Exam Preparation-Cambridge English: First Certificate(FCE) (CRICOS course code 024351A) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Holmes Colleges Queensland Pty Ltd over 12 weeks. This course is designed for international students preparing to sit the Cambridge English: First (FCE) examination, a globally recognised qualification at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The course focuses on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, as well as grammar and vocabulary, to ensure students are confident and well-prepared for the exam. Holmes Colleges Queensland is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 01647G) with campuses in Brisbane, Cairns, and Gold Coast. This program is ideal for students aiming to demonstrate their English proficiency for university entry, employment, or personal development. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are sourced from the official CRICOS register, ensuring you are viewing only genuine, government-registered programs.
This course falls under the field of education 'Society and Culture' (0915 Language and Literature, specifically 091501 ELICOS). As a Non AQF Award, it does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but provides focused preparation for an internationally recognised English proficiency exam. The course content typically covers the four key language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with an emphasis on exam techniques and practice tests. Students will build academic vocabulary, improve grammatical accuracy, and develop strategies for each paper of the Cambridge English: First (FCE) exam. While the exact syllabus is set by the provider, graduates of such exam preparation programs are well-equipped to achieve a B2 CEFR level, which is often required for university admission or professional registration in English-speaking environments. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this ELICOS program is a common pathway for students who need to meet English language requirements for further study.
The course is delivered over 12 weeks (12 weeks on the CRICOS register) with instruction in English. It is a single qualification, meaning it does not combine with another award. Students are expected to attend classes full-time to meet student visa requirements. The duration is fixed, so students should plan their study schedule accordingly. Holmes Colleges Queensland may offer flexible study modes such as face-to-face or online; confirm with the provider for specific delivery options. International students must maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress to comply with visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for Exam Preparation-Cambridge English: First Certificate (FCE) at Holmes Colleges Queensland Pty Ltd is A$4,020, with non-tuition fees of A$420, bringing the estimated total to A$4,440. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always check the provider's website for the most current fees. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (such as rent, groceries, and transport), and the student visa application charge. For a financial overview, international students should budget approximately A$21,000 per year for living costs, depending on the city. In Brisbane, for example, weekly rent may range from A$200–A$350 for shared accommodation. HeadStart Academy provides this as a guide only; confirm with the provider for exact costs.
English language requirements vary by provider, but typically for a Cambridge FCE preparation course, students are expected to have an intermediate level of English, equivalent to IELTS 5.5 overall or higher. Some providers may require a placement test. Prior qualifications generally include completion of senior secondary education or equivalent. As this is an ELICOS program, foundation or pathway options are not applicable; however, students who do not meet the English level may consider a general English course first. Always verify specific entry requirements directly with Holmes Colleges Queensland. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions. The work component here is 'no work component', meaning the course itself does not require practical placement or employment.
Holmes Colleges Queensland delivers this course at multiple campuses: Brisbane Campus (Levels 2 & 3, 126 Margaret Street, Brisbane QLD 4000), Cairns Campus, and Gold Coast Campus (Surfers Paradise). Brisbane is Queensland's capital with a large student population and excellent public transport. Gold Coast and Cairns offer vibrant student communities with lower living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne. When choosing a location, consider proximity to accommodation, transport links, and lifestyle preferences. All campuses are CRICOS-registered and meet Australian education standards.
To study this course, international students will require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include being enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course, holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), demonstrating genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria, and showing sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of current regulations, Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. The Department of Home Affairs sets visa conditions; for personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the official homeaffairs.gov.au website. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and provides this as general guidance.
Applying for this course at Holmes Colleges Queensland involves three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to search for courses like this one, filtering by level, field, and location. Confirm that the provider is CRICOS-registered (CRICOS 01647G).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Ensure you meet the entry requirements, including English language proficiency. Submit your application along with required documents (transcripts, passport, English test scores). Holmes Colleges Queensland may have specific application deadlines—check their website.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you will receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare for the GTE interview and ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. HeadStart Academy provides resources to help you understand each step.
Ready to enrol? Contact Holmes Colleges Queensland directly or continue exploring CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy.
Exam Preparation-Cambridge English: First Certificate(FCE) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Holmes Colleges Queensland 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.