High School Preparation (Beginners/Elementary to Upper Intermediate) (1 to 48 weeks) (CRICOS course code 024352M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Holmes Colleges Queensland Pty Ltd over 48 weeks (~11 months). This ELICOS program is designed for international students who need to improve their English language proficiency before entering mainstream high school education in Australia. The course caters to a wide range of levels, from beginners to upper intermediate, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Holmes Colleges Queensland Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 01647G), operates campuses in Brisbane, Cairns, and Gold Coast, offering flexibility in location. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000 courses available across Australia, HeadStart Academy helps you navigate your options with confidence, using data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026.
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High School Preparation (Beginners/Elementary to Upper Intermediate) (1 to 48 weeks) (CRICOS course code 024352M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Holmes Colleges Queensland Pty Ltd over 48 weeks (~11 months). This course falls under the field of Education: Society and Culture (0915 - Language and Literature, specifically ELICOS). It is designed to equip international students with the English language skills necessary for successful integration into Australian high schools and broader society. Holmes Colleges Queensland Pty Ltd is a private institution registered on CRICOS since 2002. The course does not lead to a dual qualification or foundation studies and is not a VET program (VET national code N/A). It is a standalone English language preparation program. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
This ELICOS course focuses on developing English language proficiency across listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The curriculum is tailored to high school preparation, covering academic vocabulary, grammar, and communication strategies needed in a secondary school environment. Students will engage in activities that build confidence in everyday interactions and classroom participation. The course is structured for beginners through upper intermediate levels, meaning content adapts to the student’s starting point. While specific syllabus details should be confirmed with Holmes Colleges, typical ELICOS programs include project work, presentations, and cultural orientation. Graduates will achieve a level of English suitable for entry into mainstream high school programs or further study. It's important to note that this course does not guarantee a specific English test score but prepares students for further assessments.
The course duration is 48 weeks (~11 months), as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is a single qualification program delivered in English. Students attend classes on a full-time basis, meeting the requirements for a Student visa (Subclass 500). There is no dual qualification component. The study mode is face-to-face classroom instruction at one of Holmes Colleges' three Queensland campuses. The intensive nature of the course allows for rapid language progress. International students should note that they can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions. This work right can help offset living costs while studying.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$17,520, with non-tuition fees of A$630, bringing the estimated total to A$18,150. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as of April 2026 and are set by Holmes Colleges Queensland Pty Ltd. Please note that fees are subject to change and should be confirmed directly with the provider at www.holmesinstitute.edu.au. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. As a guide, the Australian Government recommends living costs of about A$21,041 per year for a single student, covering accommodation, food, and transport. In Queensland, weekly rent for a shared apartment can range from A$150 to A$250 in Brisbane or Gold Coast, with slightly lower costs in Cairns. Always budget for health cover (OSHC) which costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover.
English language requirements vary by provider, but for this ELICOS course, the typical expectation is IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on the student's current level. Since it is a High School Preparation course from beginner to upper intermediate, no prior English qualifications may be required for lower levels, but an assessment will place students in the appropriate stream. Generally, students should have completed a minimum of Year 10 or equivalent in their home country. Holmes Colleges may also accept alternative English test scores like TOEFL or PTE. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable here; students complete the course and then progress to mainstream high school or other studies. Always check with the provider for specific requirements, as English levels can be assessed through internal testing. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance, but individual provider policies vary.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake any work as part of the program. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, provided their visa conditions allow. This can be a useful way to gain experience and offset living expenses, but it is not part of the course curriculum.
Holmes Colleges Queensland Pty Ltd delivers this course at four locations: the Brisbane Campus (Levels 2 & 3, 126 Margaret Street, Brisbane 4000, QLD), the Cairns Campus, and the Gold Coast Campus (Surfers Paradise, QLD), plus a second Brisbane address. Brisbane is the state capital with a large student population and over 50 CRICOS-registered providers. Living costs in Brisbane are generally lower than Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent around A$200–A$300 for shared accommodation. Cairns offers a tropical lifestyle and smaller student community, while the Gold Coast is known for its beaches and vibrant tourism industry. Public transport is accessible across all campuses, with Brisbane's trains, buses, and ferries, and Gold Coast's light rail. Choosing a location depends on personal preference for climate, lifestyle, and cost. Each campus provides a supportive learning environment with access to student services.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). The visa requires evidence of enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement. Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory and must be arranged before visa grant. The visa application charge is currently A$710 (subject to change). It is crucial to meet all requirements and consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalized advice. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these 3 steps to apply for High School Preparation (024352M) at Holmes Colleges Queensland Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Compare Holmes Colleges with other ELICOS providers in Queensland. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Check entry requirements, submit your English language test results (if applicable), and meet application deadlines. Holmes Colleges accepts applications via their website or through authorized representatives. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once you have a CoE, lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. Seek professional advice if needed.
Queensland offers a diverse study experience with three major hubs: Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Cairns. Brisbane is a bustling metropolitan city with a strong student community, a subtropical climate, and easy access to cultural attractions. The Gold Coast is famous for its beaches, theme parks, and a more relaxed lifestyle, while Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and offers a tropical environment. All three locations have affordable living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne. Consider your preference for city size, climate, and lifestyle when choosing a campus. Queensland has many CRICOS-registered providers, so you have ample options. Before deciding, think about the type of high school you aim to enter and how the ELICOS program aligns with your long-term study goals. HeadStart Academy's free resource helps you compare providers without any referral fees.
Ready to start your English language journey in Australia? Use HeadStart Academy to explore more courses from Holmes Colleges and other CRICOS-registered providers. Start your free search today!
High School Preparation (Beginners/Elementary to Upper Intermediate) (1 to 48 weeks) 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.