Secondary Years 11 - 12 (VCAL) (CRICOS course code 054541B) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Limited over 2 years. This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian standards for international students. As a Mixed Field Programme in General Education, the VCAL qualification prepares students for further study, training, or employment after secondary school. Holmes Commercial Colleges is a private provider based in Melbourne, Victoria, with a strong reputation for supporting international students. In this guide, HeadStart Academy provides comprehensive information about the course structure, fees, entry requirements, visa implications, and how to apply. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, and we include practical tips for studying in Melbourne.
Secondary Years 11 - 12 (VCAL) (CRICOS course code 054541B) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Limited over 2 years. This course falls under the field of Mixed Field Programmes, specifically General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes. It is designed for international students who wish to complete their secondary education in Australia and gain a qualification that is recognised nationally. The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a hands-on option for students in Years 11 and 12, focusing on practical skills and work-related learning. Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Limited (CRICOS 00898G) is a private institution with a campus in Melbourne's central business district, offering a supportive environment for international students. As a CRICOS-registered course, it adheres to the ESOS Act protections, giving students legal rights regarding course quality and refunds. To learn more about CRICOS registration, visit our glossary page.
The VCAL program at Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Limited covers general education subjects that build foundational knowledge and skills for further study or employment. Students typically study a mix of literacy, numeracy, personal development, work-related skills, and industry-specific units. The field of education for this course is 120101 - General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes, which means it provides a broad curriculum rather than specialisation. Graduates develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities, along with vocational competencies relevant to their chosen pathway. While the exact syllabus is set by the provider, VCAL is designed to be flexible and cater to different learning styles. For more details, students should contact Holmes Commercial Colleges directly.
This course is delivered over 2 years, equating to 104 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English, and it is a single qualification (no dual award). Students are expected to attend full-time, with a structured timetable that includes classroom learning and practical activities. Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Limited offers on-campus delivery at its Melbourne location. There is no online component for this course. The duration allows students to progress through Year 11 and Year 12 content, culminating in the VCAL certificate. International students must maintain satisfactory course progress to comply with student visa conditions.
The indicative total course fee for Secondary Years 11 - 12 (VCAL) is A$33,800, as recorded on the CRICOS register. This includes tuition fees only. Non-tuition fees such as materials, excursions, and administrative charges are set by the provider and not included in this estimate. For current fee schedules, please visit the Holmes Commercial Colleges website. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge are additional costs. International students in Melbourne should budget approximately A$520 to A$650 per week for accommodation, food, transport, and other living costs (estimated by the Department of Home Affairs). Always confirm fees directly with the provider before enrolling.
For this Senior Secondary course, applicants typically need to have completed Year 10 or equivalent in their home country. The English language requirement is an IELTS overall band score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent test) as a general guide. Some students may be eligible for pathway or foundation programs if they do not meet direct entry requirements — please refer to Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Limited for options. Additional academic prerequisites may apply, so it is essential to check with the provider. All international students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa.
This course has no mandatory work component. However, students may choose to undertake voluntary work experience to enhance their practical skills. As a student visa holder, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions. Paid work cannot be a requirement for course completion.
Secondary Years 11 - 12 (VCAL) is delivered at the Melbourne campus of Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Limited. The provider is located in the central business district of Melbourne, Victoria. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, home to over 200,000 international students and more than 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering Senior Secondary courses. The city offers excellent public transport, with trains, trams, and buses connecting the campus to suburban areas. Living costs in Melbourne are above the national average, with weekly rent for a shared apartment typically between A$250 and A$400. For more location insights, explore our Victoria state page.
International students enrolled in this course will require a Student visa (Subclass 500). For students under 18, a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) may be needed for an accompanying parent or guardian. Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) declaration, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and valid English test results. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of the visa. Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited work during scheduled breaks. Always check current visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA agent for personalised advice.
Melbourne offers a vibrant multicultural environment for international students, but there are important factors to consider. First, ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered — all courses listed on HeadStart Academy meet this criteria. Second, understand the cost of living: budget for rent (A$250–A$400/week), groceries (A$80–A$120/week), transport (A$40–A$60/week), and incidentals. Third, consider your long-term goals — Senior Secondary qualifications can lead to university, TAFE, or employment. Melbourne has extensive support services for international students, including English language centres and student clubs. Finally, verify the course's recognition: VCAL is widely accepted by Australian institutions. For more information, see our guide to Senior Secondary courses in Victoria.
Follow these three steps to apply for Secondary Years 11 - 12 (VCAL) at Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Limited: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Senior Secondary), field (Mixed Field Programmes), and location (Melbourne). Compare Holmes Commercial Colleges with other providers offering VCAL. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (English test, academic transcripts) and application deadlines on the Holmes Commercial Colleges website. Submit your application along with supporting documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. For visa guidance, consult a registered migration agent or see our student visa page.
Ready to start your Senior Secondary journey in Melbourne? Visit the Holmes Commercial Colleges website to apply or contact their admissions team for personalised guidance.
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Secondary Years 11 - 12 (VCAL) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Limited. 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.