Are you looking to improve your English language skills to achieve the IELTS score you need for further study or migration? English for IELTS Preparation (CRICOS course code 085253J) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust over 24 weeks. This course is designed for international students who want targeted preparation for the IELTS exam. It is listed under the field of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), specifically in Language and Literature. Delivered at the provider's campus on Level 8 Collins Street in Melbourne's CBD, this program offers a focused curriculum to boost your English proficiency and test-taking strategies. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards and allows international students to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — no referral fees, just the facts you need to make an informed choice.
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English for IELTS Preparation (CRICOS course code 085253J) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust over 24 weeks. This course falls under the field of education 091501 - ELICOS, which is part of Society and Culture (09) and Language and Literature (0915). It is specifically designed to help international students prepare for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. While the course does not lead to a formal Australian qualification (AQF), it provides foundational language skills and exam strategies essential for achieving a desired IELTS band score. The provider, Melbourne City Institute of Education, is a private institution registered with CRICOS (provider code 03024A) and is located in Melbourne, Victoria. As at April 2026, there are 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia offering 26,433 courses, and this course is one of them, ensuring that international students receive quality education protected by the ESOS Act.
This ELICOS course focuses on the four key language skills assessed in the IELTS exam: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Students will engage in intensive practice of these skills, with an emphasis on academic or general training modules depending on their goals. The curriculum typically includes vocabulary building, grammar review, essay writing techniques, time management strategies, and mock tests. Additionally, students will learn about the IELTS test format, scoring criteria, and common pitfalls. While specific syllabus details should be confirmed with Melbourne City Institute of Education, the overall aim is to increase English proficiency and test confidence. Graduates will be better prepared to meet the English language requirements for further study (e.g., bachelor's or master's programs) or for visa purposes. As a Non AQF Award, this course does not contribute to a formal qualification but serves as a pathway to higher-level English competency.
According to the CRICOS register, English for IELTS Preparation has a duration of 24 weeks (24 weeks on the CRICOS register). The course is conducted in English, the language of instruction. It is a single qualification course — there is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The study mode is typically full-time, delivered face-to-face at the provider's campus. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are generally required to maintain full-time enrolment. The 24-week duration allows for comprehensive coverage of IELTS preparation materials and sufficient time for language development. Students should check with the provider for exact class schedules and start dates.
The indicative fees for English for IELTS Preparation, as listed on the CRICOS register, are as follows: tuition fee A$9,600, non-tuition fee A$730, and an estimated total cost of A$10,330. Please note that these are indicative figures sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust and are subject to change — always confirm current fees directly with the provider via their website www.mcie.edu.au. The non-tuition fee typically covers administration, materials, and other compulsory costs. Important: The estimated total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For a single international student in Melbourne, indicative living costs (rent, food, transport) are approximately A$1,500-A$2,000 per month. You should factor these into your budget when planning your studies.
English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For English for IELTS Preparation, which is an ELICOS course focused on preparing for the IELTS exam, the entry requirement is usually a lower IELTS score (e.g., 5.0–5.5) or equivalent, as the course itself aims to raise your English proficiency. Prior qualifications expected for this level: generally, students should have completed secondary schooling equivalent to Year 10 or 11 in Australia. Some providers may require a placement test at the start of the course. Foundation or pathway options: this course does not directly lead to a qualification; however, successful completion can help you meet English language requirements for subsequent vocational or higher education courses. For precise entry conditions, contact Melbourne City Institute of Education directly or visit their website.
This course has no work component. According to the CRICOS register, English for IELTS Preparation does not include a mandatory work component. Students studying this course on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can still access work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions. However, the course itself does not offer internship or practical work experience. If you are looking for a course with integrated work placement, consider other VET or higher education programs. Always check your visa conditions regarding work and study.
English for IELTS Preparation is delivered at Level 8 Collins Street — Melbourne, VIC. This location places you in the heart of Melbourne's central business district, surrounded by major transport hubs (Flinders Street Station, tram lines), shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city with a vibrant international student community — over 250,000 students study in Victoria each year. The city boasts numerous CRICOS-registered providers (over 200 in Melbourne alone), offering a wide range of courses across all fields. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate: indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$200-A$350, groceries A$80-A$120, and public transport A$40-A$60 (with student concessions available). The Collins Street campus is well-connected, making it convenient for students to commute from suburbs like Carlton, Fitzroy, or Southbank.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus a short period after. Key conditions: you must maintain full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay, and have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled holidays. This course qualifies for the Student visa because it is CRICOS-registered. For detailed visa advice, consult the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) or a registered migration agent (MARA). Note: HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for English for IELTS Preparation at Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy or the official CRICOS website to confirm the course (085253J) and provider (03024A) are registered. Compare courses by level, field, and location — Melbourne offers many ELICOS options. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Melbourne City Institute of Education (via www.mcie.edu.au) to obtain an application form. Submit required documents: academic transcripts, English test scores (if any), passport copy, and evidence of financial capacity. Check application deadlines and start dates. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via the Department of Home Affairs. Arrive in Australia and commence your course.
Melbourne is an excellent choice for international students seeking high-quality English language training. With over 200 CRICOS-registered providers in the city, you have plenty of options for ELICOS courses. Melbourne's multicultural environment and large student population (around 250,000 in Victoria) make it easy to practice English outside the classroom. The cost of living is manageable for a major city, and the public transport system makes commuting simple. However, consider factors like climate (cool in winter) and competition for part-time jobs. For IELTS-focused preparation, a dedicated course like this one at Melbourne City Institute of Education can give you the targeted practice you need. Always weigh your personal preferences and goals against the city's offerings.
Explore more courses at Melbourne City Institute of Education on their website, or use HeadStart Academy to find other ELICOS programs in Melbourne.
English for IELTS Preparation is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. 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.