English for Academic Purposes (CRICOS course code 017392F) is a Non AQF Award delivered by SA Adelaide Language Centre Ltd over 20 weeks. This course is designed for international students who need to improve their English language skills for academic study at Australian universities or VET institutions. As an ELICOS program (Field of Education 091501), it focuses on reading, writing, listening, and speaking in academic contexts. SA Adelaide Language Centre Ltd (CRICOS 01307F) is a private provider with delivery locations in Urrbrae, South Australia, and Box Hill, Victoria. The indicative tuition fee is A$5,900 with no additional non-tuition fees, bringing the estimated total to A$5,900. HeadStart Academy sourced this data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you plan your study in Australia. All CRICOS-registered courses offer protections under the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights as an international student. Whether you're aiming for direct entry into a degree program or need to meet English language requirements, this course provides a structured pathway. Please note: fees are indicative and subject to change; always confirm with the provider.
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English for Academic Purposes (CRICOS course code 017392F) is a Non AQF Award delivered by SA Adelaide Language Centre Ltd over 20 weeks. This course falls under the broad field of Society and Culture (09), specifically Language and Literature (0915) and ELICOS (091501). It is designed for non-native English speakers aiming to develop the language skills necessary for tertiary study in Australia. The course does not lead to a formal Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) award but provides a pathway to further study. SA Adelaide Language Centre Ltd is a private CRICOS-registered provider (01307F) with over 20 years of experience in English language teaching for international students. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students can use this course to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). The ESOS Act protections apply, including tuition fee protection and access to complaints and appeals processes.
The English for Academic Purposes course focuses on developing academic English skills across four key areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students typically learn to write academic essays and reports, deliver oral presentations, engage in group discussions, and comprehend lectures and academic texts. Vocabulary development for specific academic disciplines and critical thinking skills are also emphasized. The field of education (091501 - ELICOS) prepares students for a range of academic contexts. While specific syllabi vary by provider, graduates of similar programs often achieve an English proficiency level equivalent to IELTS 5.5–7.0. The course is intensive and designed to build confidence in using English for study purposes.
According to the CRICOS register, English for Academic Purposes has a duration of 20 weeks. The language of instruction is English, and it is a single qualification (not a dual qualification). There is no foundation studies component. Students typically study full-time on campus. The course is delivered in a face-to-face classroom setting, though some blended learning may be available. The 20-week duration is standard for many ELICOS courses of this type. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for English for Academic Purposes is A$5,900. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, making the estimated total cost A$5,900. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For current fees, always check the provider's website at www.elspm.org.au. OSHC is mandatory for international students on a Student visa and typically costs between A$500–A$700 per year. Living costs vary by city; for Adelaide, indicative weekly expenses are around A$450–A$550 for rent, groceries, and transport, while Melbourne is slightly higher at A$550–A$700 per week. These figures are guides only. The total cost of studying in Australia includes these additional expenses, so budgeting carefully is essential.
English language requirements vary by provider. For English for Academic Purposes at SA Adelaide Language Centre Ltd, you typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.5–7.0 depending on the course level you are aiming for. Some providers also accept equivalent test scores such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Prior qualifications expected for this level include completion of secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 11 or 12. If you do not meet the English requirement, some providers offer pathway options, such as general English courses leading into the academic program. Always confirm specific entry requirements with the provider before applying. Foundation studies are not applicable to this course.
This course has no work component. It does not include a mandatory work placement or internship. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) have work rights: they may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This can help with living costs but should not detract from academic progress.
English for Academic Purposes is delivered at two locations: 15 Cross Rd URRBRAE SA 5064 (Urrbrae, a suburb of Adelaide) and 98 Albion Road, Box Hill, VIC (Box Hill, a suburb of Melbourne). The Urrbrae campus is near Flinders University and the Adelaide Hills, with public transport access via buses and the Glenelg tram. Box Hill is a vibrant Melbourne suburb with a large international student population, excellent public transport (trains and buses), and proximity to universities like Deakin and Swinburne. Both cities have a high concentration of CRICOS-registered providers: over 50 in Adelaide and over 200 in Melbourne. Living costs in Adelaide are generally lower than in Melbourne, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious students. For location-specific guidance, check our state pages.
To study English for Academic Purposes in Australia, international students need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key visa conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting attendance and course progress requirements, holding OSHC for the duration of your stay, and working within the allowed hours (48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during breaks). You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating your intention to temporarily stay in Australia for study. Financial capacity requirements apply: you must show evidence of funds to cover tuition fees, travel, and living costs (approximately A$21,000 per year plus course fees). Visa applications are processed by the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department for your specific situation.
Choosing between Adelaide and Melbourne depends on your preferences. Adelaide is smaller, more affordable, and known for its relaxed lifestyle. The city has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers and a student population of around 40,000 international students. Public transport is reliable, and the cost of living is lower than in Sydney or Melbourne. Melbourne is a larger, multicultural city with over 200 CRICOS providers and a thriving arts and food scene. It has a higher cost of living but offers more diverse cultural experiences and networking opportunities. Both cities have excellent public transport connecting the campuses to city centres. Consider your budget, study preferences, and lifestyle when choosing. For more details, visit our South Australia and Victoria state pages.
Ready to apply? Start by researching CRICOS-registered providers. Then apply directly to SA Adelaide Language Centre Ltd and receive your CoE to begin your Student visa application.
English for Academic Purposes is a CRICOS-registered programme at SA Adelaide Language Centre 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.