Are you an international student looking to improve your English for academic purposes in Australia? English for Academic Study (Upper Intermediate/Advanced) (CRICOS course code 022758E) is a Non AQF Award delivered by QIBA Pty Ltd over 26 weeks (~6 months). This course focuses on developing the advanced language skills needed for university or higher education settings. Studying in Australia offers world-class education with over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses. At HeadStart Academy, we help you navigate your study options with data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — a free resource with no referral fees. Whether you plan to study in Canberra or Sydney, this ELICOS program can be your pathway to academic success and future study in Australia.
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English for Academic Study (Upper Intermediate/Advanced) (CRICOS course code 022758E) is a Non AQF Award delivered by QIBA Pty Ltd over 26 weeks (~6 months). This course is registered under the field of Education: 09 - Society and Culture, specifically 0915 - Language and Literature, and is classified as ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). It is designed for students who already have a solid foundation in English and want to reach an upper-intermediate to advanced level, focusing on academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking. QIBA Pty Ltd (CRICOS 01515J) is a private provider offering quality English language training. The course is delivered at two locations: Level 1 15 Moore Street in Canberra, ACT, and Level 5 in the Sydney CBD, NSW. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the requirements for international student enrollment under the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights are protected.
This ELICOS course focuses on developing high-level English proficiency for academic contexts. You will typically engage in tasks that improve critical reading of academic texts, essay writing, note-taking, seminar participation, and oral presentations. The curriculum often covers advanced grammar, vocabulary, and discourse strategies used in university lectures and tutorials. While the specific syllabus is set by QIBA Pty Ltd and should be confirmed directly with the provider, courses at this level generally aim to prepare students for further study in diploma, bachelor, or master programs. Graduates often proceed to mainstream academic courses at Australian institutions or use the qualification to meet English language requirements for skilled migration programs. Remember, all data here is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
The course duration is 26 weeks, approximately 6 months, as registered on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual qualification) and does not count as foundation studies. It is a full-time intensive English program typically requiring 20-25 hours of classroom study per week. As an international student, you must comply with student visa conditions, including maintaining full-time enrolment and satisfactory attendance. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a guide; always verify exact course structure with QIBA Pty Ltd.
Tuition fees for English for Academic Study (Upper Intermediate/Advanced) are indicative at A$13,000 for the entire 26-week program. Non-tuition fees (such as enrollment and materials) are approximately A$650, bringing the estimated total to A$13,650. Please note that these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$500–700 per week in Canberra or Sydney), and visa application charges. OSHC is mandatory for student visa holders; see our guide at /visa/oshc-health-cover for details. Always confirm the most current fees with QIBA Pty Ltd via their website www.qiba.edu.au before applying.
English language requirements vary by provider. For English for Academic Study (Upper Intermediate/Advanced), typical entry expectations include an IELTS score of 5.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent) depending on the course level and provider discretion. Prior academic qualifications may be required, such as completion of secondary school or equivalent. If you do not meet the requirements, QIBA may offer pathway options like general English programs. Foundation studies are not part of this course. Always check the specific entry criteria on the provider's website. HeadStart Academy does not guarantee admission; we recommend contacting QIBA directly or consulting a registered MARA agent for personalized advice.
This course has no work component. It does not include mandatory work experience or placement. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are generally allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Check the Department of Home Affairs for current work rights.
English for Academic Study (Upper Intermediate/Advanced) is delivered at two campuses: Level 1, 15 Moore Street, Canberra, ACT, and Level 5, Sydney CBD Campus, NSW. Canberra is Australia's capital city with a student population of over 45,000, offering a safe and affordable lifestyle. Sydney is a global hub with a vibrant multicultural community. Both cities have excellent public transport links to the campuses. For more on studying in Canberra, see our guide at /states/act and /study/society-and-culture/canberra.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (like this one), maintain OSHC, demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, and show sufficient financial capacity. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during breaks. For detailed visa information, refer to our Student Visa Guide at /visa/student-visa-subclass-500. Always consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent for your specific situation.
Apply to English for Academic Study (Upper Intermediate/Advanced) at QIBA Pty Ltd in three steps: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers – use our site to find courses by level, field, and city. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution – meet entry requirements, submit English test scores, and adhere to application deadlines. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). HeadStart Academy is a free resource – we do not charge referral fees. For details, visit QIBA's website www.qiba.edu.au.
Choosing between Canberra and Sydney depends on your lifestyle preferences. Canberra offers lower living costs (indicative weekly rent A$300–$450) with a quiet, study-focused environment. Sydney has higher costs (rent A$500–$700) but more entertainment options and cultural diversity. Both cities have reliable public transport and a high number of CRICOS-registered providers (over 240 in NSW and over 40 in ACT). The ESOS Act protects your rights at any registered provider. This course at QIBA gives you access to both locations – check with the provider on campus availability.
Ready to improve your English for academic success? Visit QIBA Pty Ltd at www.qiba.edu.au to apply or learn more.
English for Academic Study (Upper Intermediate/Advanced) is a CRICOS-registered programme at QIBA 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.