Exchange A (CRICOS course code 078731J) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 1 year. This course is part of the Mixed Field Programmes (Field 12) and is designed to provide international students with a flexible study experience that may include cross-institutional exchange or tailored academic pathways. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00004G), it meets Australian Government standards for quality education and student support. HeadStart Academy sources all course data from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness in your decision-making. Whether you are drawn to Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Fitzroy, North Sydney, or Strathfield, this course offers multiple delivery locations across Victoria, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, and more. Read on for a detailed breakdown of fees, duration, locations, and how to apply.
Exchange A (CRICOS course code 078731J) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 1 year (52 weeks). The course belongs to Field 12 – Mixed Field Programmes (code 129999), which covers interdisciplinary and customised learning experiences that do not fit into a single field of study. This level is particularly suitable for students seeking to combine elements from different disciplines or participate in exchange programs. Australian Catholic University Limited (ACU) is a government-owned university with multiple campuses across Australia. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00004G), ACU is authorised to enrol international students and is subject to the ESOS Act 2000, which protects your tuition fees and ensures quality education. The course has no dual qualification or foundation study component, meaning it is a standalone award.
While the specific syllabus for Exchange A is set by Australian Catholic University Limited, the field of Mixed Field Programmes (129999) indicates a customised curriculum that may include exchange components, preparatory studies, or interdisciplinary modules. Graduates at this Non AQF Award level typically gain foundational knowledge and skills that can be applied across various sectors. The course is designed for flexibility, allowing students to tailor their learning to personal or professional goals. For detailed subject outlines, prospective students should consult ACU directly, as course content can vary by intake and campus.
According to the CRICOS register, Exchange A has a duration of 1 year, equivalent to 52 weeks. The language of instruction is English. The course is a single qualification, meaning it does not lead to a dual award. Full-time study is typical for international students to meet visa requirements. ACU may offer different study modes; confirm with the provider whether the course is available on-campus, online, or in a blended format. The duration is fixed at 1 year but could vary if students choose part-time options (subject to visa conditions).
The indicative tuition fee for Exchange A is A$21,280 for the full year. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, though students should budget for materials, textbooks, and other incidental costs. The estimated total cost is therefore A$21,280. Please note: These fees are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026, and are subject to change by the institution. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for a Student visa (Subclass 500)). OSHC typically costs between A$500–A$700 per year for a single student. Living costs vary by city – for example, weekly rent in Ballarat may be around A$200–A$300, while in Sydney it could be A$400–A$600. Always confirm current fees with Australian Catholic University Limited before applying.
Entry requirements for Exchange A are set by Australian Catholic University Limited. As a Non AQF Award, the course may require completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent international qualification. English language proficiency is a key requirement – typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on the course level, though ACU may accept other tests like TOEFL or PTE. Some courses may have specific prerequisites; check with the provider. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet direct entry. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting ACU's international admissions team for precise requirements.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students may choose to undertake voluntary work experience, but it is not a requirement for completion. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) have work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for current work conditions.
Exchange A is delivered at six campuses of Australian Catholic University Limited: Australian Catholic University-Ballarat Campus in Ballarat, VIC; Australian Catholic University-Brisbane Campus in BANYO, QLD; Australian Catholic University-Canberra Campus in Watson, ACT; Australian Catholic University-Melbourne Campus in FITZROY, VIC; Australian Catholic University-North Sydney Campus in NORTH SYDNEY, NSW; and Strathfield Campus in STRATHFIELD, NSW. Each location offers a unique student experience. Victoria and New South Wales have the highest number of CRICOS-registered providers (over 300 each), providing diverse study environments. Ballarat is a regional city with lower living costs (weekly rent ~A$200–A$300), while Sydney and Melbourne are major hubs with more expensive living (rent ~A$400–A$600 per week). Canberra is the national capital with a strong student community. Public transport access varies: North Sydney and Strathfield have train connections, while Ballarat and BANYO require car or bus. Consider your preferred study location when applying.
International students enrolling in Exchange A must obtain a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study, work rights (48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during breaks), and requires genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status. You must also hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Department of Home Affairs assesses financial capacity; you need to show sufficient funds for tuition, living costs (approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student), travel, and OSHC. Remember: HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice. Consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised assistance.
Follow these three steps to apply for Exchange A: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – use HeadStart Academy's directory to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (Mixed Field Programmes), and location (your preferred campus). 2. Apply directly to Australian Catholic University Limited – meet entry requirements, take an English test if needed, and submit your application by the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – once ACU issues your CoE, lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, financial evidence, and GTE statement ready.
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Exchange A is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Catholic University Limited. 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.