IELTS Preparation (CRICOS course code 073808M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Central Queensland University over 12 weeks. This intensive program is designed for international students who need to achieve their target IELTS score for university entry, migration, or professional registration. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00219C), it meets Australian Government standards for overseas students. The course covers test-taking strategies, academic writing, listening, reading, and speaking skills. With delivery in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, students can choose a campus that suits their lifestyle. Central Queensland University is a government-owned institution with over 50 years of experience educating international students. All CRICOS-registered courses in Australia are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring high-quality education and student rights. HeadStart Academy, as a free resource, provides this data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions.
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IELTS Preparation (CRICOS 073808M) is a Non AQF Award at level ELICOS, falling under the field of education '0915 Language and Literature' within the Society and Culture broad field. This course is specifically designed to prepare students for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, a requirement for many Australian universities and visa categories. The program focuses on the four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, with an emphasis on academic contexts. Students will practice under timed conditions, review sample tests, and receive feedback from experienced instructors. Upon completion, students are better equipped to achieve their desired IELTS band score. Central Queensland University, a government-owned institution, ensures that the curriculum aligns with current IELTS test formats. The course is offered at three campuses: Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, all located in major Australian cities with large international student communities.
As an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program, this course falls under the field of 'Language and Literature' (0915). Students will develop academic English proficiency through modules focused on: listening comprehension of academic lectures, reading strategies for complex texts, academic writing including essays and reports, and speaking skills for tutorials and presentations. The curriculum is designed to improve overall IELTS band scores by targeting common weaknesses. Graduates typically achieve the English level required for further study in Australia, such as diploma or degree programs. While specific syllabi vary by provider, ELICOS courses generally include practice tests, vocabulary building, grammar review, and pronunciation workshops. This course is a single qualification with no dual or foundation study components.
The course runs for 12 weeks (12 weeks on the CRICOS register) with full-time study. The language of instruction is English, and all materials are in English. This is a single qualification (not a dual award). Classes are typically held on campus, with a combination of face-to-face teaching and self-access language labs. The 12-week duration is standard for IELTS preparation programs in Australia, allowing sufficient time for significant score improvement. Students are expected to attend all sessions and complete homework assignments. The course may have multiple intake dates throughout the year – check with Central Queensland University for exact start dates.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$5,340, with A$0 in non-tuition fees, resulting in an estimated total of A$5,340. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Central Queensland University – they are subject to change. Additional costs not included are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – approximately A$500-600 per year for single cover; living expenses (see cost of living guides for Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney); and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always confirm current fees with the provider before applying. For the most up-to-date information, visit Central Queensland University's official website: www.cqu.edu.au.
English language requirements for IELTS Preparation courses vary by provider. Typically, students need an IELTS score of 5.5 to 7.0 overall depending on the course level – but since this course is specifically to prepare for IELTS, some providers may have lower or no minimum English requirement. For this course, Central Queensland University may expect applicants to have a basic level of English (e.g., IELTS 4.5 or equivalent) to benefit from the program. Prior qualifications: generally, students should have completed secondary schooling in their home country. Foundation or pathway options: if you do not meet the English level, the provider may offer a more basic ELICOS program. Always check the exact entry criteria with Central Queensland University directly.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. It is purely academic language training. 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 course breaks, subject to visa conditions. This work right is a benefit of holding a student visa and can help with living costs.
IELTS Preparation is delivered at three Central Queensland University campuses: - Brisbane C.Q.U. Campus – located in the central business district, easily accessible by train, bus, and ferry. Brisbane has over 70,000 international students, with average rent A$250-350 per week for a one-bedroom apartment. - Melbourne C.Q.U Campus – situated in the Melbourne CBD. Melbourne is Australia's most multicultural city, home to over 150,000 international students. Living costs are higher, with rent averaging A$300-450 per week. - Sydney C.Q.U. Campus – in the heart of Sydney. The city hosts over 250,000 international students; weekly rent for a room starts at A$300. All three locations offer excellent public transport and student support services.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Central Queensland University, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (currently A$21,041 per year) plus travel, and a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Dependents may also be eligible for work rights. For visa application details, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that Central Queensland University (CRICOS 00219C) and this course (073808M) meet your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Central Queensland University's website (www.cqu.edu.au) and complete the online application for international students. You will need to provide academic transcripts, English test results (if applicable), and a valid passport. Check application deadlines and entry requirements. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online via ImmiAccount. You must also arrange OSHC and provide evidence of financial capacity. The visa processing time varies – apply well in advance.
All providers and courses listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) as at 1 April 2026. Australia has 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses. This data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register. The ESOS Act (Education Services for Overseas Students) protects your rights as an international student, including tuition fee protection and refund policies. HeadStart Academy is a free resource – we do not charge referral fees or commissions. We recommend verifying current course information with the provider before applying.
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IELTS Preparation is a CRICOS-registered programme at Central Queensland University. 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.