Full Time IELTS Preparation (Intermediate to Upper Intermediate) (CRICOS course code 072181E) is a Non AQF Award delivered by USQ International College Pty Ltd over 12 weeks. This intensive course is designed for international students aiming to improve their English proficiency for academic or migration purposes. As an ELICOS program (Field of Education 091501), it focuses on the four key language skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—within an IELTS test preparation context. USQ International College (CRICOS 02534J) is a private provider based in Surry Hills, New South Wales, offering a focused learning environment in the heart of Sydney. With Australia's robust student protections under the ESOS Act, international students can study with confidence. This page provides detailed information on fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and visa pathways to help you make an informed decision.
Full Time IELTS Preparation (Intermediate to Upper Intermediate) (CRICOS course code 072181E) is a Non AQF Award delivered by USQ International College Pty Ltd over 12 weeks. This course is designed for students who already have an intermediate level of English and wish to progress to an upper intermediate level while preparing for the IELTS exam. It falls under the field of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), which is specifically regulated for international students in Australia. USQ International College is a private CRICOS-registered provider (02534J) with a campus in Surry Hills, Sydney. As a Non AQF Award, this course does not lead to an Australian qualification but provides a certificate of attainment. All CRICOS-registered courses must meet strict quality standards, ensuring that international students receive a high-quality educational experience. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is one of many options available to students seeking English language training.
This course focuses on developing English language proficiency in the context of the IELTS test. Students will engage in intensive practice of the four macro-skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, with a particular emphasis on test-taking strategies and academic language. The curriculum is designed to move students from an intermediate (IELTS 5.0-5.5) to an upper intermediate (IELTS 6.0-6.5) level over the 12-week period. While the exact syllabus is determined by USQ International College, typical ELICOS programs at this level include grammar and vocabulary expansion, essay writing, note-taking, listening comprehension, and oral presentation skills. Students will also become familiar with the format and timing of the IELTS test through regular practice exams. This course is ideal for those planning to pursue further study in an English-speaking academic environment or for those who need a higher IELTS score for migration purposes.
The course is delivered full-time over 12 consecutive weeks, as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is conducted in English, providing students with maximum exposure to the language. This is a single qualification course, meaning it does not lead to a dual award or foundation studies pathway. Students attend classes at the provider's campus in Surry Hills, New South Wales. The full-time format requires a minimum of 20 hours per week of scheduled classes, which satisfies the visa conditions for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Studying in Sydney, Australia's largest city, offers students access to a vibrant multicultural environment and numerous opportunities to practice English outside the classroom. The course is not available online; attendance is mandatory.
The indicative fees for Full Time IELTS Preparation (Intermediate to Upper Intermediate) are as follows: tuition fee of A$4,992, non-tuition fees of A$0, and an estimated total cost of A$4,992. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by USQ International College. Please note that the total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. International students should budget for additional costs such as OSHC (approximately A$600-800 per year for single cover), weekly rent in Sydney (ranging from A$300-500 for a room), groceries (A$80-150 per week), and public transport (A$30-50 per week). The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of sufficient funds to cover course fees, living costs, and travel. For the most current fees, always confirm directly with USQ International College Pty Ltd at their website: http://canterburyla.com.au/.
English language requirements for this course vary by provider, but typically international students need an IELTS score between 5.5 and 7.0 overall, depending on the course level. For an intermediate to upper intermediate ELICOS program, a minimum IELTS of 5.0 or equivalent is common. USQ International College may offer a placement test to determine the appropriate level. Prior educational qualifications expected for Non AQF Awards are minimal; the course is open to anyone who meets the English language requirement and has completed secondary schooling or equivalent. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet the entry level—contact the provider for details. All applicants must be at least 18 years old. HeadStart Academy recommends checking specific entry requirements directly with USQ International College, as these are subject to change.
This course has no mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake any work placement, internship, or vocational placement as part of the curriculum. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Work rights are subject to visa conditions; students should always refer to their visa grant letter and the Department of Home Affairs for current rules. Studying in Sydney, students can find part-time work in hospitality, retail, or tutoring to supplement their living costs. It is important to balance work with study, as attendance and academic progress are visa requirements.
This course is delivered at the following CRICOS-registered location: Level 4, 29-37 Bellevue St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010. Surry Hills is an inner-city suburb of Sydney, known for its vibrant café culture, creative industries, and proximity to the Sydney CBD. The campus is easily accessible via public transport, with Central Station just a short walk away. Sydney itself is Australia's largest city, home to over 5 million people and a diverse student population. There are numerous CRICOS-registered providers in the Sydney area, making it a popular destination for international students. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, but students benefit from world-class amenities, beaches, and cultural attractions. When choosing a location, consider factors such as commute time, housing availability, and lifestyle preferences.
IELTS preparation courses are ideal for students who need to achieve a specific band score for university entry or migration. Before enrolling, consider the course duration: 12 weeks is sufficient to improve by one band level if you study full-time. Also evaluate the provider's track record and the location—Surry Hills offers a central Sydney experience. Check whether the course includes practice tests, one-on-one feedback, and access to online resources. Remember that this is a Non AQF Award, so it will not count towards a degree, but it can be a stepping stone. Also factor in the cost of living in Sydney: weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$350, groceries A$100, and a weekly transport pass A$35. Budget for OSHC and visa fees as well. Finally, ensure you meet the English entry requirement; if not, consider a lower-level ELICOS course first.
International students enrolled in this course need a Student visa (Subclass 500). To apply, you must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from USQ International College. Visa conditions include maintaining satisfactory attendance and course progress, holding OSHC, and not working more than 48 hours per fortnight during term. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement asks you to demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity must be shown: course fees plus living costs of A$21,041 per year (for a single student) plus travel. OSHC must be arranged before visa grant. Student visa applications are processed by the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent for individual advice. Also note that Australia's ESOS Act protects your tuition fees through the Tuition Protection Service.
**Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers.** Use platforms like HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Ensure the provider (USQ International College, CRICOS 02534J) and course (072181E) are listed on the CRICOS register. **Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution.** Submit an application to USQ International College meeting their entry requirements, including English language test scores and academic documents. Check application deadlines and any additional requirements. **Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa.** Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE, which you need to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. Await visa decision before traveling to Australia.
Ready to start your journey? Search for more CRICOS-registered IELTS preparation courses on HeadStart Academy today.
Full Time IELTS Preparation (Intermediate to Upper Intermediate) is a CRICOS-registered programme at USQ International College 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.