English for Tertiary Study (CRICOS course code 048125B) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Whitsundays College of English Pty Ltd over 24 weeks. This ELICOS program is designed for international students who need to strengthen their English language skills before undertaking tertiary education in Australia. Classified under field 091501 - Language and Literature, the course focuses on academic English, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking for university-level study. Located in the heart of Sydney's Haymarket, Whitsundays College of English offers a vibrant learning environment near major university campuses and transport links. As a CRICOS-registered provider (02500G), the college meets Australian Government standards for international education, ensuring you receive quality tuition and student protections under the ESOS Act. Whether you're aiming to meet university entry requirements or improve your English for professional purposes, this course provides a solid foundation. Indicative tuition is A$6,200, with no additional non-tuition fees, though you'll need to budget separately for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa costs. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026 — your trusted reference for planning your study journey in Australia.
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English for Tertiary Study (CRICOS course code 048125B) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Whitsundays College of English Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02500G) over a duration of 24 weeks. This course sits within the field of education 09 - Society and Culture, specifically 0915 - Language and Literature, and is classified as an ELICOS program (091501). ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students, and this course is tailored for students who require English proficiency to succeed in further academic pursuits. Whitsundays College of English is a private provider with a campus in Haymarket, New South Wales. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students benefit from the protections of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which guarantees quality standards and tuition assurance. The course code 048125B should be referenced in all application and visa documentation. Note that this is a single qualification, not a dual award, and it does not include a work component. For current fee information and to verify enrolment dates, always confirm directly with the provider via their website www.wce.edu.au.
While specific syllabi may vary by provider, ELICOS programs in the field of Language and Literature (0915) typically develop your academic English skills across four key areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. For English for Tertiary Study, you can expect to engage with materials that prepare you for the linguistic demands of university lectures, tutorials, assignments, and examinations. The course likely covers academic vocabulary, essay structure, critical analysis, and oral presentation techniques. Grammar and pronunciation are also emphasised to improve clarity and confidence. This Non AQF Award does not lead to an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) qualification, but it serves as a pathway to further study — many students use it to meet English language entry requirements for vocational or higher education courses. The focus is on English for academic purposes, distinguishing it from general English courses. If you have specific learning objectives, discuss them with Whitsundays College of English to ensure the course aligns with your goals. Remember that successful completion does not guarantee university admission; you must still satisfy each institution's individual English requirements.
The CRICOS register lists English for Tertiary Study as a 24-week program (24 weeks exactly). All instruction is delivered in English, and the course is structured as a single qualification — there is no dual award option. Study mode information (full-time, part-time, classroom, online) is not specified on the CRICOS register; however, most ELICOS courses are offered full-time on campus. For international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500), enrolment in a full-time CRICOS course is a mandatory visa condition. You must attend at least 80% of scheduled contact hours per course and maintain satisfactory academic progress. The 24-week duration may be delivered in one continuous period or split into terms, depending on the provider's academic calendar. If you plan to take scheduled breaks, ensure they align with the provider's holiday periods to avoid visa non-compliance. For exact study mode and schedule, contact Whitsundays College of English directly.
According to the CRICOS register (April 2026), the indicative tuition fee for English for Tertiary Study is A$6,200. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, giving an estimated total of A$6,200. Please note that these fees are indicative only and are set by Whitsundays College of English Pty Ltd — they may change without notice. The following costs are NOT included in this total: - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): mandatory health insurance for international students, costing approximately A$500–$700 per year for a single student. - Living expenses: the Department of Home Affairs recommends at least A$21,041 per year for a single student (2024-25 rate). In Sydney, weekly rent for a room may range from A$250–$500, groceries around A$100–$150, and transport A$35–$50. - Visa application charge: currently A$1,600 (as of 2024-25). Always verify current fees with the provider before applying. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Whitsundays College of English website at www.wce.edu.au.
Entry requirements for English for Tertiary Study vary by provider, but here is general guidance for this level. As an ELICOS Non AQF Award, the course is open to international students who may not have formal English test scores, though most providers assess your level through a placement test. Typical English language requirements for similar courses range from IELTS 5.5 to 7.0 overall, depending on the proficiency level needed for the target tertiary program. You may also demonstrate proficiency through TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge exams. Prior academic qualifications are generally not required for entry, but you must have completed secondary school equivalent to Australian Year 11 or 12. Some providers may have age restrictions (e.g., minimum 18 years old). Foundation/pathway options: if you do not meet the English level, the provider may offer a lower-level ELICOS course first. Always check with Whitsundays College of English for their specific prerequisites, placement test availability, and any recent changes. Remember, meeting entry requirements does not guarantee a Student visa; you must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and financial capacity requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. The CRICOS register indicates 'No work component' for English for Tertiary Study (048125B). However, as an international student holding a Subclass 500 visa, you are still eligible to work part-time while studying. Your visa typically allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. It is important to note that work is not part of the course curriculum, and any employment must not interfere with your academic commitments. Always comply with your visa work conditions, as breaching them can affect your visa status. For work rights and restrictions, refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.
English for Tertiary Study is delivered at the following location: Level 7, 451 Haymarket, NSW 2000 — Haymarket, Sydney. Haymarket is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney, adjacent to Chinatown and close to Central Station. The area is a hub for international students, with numerous universities, colleges, and language schools within walking distance. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers (part of the national total of 1,556). Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average — expect to budget around A$500–$700 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Public transport is excellent, with trains, buses, and light rail connecting Haymarket to all suburbs. The campus's central location means easy access to libraries, dining, and student services. When choosing a study location, consider not only the campus but also the support services available, such as accommodation assistance and student welfare.
To study English for Tertiary Study in Australia, you must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus a period before and after (subject to conditions). Key requirements include: - Enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (this course is registered). - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement: you must demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. - English proficiency: evidence of meeting the provider's English requirements (often through IELTS, TOEFL, etc.). - Financial capacity: show you have sufficient funds for tuition, travel, OSHC, and living costs (at least A$29,710 per year for a single student as of 2024-25). - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): must be held for the visa duration. Student work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, unlimited during scheduled breaks. You can work after your course ends while on a bridging visa or during post-study work arrangements (if eligible under a higher education pathway). Always consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Follow these three steps to begin your study journey:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Use HeadStart Academy's course search to filter providers offering ELICOS courses in Sydney. Confirm that Whitsundays College of English is actively enrolling for your preferred intake. Check the provider's CRICOS code (02500G) and course code (048125B) for your application.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Visit the Whitsundays College of English website (www.wce.edu.au) to review specific entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare your documents: academic transcripts, passport, English test results, and a statement of purpose. Submit your application online or via email as instructed. The provider will assess your eligibility and may request an interview or placement test.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** — If your application is successful, the college will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for course code 048125B. Use this CoE to lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have arranged OSHC health cover and have proof of sufficient funds. Visa processing times vary; apply well before your course start date.
For step-by-step assistance, refer to the Student Visa Subclass 500 page and the OSHC health cover guide on HeadStart Academy.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Whitsundays College of English directly to confirm fees and entry requirements or begin your application. Explore more CRICOS courses on HeadStart Academy.
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English for Tertiary Study is a CRICOS-registered programme at Whitsundays College of English 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.