Study Abroad B (CRICOS course code 017635C) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 26 weeks (~6 months). This programme is designed for international students seeking a short-term study experience in Australia, offering a flexible curriculum that allows you to explore a broad range of subjects. As part of the field of Mixed Field Programmes (Field of Education 12), this course helps you develop foundational skills across multiple disciplines. Australian Catholic University Limited (CRICOS 00004G) is a government-recognised institution with campuses in Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, and Strathfield. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource to help you navigate CRICOS-registered courses. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Study Abroad B (CRICOS course code 017635C) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 26 weeks (~6 months). This programme is designed for international students who want a short-term, immersive study experience in Australia. While not leading to a formal qualification, it offers a flexible curriculum that can be tailored to your interests. The course falls under the broad field of Mixed Field Programmes, covering general studies across multiple disciplines. Australian Catholic University Limited is a government university with six campuses across Australia, giving you the opportunity to study in diverse settings from vibrant cities to regional centres. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00004G), ACU meets strict government standards for enrolling international students, ensuring your education is protected under the ESOS Act.
As part of the Mixed Field Programmes category (Field of Education 12, specifically 129999 Mixed Field Programmes, n.e.c.), Study Abroad B provides a broad academic experience rather than a specialised vocational or degree pathway. You will engage with a variety of subjects designed to build critical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural skills. Typical topics may include introductory social sciences, humanities, business fundamentals, or creative arts — depending on the electives you choose. The course is intended to expose you to Australian teaching methods and academic culture, preparing you for further study if desired. Since it is a Non AQF Award, the curriculum is flexible and can be adapted to your goals. For detailed subject descriptions, refer to Australian Catholic University Limited's official website.
This course runs for 26 weeks (~6 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is conducted in English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and is not foundation studies or VET (no national VET code applies). The course is typically offered on a full-time basis, and you will study alongside domestic and international students. The language of instruction is English, so you must demonstrate proficiency to meet the provider's entry requirements (see Entry requirements below). Study Abroad B does not include a work component. For more details on study mode and timetables, visit the Australian Catholic University website.
The indicative fees for Study Abroad B are as follows:
Please note that this total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is a mandatory health insurance for international students. Living costs vary by city — for example, weekly rent in Melbourne ranges from A$200–$350, while in smaller centres like Ballarat it may be lower. We strongly recommend checking the latest fees on the Australian Catholic University website, as fees are set by the institution and subject to change. All fee data here is sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and is indicative only.
English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For Study Abroad B, a minimum IELTS of 5.5 (or equivalent) is generally expected, but you must confirm with Australian Catholic University Limited. You should also have completed senior secondary education (Year 12 or equivalent) or have relevant work experience. Since this is a Non AQF Award, entry requirements are less restrictive than for degrees. If you do not meet the English level, ACU may offer pathway programs. Note that this course is not foundation studies. Always verify with the provider. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; visa-specific entry requirements are set by the Department of Home Affairs.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a student visa holder (Subclass 500), you may be eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Always check your visa conditions before undertaking any paid work.
Australian Catholic University Limited delivers Study Abroad B at six campuses across Australia:
Each campus offers a unique study environment. Ballarat is a regional city with a lower cost of living (average rent ~A$150–$250/week). Brisbane and Melbourne are major urban centres with vibrant student communities and higher living costs. Canberra is the national capital, known for its safety and government institutions. Sydney (North Sydney and Strathfield) offers proximity to beaches and city life. All campuses are accessible via public transport. Choosing a location depends on your personal preferences and budget. HeadStart Academy has detailed guides for each state (e.g., /states/vic) to help you decide.
To study Study Abroad B as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to: - Enrol in a CRICOS-registered course (like this one) - Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intentions - Show sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel
On a Subclass 500 visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Your visa conditions may vary; always read your visa grant letter. The cost of living for a single student is estimated at A$21,041 per year (Department of Home Affairs), but actual costs depend on your city and lifestyle. For visa application details, visit homeaffairs.gov.au or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only and is not a migration service.
Follow these three steps to apply for Study Abroad B at Australian Catholic University Limited:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. Check that Australian Catholic University Limited (CRICOS 00004G) is the right fit for your goals. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Visit ACU's website (www.acu.edu.au) and submit an application. Prepare required documents: academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), passport copy, and any other materials requested. Note application deadlines. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** — Once ACU issues your CoE, you can apply for the visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC, evidence of funds, and GTE statement. Processing times vary; apply early. HeadStart Academy is not involved in the visa process.
Ready to apply? Use HeadStart Academy to compare similar CRICOS courses, then apply directly to Australian Catholic University Limited.
View the full Australian Catholic University Limited profile →
Study Abroad B is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Catholic University Limited. 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.