English for Academic Purposes (EAP) & IELTS preparation (Upper Intermediate to Advanced) (2 to 20 weeks) (CRICOS course code 073467E) is a Non AQF Award delivered by MIT Institute Pty Ltd over 20 weeks. This course is designed for international students who need to improve their English language skills for academic study or to achieve a higher IELTS score. As an ELICOS program (Field of Education 091501), it focuses on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities within an academic context, along with targeted IELTS exam strategies. Whether you plan to pursue further education or enhance your English for professional reasons, this course provides a solid foundation. MIT Institute Pty Ltd, CRICOS 02778M, is a private provider located in Sydney's CBD, offering a supportive learning environment for students from around the world. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring they meet strict Australian government standards for international students. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000+ courses available Australia-wide, finding the right program starts here.
This course falls under the broad field of Society and Culture (09) and specifically Language and Literature (0915), with a focus on ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) (091501). As an upper-intermediate to advanced level program, you will develop advanced English proficiency in all four macro-skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The curriculum typically includes academic vocabulary and grammar, essay writing, seminar participation, critical thinking, and listening comprehension for academic contexts. For IELTS preparation, you will learn test-taking strategies for each section of the IELTS exam, including task analysis, time management, and familiarisation with question types. Although this is a Non AQF Award (not leading to a formal Australian qualification), successful completion demonstrates your readiness for further study or employment in an English-speaking environment. The course is designed to help you achieve the English level required for university entry or to meet visa or professional requirements. Note that exact syllabi are set by MIT Institute; contact them for specific unit outlines.
The course duration is 20 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time, single qualification program with no dual or bundled award. The language of instruction is English, and students are expected to attend classes on a full-time basis. The CRICOS entry specifies 20 weeks, which is the typical duration for this level of ELICOS study. For flexible study options, contact MIT Institute directly — some providers may offer part-time or extended durations, but the CRICOS registration reflects the standard full-time commitment. As an international student, you must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with your Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$5,800, with no non-tuition fees listed, bringing the estimated total to A$5,800. Please note: these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and are subject to change without notice. The tuition fee does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students — currently around A$600 per year for single cover. Living expenses in Sydney are additional; typical weekly costs are approximately: rent (shared) $300–$500, groceries $80–$150, and public transport $40–$60. The Australian government recommends you budget at least A$21,041 per year for living costs (2026 rate). The Student visa application charge is also extra (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500). For the most up-to-date fee schedule, please visit MIT Institute's official website: www.mitinstitute.nsw.edu.au.
Entry requirements for ELICOS courses vary by provider and course level. For this upper-intermediate to advanced EAP and IELTS preparation course, typical English language requirements include an IELTS overall band score of 6.0 or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL iBT 60–79, PTE Academic 50–58, or Cambridge B2 First). Some providers may accept completion of a lower-level ELICOS program. As a Non AQF Award, there are no formal prior academic qualifications required, but students should have completed secondary schooling and be at least 18 years of age. MIT Institute will assess your English level through a placement test or recognised test score. If you do not meet the direct entry requirement, they may offer pathway options via a lower-level ELICOS course. Always confirm specific requirements with MIT Institute before applying.
This course has no mandatory work component. The CRICOS register indicates 'No work component', meaning it does not include any work placement, internship, or practical experience as part of the program. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work opportunities are not part of the curriculum but can help with living expenses and gaining local experience.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) & IELTS preparation (Upper Intermediate to Advanced) (2 to 20 weeks) is delivered at MIT Institute Pty Ltd's ELICOS Operations campus located at Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW. Sydney is Australia's largest city and a hub for international students, hosting over 200,000 international enrolments across multiple universities and vocational colleges. The Pitt Street campus is in the Sydney central business district (CBD), within walking distance of major train stations and bus routes. Sydney offers a vibrant multicultural environment with excellent public transport, making it easy to explore the city. Studying ELICOS in Sydney also gives you access to a wide range of social and cultural activities, from world-famous beaches like Bondi to the iconic Sydney Opera House.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500) granted under the Department of Home Affairs. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course, plus a reasonable period for travel. Work rights: you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled study breaks. The visa requires you to be enrolled full-time in a CRICOS-registered course (like this one) and maintain satisfactory attendance and progress. You must also: (1) provide evidence of English language proficiency (unless exempt), (2) demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intention, (3) hold adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and (4) show you have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents. The ESOS Act protects your rights as an international student, including access to the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) if your provider cannot deliver the course. For personalised visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to enrol: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's course search to find providers offering EAP and IELTS preparation in Sydney. Filter by course level, field (ELICOS), and location to compare options. MIT Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02778M) is one of 1,556 registered providers. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution: Prepare your application documents — typically a completed application form, copy of passport, academic transcripts, and evidence of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL). MIT Institute will assess your eligibility and may conduct a placement test. Check application deadlines and apply well in advance. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, MIT Institute issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application through the Department of Home Affairs. Include your CoE, evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Visa processing times vary, so apply early. For fee details and current intake dates, visit MIT Institute's website: www.mitinstitute.nsw.edu.au.
Sydney is one of Australia's most popular destinations for international students, with over 100 CRICOS-registered providers offering ELICOS courses. The city boasts a diverse population, world-class amenities, and a dynamic job market for students seeking part-time work. Cost of living in Sydney is higher than the national average — budget around $1,500–$2,000 per month for rent, food, transport, and personal expenses. However, the city's public transport network (trains, buses, ferries) makes commuting affordable and convenient. Sydney's multicultural environment means you'll hear many languages and experience festivals from around the world. If you prefer a quieter setting, consider studying in other Australian cities like Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth, each with its own ELICOS offerings. Ultimately, your choice should align with your academic goals, budget, and lifestyle preferences. HeadStart Academy provides free resources to help you compare courses and locations.
Ready to start your English language journey? Visit MIT Institute's website for more information and to apply.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) & IELTS preparation (Upper Intermediate to Advanced) (2 to 20 weeks) is a CRICOS-registered programme at MIT Institute 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.