Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) Preparation Upper Intermediate (10 weeks) (CRICOS course code 071158A) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd over 10 weeks. This ELICOS course is designed for upper-intermediate learners aiming to achieve the internationally recognised Cambridge FCE qualification, which demonstrates practical English skills for study, work, and everyday life. As a Non AQF Award, it does not contribute to an Australian degree but is a highly regarded language credential. Melbourne Institute of Technology (MIT) operates two campuses: one at 288 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC, and a language centre on Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is one of many quality ELICOS options. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy.
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Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) Preparation Upper Intermediate (10 weeks) (CRICOS course code 071158A) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd (CRICOS 01545C). This intensive 10-week program prepares students for the Cambridge English: First (FCE) examination, which corresponds to level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The course is classified under the field of education 091501 - ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), which is part of the broader Society and Culture category. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment and is protected by the ESOS Act. Students who complete this course will have developed the language skills necessary to read, write, speak, and listen at an upper-intermediate level, enabling them to handle everyday situations, study in English-medium environments, and pursue further academic or professional opportunities. Melbourne Institute of Technology is a private provider with a strong focus on English language training, and this course is offered at their two language centres in Melbourne and Sydney.
The course focuses on the four key language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with an emphasis on the specific competencies tested in the Cambridge FCE exam. Students will engage with authentic materials such as news articles, advertisements, and short stories to build reading comprehension. Writing tasks include emails, reports, articles, and essays, with feedback on grammar, vocabulary, and cohesion. Listening exercises cover a range of accents and contexts, from conversations to lectures. Speaking practice involves paired and group activities, developing fluency, pronunciation, and interaction strategies. Vocabulary and grammar are embedded throughout, targeting upper-intermediate structures such as conditionals, passive voice, and phrasal verbs. While this is a preparation course, no specific syllabus can be guaranteed; students should confirm exact content with the provider. Graduates typically achieve a B2 level, which is accepted by many Australian universities and employers as evidence of English proficiency. The course also introduces study skills and exam techniques, including time management and task analysis.
The course is listed on the CRICOS register as '10 weeks (10 weeks)', indicating a full-time intensive program of approximately 20 hours per week. Language of instruction is English, and it is a single qualification course with no dual award or foundation studies component. Classes are delivered face-to-face at both Melbourne and Sydney campuses, with a focus on interactive learning. The 10-week duration is standard for FCE preparation, allowing sufficient time to cover all exam skills. Students should expect a mix of teacher-led instruction, pair work, self-study, and practice tests. As an ELICOS course, attendance is monitored to meet student visa conditions. The course is not delivered online or via distance learning; physical attendance at one of the two locations is required.
Tuition fees for Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) Preparation Upper Intermediate (10 weeks) are indicative at A$4,050, with no non-tuition fees listed, bringing the estimated total to A$4,050. Please note: these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change. Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd sets and may adjust fees at any time. The total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students (estimated A$500–$700 per year depending on cover level), living costs (approximately A$2,000–$3,000 per month in Melbourne or Sydney for rent, food, and transport), or the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for the main applicant). Always confirm current fees directly with the provider via their website: http://www.mit.edu.au. HeadStart Academy recommends budgeting an additional A$25,000–$30,000 per year for total living and study expenses in Australia.
Entry requirements for ELICOS courses vary by provider. For this Cambridge FCE Preparation course, Melbourne Institute of Technology typically requires students to have an upper-intermediate level of English, equivalent to IELTS 5.5 overall or a score of 47–54 on the Pearson PTE Academic. The course is designed for students who have completed a lower-intermediate level or can demonstrate B1-level proficiency. No prior academic qualifications are specified, but students must be at least 18 years old (or 16 with special arrangements). Some providers conduct a placement test to confirm the correct level. International students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and have sufficient financial capacity. For exact entry criteria, including accepted English tests and minimum scores, contact Melbourne Institute of Technology directly. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable to this standalone ELICOS course.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work or internship placement. However, international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This provides an opportunity to gain part-time work experience in Australia while studying. Students should check visa conditions and ensure any work does not interfere with course attendance and progress.
The course is delivered at two locations: 288 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC, and MIT Sydney Language Centre (ELICOS Operations) at Sussex Street, SYDNEY, NSW. Melbourne is a vibrant multicultural city with over 50 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student population of around 150,000. The La Trobe Street campus is in the heart of the CBD, with easy access to trams, trains, and buses. Typical living costs in Melbourne include weekly rent of A$200–$400 for shared housing, groceries A$80–$150, and transport A$40–$60. Sydney, Australia's largest city, hosts over 200,000 international students and has an even higher cost of living (rent A$300–$600 per week). The Sussex Street campus is near Darling Harbour, close to public transport. Both locations offer modern facilities, libraries, and student support services.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). To be eligible, you must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Melbourne Institute of Technology, meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrate English proficiency (as per provider requirements), and show financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight when their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of the visa. Dependants may apply for Student Guardian visas (Subclass 590) if accompanying. Note: HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice. For visa applications, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to apply for Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) Preparation Upper Intermediate (10 weeks) at Melbourne Institute of Technology:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to compare ELICOS courses by level, location, and provider. Verify that the course and institution are CRICOS-registered (Melbourne Institute of Technology is CRICOS 01545C). Filter by your preferred city—Melbourne or Sydney—and check the course code 071158A.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit MIT's website (http://www.mit.edu.au) for application forms, entry requirements, and deadlines. You will need to provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.5 or equivalent), academic transcripts, and a copy of your passport. Some providers accept applications via agents; you can also apply through the Provider Direct (PRISMS) system.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, MIT will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge a visa application (Subclass 500) with the Department of Home Affairs. Pay the visa fee, arrange OSHC, and provide biometrics. Processing times vary; apply at least 8 weeks before course start. Ensure you meet the GTE and financial capacity requirements.
Ready to enrol? Visit Melbourne Institute of Technology's website for application details and current fees.
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Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) Preparation Upper Intermediate (10 weeks) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne Institute of Technology 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.