ELICOS-Pre-Intermediate (CRICOS course code 075450J) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE over 23 weeks. This course is designed for international students who want to improve their English language skills to a pre-intermediate level, building a foundation for further study or everyday communication in Australia. Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, a government-owned provider (CRICOS 01985A), offers this program at its Mildura campus in Victoria. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, you are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. The indicative tuition fee is A$5,460, with no additional non-tuition fees, making this an affordable option for students seeking English language training in regional Australia. HeadStart Academy provides this information sourced directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions.
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ELICOS-Pre-Intermediate (CRICOS course code 075450J) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE over 23 weeks. This course falls under the field of education '0915 - Language and Literature' (specifically 091501 - ELICOS), which means it focuses on developing English language skills for students whose first language is not English. The program is designed to take learners from a beginner or elementary level to a pre-intermediate level, enabling them to understand and use familiar everyday expressions, introduce themselves and others, and interact in simple conversations. As a Non AQF Award, it does not lead to a nationally recognised qualification but is widely accepted as a pathway to further vocational or higher education studies. Sunraysia Institute of TAFE is a trusted government provider in Mildura, Victoria, and the course is delivered in English only. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component.
The ELICOS-Pre-Intermediate course covers core language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will learn to engage in simple conversations about familiar topics (e.g., personal information, daily routines, likes/dislikes), understand main points in short audio passages, read basic texts, and write short paragraphs. The curriculum is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) at approximately A2 level, preparing students for intermediate-level English programs. While the exact syllabus is set by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, typical topics include introductions, shopping, directions, food, weather, and work. Grammar focuses on present and past simple tenses, modals, and basic connectors. Class activities often involve pair work, group discussions, and role-plays to build confidence in real-world communication. This course is ideal for students who have completed a beginner-level ELICOS program or have equivalent basic English skills.
The course runs for 23 weeks (23 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register). It is a single qualification program (no dual qualification) delivered in English by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. The study mode is typically full-time classroom-based learning at the Mildura campus. International students should be prepared for a minimum of 20 contact hours per week, plus self-study. The 23-week duration is designed to provide sufficient time for students to progress from elementary to pre-intermediate proficiency. There are no work-integrated learning or work placement components. Students must maintain satisfactory attendance to meet visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for ELICOS-Pre-Intermediate is A$5,460 for the full 23-week course, as listed on the CRICOS register (April 2026). Non-tuition fees are A$0, bringing the estimated total to A$5,460. Please note: This does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., accommodation, food, transport), or the student visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and typically costs around A$500–A$700 per year. Living costs while studying in Mildura are estimated at A$21,041 per year (as per Department of Home Affairs guidelines), but actual costs vary. Always confirm current fees directly with Sunraysia Institute of TAFE at sunitafe.edu.au before applying. Fees are subject to change and may not include additional costs such as course materials or excursions.
English language requirements vary by provider, but for ELICOS-Pre-Intermediate, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE typically requires students to have basic English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 3.0–4.0 overall (elementary level). Some students may be placed via an internal language test. No prior academic qualification is required for this level, as it is a foundation language course. If you have completed higher English levels, you may be eligible for direct entry to Intermediate or Upper-Intermediate courses. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable for this standalone ELICOS program, but students progressing to VET or higher education can use this course to meet language entry requirements. Always check the provider’s official website for the most up-to-date requirements, as they may change without notice. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for their student visa.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work placement or internship. Students are not required to undertake any work as part of the curriculum. However, international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500) are generally allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions. Work rights are automatically granted with the visa, but students must not let work interfere with their studies. For details, refer to the Department of Home Affairs.
Sunraysia Institute of TAFE - Mildura — MILDURA, VIC. This course is delivered at the Mildura campus of Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, located in regional Victoria. Mildura is a vibrant city on the Murray River with a population of about 55,000. It is known for its agriculture, food, and wine industries. The campus is accessible by public transport, including buses. Mildura offers a lower cost of living compared to major cities like Melbourne or Sydney—weekly rent for a shared apartment ranges from A$150 to A$250, and a weekly grocery bill is around A$60–A$80. The city is home to several CRICOS-registered providers, making it a smaller but growing study destination. Students can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with outdoor activities, though options for part-time work are more limited than in larger cities.
To study ELICOS-Pre-Intermediate in Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus time for travel. Key requirements: you must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (such as this one), hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel, and satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Your family members may also be eligible to work. Visa applications are lodged online via the Department of Home Affairs. For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. Note: HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Mildura is an attractive option for students seeking a quieter, affordable study experience away from the hustle of big cities. With a population of around 55,000, it offers a tight-knit community and lower living costs—weekly rent is about A$150–A$250 for a share house, and transport costs are minimal. The city has a warm, dry climate and is close to the Murray River, providing outdoor recreational opportunities. However, it has fewer entertainment venues and limited public transport compared to Melbourne. There are many CRICOS-registered providers in Victoria, but Mildura has only a few, so your choice may be focused. If you prefer a peaceful environment with friendly locals and lower expenses, Mildura could be ideal. Consider your lifestyle preferences and career goals before deciding.
Ready to start your ELICOS journey? Explore Sunraysia Institute of TAFE on HeadStart Academy and take the first step toward studying in Australia.
ELICOS-Pre-Intermediate is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. 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.