IELTS Preparation (Intermediate) (CRICOS course code 059871K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited over 28 weeks (~6 months). This course is designed for international students seeking to improve their English language proficiency for academic, professional, or migration purposes. As an ELICOS program under the field of Language and Literature, it focuses on developing intermediate-level English skills across reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with an emphasis on IELTS test preparation. Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited (CRICOS 00172B) is a private registered provider with campuses in Sydney and Adelaide, offering a supportive learning environment for students from around the world. According to the official CRICOS register (April 2026), Australia has over 1,500 providers offering 26,433 courses to international students, and this course is one of many pathways to improve English for further study or immigration. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource – no commission or referral fees – to help you make an informed decision.
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IELTS Preparation (Intermediate) (CRICOS 059871K) is a Non AQF Award at level 091501 ELICOS, under the broad field of Society and Culture (09) and Language and Literature (0915). This course is delivered by Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited, a CRICOS-registered private provider (00172B) with a history of catering to international students. The program is designed for learners who already have a basic command of English and wish to reach an intermediate level, typically targeting IELTS band scores of 5.5 to 6.0. Over 28 weeks, students engage in intensive language training that covers all four language skills, grammar, vocabulary, and test-taking strategies. Mercury Colleges' commitment to quality is backed by ESOS Act protections, ensuring your educational rights are safeguarded. For prospective students, this course serves as a stepping stone to further academic programs in Australia or to meeting English requirements for skilled migration.
While the CRICOS register does not provide a specific syllabus, courses in the ELICOS field at intermediate level typically cover advanced grammar structures, academic writing, critical reading, effective listening, and fluent speaking. Students engage in activities such as essay writing, group discussions, presentations, and practice IELTS tests. The curriculum is designed to build confidence in real-world English use, whether for university entry, employment, or everyday life in Australia. Mercury Colleges may offer additional support such as language labs, one-on-one tutoring, and access to online resources. Graduates exit with improved English proficiency, ready to pursue further studies or meet visa English requirements.
The CRICOS register lists the duration as 28 weeks, which is approximately 6 months of full-time study. The language of instruction is English, and the course is a single qualification (no dual degree or foundation studies). Students can expect a structured timetable with classes held Monday to Friday, typically during daytime hours. Some providers offer flexible study options, but you should confirm with Mercury Colleges directly. Studying on a student visa (Subclass 500) requires full-time enrolment, and this course meets that requirement. The course code 059871K is exclusive to this program at this provider, so you can be confident in its registration details.
The indicative tuition fee for IELTS Preparation (Intermediate) is A$8,000, with non-tuition fees of A$500, giving an estimated total of A$8,500. This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and typically costs between A$500 and A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Australia vary by city; for example, Sydney is more expensive than Adelaide. As a guide, weekly rent for a single room may range from A$300 to A$500 in Sydney, and A$200 to $350 in Adelaide. Groceries and transport add A$150–$250 weekly. Always check Mercury Colleges' website at www.mercurycolleges.nsw.edu.au for the most current fees, as these are indicative and subject to change.
Entry requirements for IELTS Preparation (Intermediate) vary by provider, but typically you need to demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall, depending on the course level. Since this is an intermediate course, a minimum of IELTS 5.0 or equivalent may be expected. Prior educational qualifications are not usually required for Non AQF Award ELICOS courses, but you must meet the provider's specific English test score. Mercury Colleges may accept other English tests like PTE or TOEFL, or conduct their own placement test. If your English is below the required level, ask about foundation or pathway options. Always confirm directly with the provider.
This course has no mandatory work component. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This can help offset living costs, but remember that your primary purpose is study. The work component is recorded as 'No work component' on the CRICOS register, meaning placement or internships are not part of the curriculum.
IELTS Preparation (Intermediate) is delivered at five locations: three in Sydney's central business district (Level 5 245 Castlereagh St; Level 7, 245-247 Castlereagh St; Lvls 1 & 2, 245-247 Castlereagh St); one in Hurstville, a southern suburb of Sydney (Lvl 1, 12 Butler Road); and one in Adelaide city centre (Suite 1, Lvl 4, 68 Grenfell St). Sydney is Australia's largest city with a vibrant student population of over 200,000 international students, while Adelaide offers a more affordable lifestyle with a welcoming community. Both cities have excellent public transport, making campuses easily accessible. When choosing a location, consider living costs, climate, and proximity to support networks.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: being enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (like this one), meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, having sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and obtaining Overseas Student Health Cover. On this visa, you can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks. Student visa conditions also require satisfactory course attendance and progress. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice, as visa outcomes are never guaranteed.
Follow these three steps to apply for IELTS Preparation (Intermediate) at Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and city (Sydney or Adelaide). Confirm that Mercury Colleges' CRICOS code (00172B) and course code (059871K) are current on the CRICOS register. 2. Apply directly to Mercury Colleges: Visit www.mercurycolleges.nsw.edu.au to check entry requirements (English test scores), gather required documents (passport, previous academic records), and submit your application before the deadline. You may need to take an English placement test. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Mercury Colleges will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and funds for living costs.
Before enrolling in IELTS Preparation (Intermediate), think about your long-term goals. Is this course to improve English for university entry, migration, or personal development? In Sydney, there are over 20 registered providers offering ELICOS courses, reflecting high demand. Compare factors like class size, teacher qualifications, and campus facilities. Also consider that Australia's cost of living varies: Sydney is about 20% more expensive than Adelaide. While the course fee is $8,500, budget for OSHC (approx. $600/year), weekly living expenses ($400–$600 in Sydney, $350–$500 in Adelaide), and visa application fee ($710 as of 2026). Time commitment is 28 weeks of full-time study, which may affect your ability to work. Finally, ensure the course is registered on CRICOS – which it is (059871K) – to protect your visa status and consumer rights under the ESOS Act.
Ready to improve your English? Apply directly to Mercury Colleges Pty. Limited for IELTS Preparation (Intermediate) (CRICOS 059871K). Visit www.mercurycolleges.nsw.edu.au to start your application.
IELTS Preparation (Intermediate) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Mercury Colleges Pty. 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.