Stellar College website or explore other courses on HeadStart Academy.
English For Academic Purposes is a CRICOS-registered programme at Stellar College 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.