University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program Preparation (UMELBP Prep) (CRICOS course code 0101910) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Hawthorn Learning Pty Ltd over 13 weeks. This ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program is designed to prepare international students for the University of Melbourne's English language bridging program, helping them achieve the required English proficiency for direct entry into the University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program (UMELBP). As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international education and offers ESOS Act protections, ensuring a safe and quality learning environment. Whether you're planning to study at the University of Melbourne or another Australian institution, this course provides targeted English language training to boost your academic English skills, with a focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking in an academic context. Located in Melbourne's vibrant city centre, Hawthorn English at Level 1 & 2, 333 Exhibition Street offers modern facilities and a supportive learning environment. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000+ courses available across Australia, HeadStart Academy helps you navigate your study options with confidence. This page covers everything you need to know about UMELBP Prep: fees, duration, entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa considerations.
University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program Preparation belongs to the field of Education (09 - Society and Culture, 0915 - Language and Literature, 091501 - ELICOS). ELICOS courses focus on developing English language proficiency for academic, professional, or general purposes. Graduates of ELICOS programs typically achieve skills in English communication, academic writing, critical reading, listening comprehension, and oral presentation. While specific syllabus may vary, UMELBP Prep is designed to prepare students for the University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program, so the curriculum likely emphasises academic English relevant to tertiary study, including essay writing, note-taking, seminar participation, and research skills. This course does not lead to a formal Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) award but provides a pathway to further study. As an ELICOS course, it's ideal for students who need to improve their English to meet university entry requirements.
The course duration is 13 weeks (13 weeks as per the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no dual qualification). Study mode is typically full-time, face-to-face at the Melbourne campus. As a Non AQF Award, it does not lead to a nationally recognised qualification but serves as a preparatory program. International students should note that full-time study is a condition of the Student visa (Subclass 500). The course runs for one trimester, and attendance is required to maintain visa compliance. Melbourne offers a dynamic study environment with a large international student community—over 250,000 international students from 170 countries call Melbourne home. The city has excellent public transport, including trams and trains, making commuting to the Exhibition Street campus convenient.
Tuition fee: A$6,800. Non-tuition fees: A$485. Estimated total: A$7,285. These fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with Hawthorn Learning Pty Ltd at www.hawthornenglish.com. Please note that the fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for Student visa holders and costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at around A$21,041 per year for a single student (Department of Home Affairs), which covers accommodation, food, and transport. Accommodation costs vary: shared rental rooms range from A$200–A$350 per week, and on-campus options may be higher. Use the ATO's living cost calculator as a guide. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees; our data comes directly from the CRICOS register.
English language requirements for UMELBP Prep typically involve an overall IELTS score of 5.5 to 7.0, depending on the course level you aim to enter. This course is designed for students who have not yet met the English requirement for the University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program (UMELBP). Prior qualifications expected: completion of Year 12 or equivalent in your home country. No prior tertiary study is required for ELICOS courses, but students should have a basic level of English (e.g., IELTS 5.0 or equivalent) to start UMELBP Prep. Foundation or pathway options: successful completion of UMELBP Prep may lead to entry into the University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program, which in turn can provide direct entry to degree programs at the University of Melbourne, subject to meeting academic requirements. Always check with Hawthorn Learning Pty Ltd for the most current entry requirements and English test options (e.g., TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge).
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, as per current visa conditions. Work rights may change based on government regulations, so always check the Department of Home Affairs website. Melbourne offers many part-time job opportunities in hospitality, retail, and tutoring, but students should prioritise their studies.
The course is delivered at Level 1 & 2, 333 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. This is in the heart of Melbourne's central business district, near Parliament Station and major tram routes. Melbourne is Victoria's capital, known for its multicultural atmosphere, world-class universities, and vibrant arts scene. The city has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering a wide range of courses across all study levels. The Exhibition Street campus is close to Carlton Gardens, Melbourne Central, and the University of Melbourne (Parkville campus). Public transport access is excellent, with trams along Bourke and Collins Streets and trains from nearby stations. Living in Melbourne as an international student means access to diverse cuisine, festivals, and a supportive student community.
International students enrolling in this course will require a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study in Australia. Key conditions: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, attend at least 80% of contact hours, make satisfactory course progress, hold OSHC for the duration of study, and meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Dependants (if applicable) can apply for a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590). Financial capacity: you must show proof of funds to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs sets minimum living costs: A$21,041 per year for a single student (as of 2025-26). OSHC costs around A$500–A$700 annually. Visa application charge is currently A$1,600 (may change). Always consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice. ESOS Act protections ensure your rights as an international student, including refund policies and support services.
Follow these three steps to apply for University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program Preparation (UMELBP Prep) at Hawthorn Learning Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy or the official CRICOS website (cricos.teqsa.gov.au) to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and location (Melbourne, VIC). Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (Hawthorn Learning Pty Ltd – CRICOS 02931G).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit www.hawthornenglish.com to check entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy). Hawthorn English may offer rolling intakes; check for upcoming start dates.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa online via the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au). You'll need to provide OSHC evidence, proof of financial capacity, and a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement. Visa processing times vary – apply at least 6-8 weeks before course start.
HeadStart Academy is here to guide you through the process, but we are not registered migration agents. For visa assistance, consult a MARA-registered agent.
Ready to apply? Start your research on HeadStart Academy and find your perfect ELICOS course in Melbourne.
University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program Preparation (UMELBP Prep) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Hawthorn Learning 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.