Primary Years 5 - 6 Boys & Girls at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic College

What You'll Study

The course falls under the field of General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes (Australian field code 120101). Students study a broad curriculum covering English, mathematics, science, humanities, and the arts. The focus is on building foundations for secondary education, with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Teachers use a variety of methods including group work, projects, and individual instruction. As part of the Australian Curriculum, students also learn about Indigenous culture and Australian history. This prepares them for lifelong learning and active citizenship.

Duration and Study Mode

The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is a full-time on-campus program with English as the language of instruction. There is no work component, foundation studies, or dual qualification. Students attend classes at the Traeger Campus during school terms, following the standard Australian school calendar. This structure allows for a consistent learning environment and integration with local students.

Fees (Indicative)

Tuition fees for the full course are A$31,000, plus non-tuition fees of A$300, totalling an estimated A$31,300. These are indicative figures sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Additional expenses include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, living costs (e.g., rent, food, transport), and the student visa application charge. For the most current fees, visit the provider’s website at www.olshalice.catholic.edu.au. HeadStart Academy does not guarantee fees and recommends confirming directly with the institution.

Entry Requirements

International students must meet English language proficiency standards, typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall or equivalent, depending on the provider’s requirements. Prior academic qualifications should include completion of Year 4 or its equivalent in the student’s home country. Since the course is for primary school, students are generally aged 10-12. Students under 18 require a guardian to accompany them in Australia. The provider may also require a student interview or assessment. Foundation or pathway programs are not applicable at this level. Contact Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic College for specific entry conditions.

Work Component

This course does not include a mandatory work or internship component. However, international students holding a Subclass 500 visa are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. This allows students to gain work experience and supplement living expenses, but must not interfere with study commitments. Check visa conditions for compliance.

Delivery Locations

The course is delivered at Traeger Campus, which is part of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic College in Alice Springs, Northern Territory. Alice Springs is a regional city with a population of about 25,000. The campus is accessible via local bus routes and is close to residential areas. The city has a few other CRICOS-registered providers, mostly offering secondary and vocational courses. Living costs in Alice Springs are moderate: indicative weekly rent for a family home is A$350–500, groceries A$100–150, and public transport A$20–30. The city offers a safe, community-focused environment ideal for young students.

Student Visa and Immigration

To study this course, international students need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Students under 18 typically require a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) for an accompanying parent or guardian. All visa applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. OSHC is compulsory and covers medical expenses. Work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for accurate guidance.

Is Alice Springs Right for You?

Alice Springs offers a unique Australian outback experience with a tight-knit community. The climate is dry and hot, with mild winters. The city has good schools and a supportive environment for international families. However, it is remote, with limited access to some services compared to major cities. Consider your child’s adaptability and your family’s lifestyle preferences. The cost of living is lower than in coastal capitals, but travel costs to and from Alice Springs can be higher. If you value a quiet, nature-oriented setting, Alice Springs may be an excellent choice. Visit the provider’s website to learn more about the school’s community and facilities.

How to Apply

Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers using HeadStart Academy. Filter by course level (Primary School Studies), location (Alice Springs), and provider (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic College). Verify CRICOS registration for peace of mind. Step 2: Apply directly to the college. Prepare your application including academic transcripts, English test scores, and a guardian declaration if applicable. Check application deadlines and submit the required documents. Step 3: Upon acceptance, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use the CoE to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) for the student or a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) for a parent. Ensure you include OSHC coverage and demonstrate financial capacity. The Department of Home Affairs provides detailed visa application procedures.

Ready to enrol? Start your application with HeadStart Academy's guidance on CRICOS-registered courses and visa processes.

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