High School Preparation (Intermediate) (CRICOS course code 059274J) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year 2 months (~60 weeks). This ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program is designed for international students who need to improve their English proficiency before entering mainstream high school studies in Australia. The course focuses on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, as well as academic English preparation. Located in Sydney, New South Wales, this course is ideal for students aged 12–18 who plan to enrol in Australian secondary schools. Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02657J) is a registered private provider with over 20 years of experience in international education. As a CRICOS-registered course, 059274J meets Australian Government standards under the ESOS Act, ensuring student protections. All data here is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource to help you make informed decisions about your study in Australia.
This course falls under the field of Education 091501 - ELICOS, within the broader Society and Culture category. Students will engage in intensive English language learning covering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and communication strategies. The curriculum is tailored to intermediate-level learners, aiming to bridge the gap between general English and the academic English required in Australian high schools. While specific syllabi vary, typical components include reading comprehension, essay writing, oral presentations, and listening exercises. The course also introduces Australian classroom culture and study skills. Graduates of this level typically achieve sufficient English proficiency to enter mainstream high school programs or further ELICOS levels. Note that this is a non-award course, meaning it does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but prepares students for subsequent studies. Always check with Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd for detailed syllabus outlines.
The CRICOS register lists the course duration as 1 year 2 months (~60 weeks) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification course (no dual qualification). It is not a Foundation Studies program. Students are expected to attend classes on campus at the delivery location. The course is structured to provide continuous English language development over the full duration. Part-time study is not typically available for international students holding a Student visa, as full-time enrolment is a visa condition.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$27,000 for the entire duration. Non-tuition fees are A$300, making the estimated total A$27,300. Please note that these fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by the institution and are subject to change. Additionally, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included. For current fee information, always visit the provider's website at www.mega.edu.au. As a guide, living costs in Sydney for a single student are approximately A$25,000–A$30,000 per year, including rent (A$300–A$600/week), groceries, and transport. This is an estimate only and varies based on lifestyle.
English language requirements vary by provider. For ELICOS courses, many institutions accept IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on the course level. However, for a High School Preparation program at intermediate level, the entry requirement may be lower, typically IELTS 5.0 or equivalent. Prior educational qualifications: students should have completed at least junior high school in their home country. Some providers may require a minimum age (e.g., 12 years old). Foundation/pathway options: Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd also offers other ELICOS levels and high school preparation courses – refer to their website for specific entry criteria. Always check directly with the provider for the most up-to-date requirements.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) have work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. For more details on student work rights, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
This course is delivered at MEGA Education — Sydney, New South Wales. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 5 million people and a vibrant international student community. The city boasts excellent public transport, including trains, buses, and ferries, making it easy to commute to campus. Sydney has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Living costs are higher than other Australian cities, but the city offers world-class amenities, beaches, and cultural attractions. The campus location provides access to libraries, study spaces, and student support services. For more on studying in NSW, see our NSW state guide.
International students enrolled in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and English language proficiency (unless exempt). OSHC is mandatory for the duration of the visa. The visa also allows work rights as mentioned. You must maintain full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and comply with attendance and academic progress requirements. For detailed visa guidance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy provides general information only.
Sydney is a top destination for international students, with over 200,000 enrolled annually. The city offers a multicultural environment, with strong communities from many countries. Public transport is extensive, with an Opal card system covering trains, buses, ferries, and light rail. Weekly rent for a shared apartment ranges from A$300 to A$600, depending on location. Groceries cost around A$80–A$150 per week. Sydney's climate is mild year-round, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Students can also work part-time to support their living costs. When choosing a location, consider proximity to your campus and transport links. The MEGA Education campus in Sydney is well-connected.
Follow these three steps to apply for High School Preparation (Intermediate) at Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. Verify that Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02657J) meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd: Check entry requirements, prepare your English test results (if required), and submit your application before the deadline. You may need to provide academic transcripts, passport copy, and proof of English proficiency. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use this to apply for a student visa online via ImmiAccount. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and a genuine intention to study. For visa assistance, consult a MARA agent.
Ready to start your High School Preparation journey? Visit Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd's website to apply, or explore more CRICOS-registered courses in Sydney on HeadStart Academy.
View the full Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd profile →
High School Preparation (Intermediate) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Macquarie Education Group Australia 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.