Exam Preparation - CAE (Advanced) (CRICOS course code 066852K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Holmes Colleges Sydney Pty Ltd over 12 weeks. This course is designed for international students aiming to achieve a high level of English proficiency, specifically the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) qualification. Situated in the heart of Sydney, Holmes College provides a focused learning environment to help students prepare for the CAE exam, which is widely recognised by universities and employers globally. As a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 00040C), Holmes College ensures that the course meets rigorous Australian standards for international education. The course falls under the field of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), which is part of the broader Society and Culture field. With a strong emphasis on communication skills, grammar, and academic English, this programme equips students with the language competence needed for academic or professional success. Australia offers over 26,000 CRICOS-registered courses, and this specific programme is a popular choice for those seeking to validate their English proficiency at an advanced level. Explore the details below to understand fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and how to apply.
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Exam Preparation - CAE (Advanced) (CRICOS 066852K) is a Non AQF Award offered by Holmes Colleges Sydney Pty Ltd in Sydney, New South Wales. This 12-week intensive course prepares students for the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) examination, which corresponds to Level C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The field of education is ELICOS (091501), focusing on language and literature. As an ELICOS course, it is designed specifically for non-native English speakers to improve their English proficiency in a structured, academic context. Holmes College is a private institution with CRICOS registration 00040C, ensuring that international students receive the protections of the ESOS Act. The course is delivered at the Holmes Secondary College (ELICOS Operations) campus in Sydney. This overview highlights the course's targeted nature: it is not a general English course but a specialised preparation for a specific exam, making it ideal for students who need a recognised qualification for university entry or professional advancement. The CRICOS registration of this course guarantees its quality and compliance with Australian education standards.
The Exam Preparation - CAE (Advanced) course focuses on the advanced language skills tested in the Cambridge English: Advanced exam. Students will engage with complex reading texts, practice writing essays and reports, hone listening comprehension for academic contexts, and develop speaking fluency through discussions and presentations. The curriculum covers grammar, vocabulary, and exam strategies specific to the CAE. While the exact syllabus is determined by Holmes College, typical components include paper practice, timed exercises, and mock exams. Graduates of such courses often achieve high proficiency in English, enabling them to pursue further education in English-speaking institutions or enhance their career prospects. As an ELICOS programme, it emphasises communicative competence and academic English. This course is part of the Society and Culture field, which encompasses language and literature studies. Learning outcomes generally align with Level C1 of the CEFR, where students can understand a wide range of demanding texts and express themselves fluently and spontaneously.
Exam Preparation - CAE (Advanced) is delivered full-time over 12 weeks, as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification course — it does not lead to a dual qualification or foundation studies. There is no VET national code as it is not a VET course. The 12-week duration is intensive, typically involving approximately 20 hours of classroom study per week, plus self-study. Holmes College offers this course on campus in Sydney. International students should note that this course duration satisfies the minimum study requirement for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Consistent attendance and active participation are expected. The course does not include a mandatory work component, but students may choose to work part-time subject to visa conditions. The structured timetable allows students to balance study with other commitments, building a routine that fosters rapid language acquisition.
The indicative tuition fee for Exam Preparation - CAE (Advanced) is A$4,200, with non-tuition fees of A$420, bringing the estimated total to A$4,620. These fees are set by Holmes Colleges Sydney Pty Ltd and are subject to change. Please note the following are not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge. For accurate and up-to-date fees, always check the provider's website at www.holmes.edu.au. As an indication, international students in Sydney should budget for weekly living expenses of approximately A$500–700, covering rent, food, and transport. The fees shown are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy always advises students to confirm costs directly with the institution before enrolling.
English language requirements vary by provider, but for a CAE preparation course, typical expectations include a minimum IELTS overall band score of 5.5 to 7.0, depending on the course level. Since this course targets an advanced exam (C1), a higher level of English is generally required. Prior qualifications expected for this level include completion of secondary education in Australia or equivalent. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet the direct entry requirements; contact Holmes College for details. Additionally, international students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and hold a valid student visa. Always check with the provider for specific entry criteria.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This allows students to gain part-time work experience in Sydney while studying. Work should not interfere with course attendance.
Exam Preparation - CAE (Advanced) is delivered at Holmes Secondary College (ELICOS Operations) in Sydney, NSW. Sydney is Australia’s largest city with a vibrant international student community. The campus is located in the central business district, accessible by public transport including trains, buses, and light rail. Sydney has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering a wide range of courses. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, with indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$250–400. The city offers diverse cultural experiences, excellent public services, and a mild climate. For students, studying in Sydney provides access to world-class universities and a dynamic multicultural environment.
International students enrolled in this course are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia. Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Upon course completion, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet other criteria. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for the most current visa information. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised guidance.
Follow these three steps to apply for Exam Preparation - CAE (Advanced) at Holmes Colleges Sydney Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's directory to compare courses and providers. Filter by course level, field, and city to find the best fit. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Holmes Colleges Sydney Pty Ltd — review entry requirements, including English language test scores and academic documents. Submit your application through their admissions portal. Pay attention to application deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you will receive a CoE. With this, apply for a student visa to the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
Sydney is a premier study destination with a diverse international student population of over 250,000. The city boasts excellent universities, a strong job market, and a vibrant cultural scene. For ELICOS students, Sydney offers numerous language schools and pathways to higher education. However, living costs are relatively high — budget around A$500–700 per week for rent, food, and transport. The city’s public transport network is efficient, and student discounts are available. Consider your personal preferences: if you thrive in a bustling, multicultural environment with access to beaches and urban amenities, Sydney is an excellent choice. For those seeking a quieter setting, other Australian cities may be more suitable.
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Exam Preparation - CAE (Advanced) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Holmes Colleges Sydney 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.