Exam Preparation (IELTS) (Upper Intermediate) (CRICOS course code 026586K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Holmes Colleges Sydney Pty Ltd over 12 weeks. This course is designed for international students aiming to improve their English proficiency in preparation for the IELTS examination. As an ELICOS program under the field of Society and Culture – Language and Literature, it focuses on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills at an upper intermediate level. Holmes Colleges Sydney, a private provider with CRICOS registration 00040C, offers this course at its dedicated ELICOS operations campus in Sydney, NSW. The course is a single qualification with no work component, allowing students to concentrate fully on their English studies. With an indicative tuition fee of A$4,200 and non-tuition fees of A$420, the estimated total cost is A$4,620. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges are not included. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality standards and student rights. Australia hosts over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses. HeadStart Academy provides this information from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions.
This course belongs to the field of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), specifically under the broader category of Society and Culture – Language and Literature (091501). At the upper intermediate level, students typically build upon existing English skills to achieve greater fluency and accuracy. The curriculum covers advanced grammar, vocabulary expansion, and strategic approaches to the IELTS exam, including practice tests and feedback. Graduates will be better prepared to meet the English requirements for further study, employment, or migration. While specific syllabus details are determined by Holmes Colleges Sydney, the focus is on practical communication skills and test-taking techniques. Students engage in interactive classes, group discussions, and individual assignments to maximise learning outcomes.
The course runs for 12 weeks (12 weeks as registered on CRICOS). Instruction is delivered entirely in English, and the program is a single qualification—no dual award or foundation studies component. Full-time attendance is expected, which is typical for ELICOS programs. Classes are held at the Holmes Secondary College (ELICOS Operations) campus in Sydney, with a structured timetable designed to optimise language acquisition. The duration is fixed and does not include any additional work placement or internship.
Tuition fee: A$4,200; Non-tuition fee: A$420; Estimated total: A$4,620. These are indicative figures sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by Holmes Colleges Sydney Pty Ltd and may change without notice. Please visit the provider's website at www.holmes.edu.au for current fees. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which typically costs between A$500 and A$700 per year for single cover, living expenses (approximately A$21,041 per year in Sydney for a single student as per Department of Home Affairs guidelines), and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for the main applicant). Always plan your budget accordingly and confirm direct costs with the institution.
English language requirements vary by provider. For this upper intermediate level, a typical entry requirement is an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL iBT 46–60, PTE Academic 42–50). Some providers may also accept completion of a lower-level ELICOS course. Prior qualifications: There are no specific academic prerequisites, but students should have completed secondary schooling or equivalent. Foundation studies are not applicable for this course. Always check the exact requirements with Holmes Colleges Sydney, as they may set their own criteria. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component or vocational placement. Students are not required to undertake any employment as part of the program. However, student visa holders may work part-time subject to visa conditions: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks. This work is separate from the course requirements and should not interfere with studies.
The course is delivered at Holmes Secondary College (ELICOS Operations) in Sydney, NSW. Sydney is Australia's largest city with a vibrant international student population of over 200,000. The city offers excellent public transport, diverse cultural experiences, and a high standard of living. Indicative living costs in Sydney: rent A$250–A$500 per week, groceries A$80–A$150 per week, and transport A$30–A$50 per week. For more details on studying in New South Wales, see our state guide. The campus is well-connected by train and bus, making it accessible from most suburbs.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Key requirements include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrating sufficient funds for tuition and living costs, obtaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and holding a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Holmes Colleges Sydney. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks. Always check current visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website. For personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) as HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Exam Preparation (IELTS) (Upper Intermediate) at Holmes Colleges Sydney Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Non AQF), field (ELICOS), and location (Sydney). Ensure your chosen provider is CRICOS-registered (check code 00040C). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit your application along with required documents (passport, English test results, previous academic records). Meet entry requirements and application deadlines set by Holmes Colleges Sydney. 3. Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once Holmes Colleges issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), prepare your visa application with a GTE statement, financial evidence, and OSHC. Lodge online through the Department of Home Affairs.
Sydney is a top destination for international students, offering world-class education and a multicultural environment. However, consider factors like the relatively high cost of living compared to other Australian cities, the bustling lifestyle, and the diverse climate. With numerous CRICOS-registered providers, especially in ELICOS, you have options in the city. HeadStart Academy's guides on studying in Sydney and New South Wales can help you assess if it matches your preferences. Free resources cover everything from accommodation to student support services.
Ready to improve your IELTS skills? Explore this course and apply to Holmes Colleges Sydney today. For more guidance, browse HeadStart Academy’s resources on studying in Australia—free and unbiased. Visit www.holmes.edu.au to start your application.
Exam Preparation (IELTS) (Upper Intermediate) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Holmes Colleges Sydney 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.