Are you an international student looking to improve your English and gain a globally recognised qualification? Cambridge First Certificate in English Preparation (Intermediate to Upper Intermediate) (10 to 12 weeks) (CRICOS course code 070189B) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd over 12 weeks. This ELICOS course is designed for students at intermediate to upper intermediate levels who want to build the skills needed to sit the Cambridge First Certificate exam. With full-time study in Sydney, you'll develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in an immersive English environment. As a CRICOS-registered course (070189B), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment, giving you confidence and quality assurance. HeadStart Academy provides this information to help you make an informed decision about studying English in Australia.
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Cambridge First Certificate in English Preparation (Intermediate to Upper Intermediate) (10 to 12 weeks) (CRICOS course code 070189B) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02657J) over 12 weeks. This course falls under the field of education 091501 – ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), which is part of the broader Society and Culture category. While it does not lead to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) award, successful completion prepares students to take the Cambridge First Certificate exam – a globally recognised English proficiency credential. The provider, Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd (trading as MEGA Education), is a private institution with a campus in Sydney. All international students in Australia are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring high standards of education and support. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), so you can trust the accuracy of this information.
As an ELICOS course at intermediate to upper intermediate level, the Cambridge First Certificate in English Preparation focuses on developing practical English language skills for academic and professional contexts. Students typically engage in integrated skills development covering reading comprehension, writing for different purposes, listening to authentic materials, and speaking with fluency and accuracy. Grammar and vocabulary are reinforced through contextualised practice, and exam strategies are taught to build confidence for the Cambridge First Certificate test. While HeadStart Academy does not provide a specific syllabus, courses in this field generally aim to bring students from an intermediate level (B1) to upper intermediate (B2) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This progression helps students communicate more effectively in English-speaking environments and can serve as a pathway to further study or work in Australia.
The course duration is 12 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time, classroom-based program delivered in English. It is a single qualification (not a dual or nested award) and does not include a foundation studies component. The intensive nature of the course means students can expect around 20–25 contact hours per week, plus self-study time. Studying on a Student visa (Subclass 500) requires full-time enrolment, and this course meets that requirement. The language of instruction is English, and all teaching materials and assessments are in English. With 12 weeks of study, students can make significant progress towards their English goals before sitting the Cambridge exam.
Tuition fees for Cambridge First Certificate in English Preparation (Intermediate to Upper Intermediate) (10 to 12 weeks) are set by the provider. According to the CRICOS register, the indicative total course fee is A$4,200. However, this is an estimate only – always check with Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd for current fees. Non-tuition costs (such as enrolment, materials, or administration fees) are also set by the provider and subject to change. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge (Subclass 500) are not included in this amount. For accurate fee information, visit the provider's website at www.mega.edu.au. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees – we provide free, independent information.
English language requirements vary by provider. For this course, Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd typically expects students to have an English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall, depending on the course level. Since the course is for intermediate to upper intermediate learners, you may need to demonstrate a minimum of IELTS 5.0 or equivalent. Additionally, prior academic qualifications equivalent to Australian Year 10 or 11 are usually required. Some providers may offer foundation or pathway options if you do not meet the direct entry requirements – confirm with Macquarie Education Group. All international students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and have sufficient financial capacity. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website or contacting their admissions team for the most current entry requirements.
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 term time and unlimited hours during scheduled study breaks, subject to visa conditions. This can help offset living costs in Sydney, where indicative weekly expenses (rent, groceries, transport) range from A$400–A$600 depending on lifestyle. Always check your visa conditions and the Department of Home Affairs for current work rights.
This course is delivered at MEGA Education – SYDNEY, NSW. Sydney is Australia’s largest city, home to over 200,000 international students and more than 300 CRICOS-registered providers. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than other Australian cities, with average weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$250–A$400, groceries A$80–A$150, and public transport (Opal card) around A$35–A$50. The campus is accessible by train, bus, and light rail. Studying in Sydney gives you access to a vibrant multicultural environment, world-class amenities, and strong student support networks.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a CRICOS-registered course, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and English language proficiency (if required). Student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of the visa. For detailed visa information, visit the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Cambridge First Certificate in English Preparation (Intermediate to Upper Intermediate) (10 to 12 weeks) at Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to compare ELICOS courses in Sydney. Filter by course level, field, and city to find your perfect match.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Check entry requirements (English test scores, academic qualifications) and application deadlines. Submit your application to Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd along with supporting documents.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once you receive your CoE, prepare your visa application including GTE, financial evidence, OSHC, and English results. Lodge your application with the Department of Home Affairs.
Sydney offers a dynamic study experience with a high concentration of English language schools. If you prefer a bustling city with beaches, cultural diversity, and strong job opportunities, Sydney is a great choice. However, the cost of living is higher than in Brisbane or Adelaide. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences. This course is short (12 weeks), so you can experience Sydney without a long-term commitment. Many ELICOS students choose Sydney for its international community and access to further study pathways. HeadStart Academy's data shows over 300 CRICOS providers in Sydney, offering a wide range of courses.
Ready to start your English journey in Sydney? Explore more ELICOS courses on HeadStart Academy and compare options from CRICOS-registered providers.
View the full Macquarie Education Group Australia Pty Ltd profile →
Cambridge First Certificate in English Preparation (Intermediate to Upper Intermediate) (10 to 12 weeks) 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.