English for Academic Purposes Advanced (CRICOS course code 086001K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by TAFE SA over 26 weeks (~6 months). This course is designed for international students who need to develop high-level English skills for academic study in Australia. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, TAFE SA is a government-owned provider with a strong reputation for vocational and language training. As a CRICOS-registered institution (00092B), TAFE SA meets the rigorous standards required to enrol overseas students under the ESOS Act. Whether you're aiming to enter a university degree, vocational program, or simply improve your English proficiency, this course offers a structured pathway. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Note: HeadStart Academy is a free resource and does not charge referral fees.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
This course falls under the field of education 091501 - ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), within the broader Society and Culture category. ELICOS courses focus on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in an academic context. At the Advanced level, students typically learn to critically analyse texts, write structured essays and reports, deliver presentations, and participate in academic discussions. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the linguistic demands of tertiary study in Australia. While specific syllabi are set by TAFE SA, graduates generally achieve a level of English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5–7.0, enabling them to meet university entry requirements. No dual qualification or foundation studies are attached to this course.
The course runs for 26 weeks (~6 months), as listed on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English only. This is a single qualification program (no dual award). Classes are typically delivered face-to-face at TAFE SA's Adelaide City Campus. Full-time attendance is expected to maintain student visa compliance. The course is not available online. With 26 weeks of study, you will have two semesters of intensive English training, often with scheduled breaks aligning with the academic calendar. Always confirm the exact study schedule with TAFE SA before enrolling.
Tuition fees for English for Academic Purposes Advanced are A$8,040 (indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register). Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, meaning no mandatory additional charges are recorded, but you should verify with TAFE SA for any optional costs such as materials or excursions. The estimated total is A$8,040. This amount does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. For current fee information, always refer to TAFE SA’s official website: http://www.tafesa.edu.au/international. Fees are subject to change and set by the institution.
English language requirements vary by provider. For English for Academic Purposes Advanced, TAFE SA may require an IELTS score of 5.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent) depending on your current level and the course’s entry thresholds. Typically, you need to demonstrate Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate English to commence the Advanced level. Some providers also accept previous ELICOS study or internal placement tests. Prior academic qualifications: normally completion of Year 12 or equivalent is expected. There are no foundation or pathway options embedded; however, TAFE SA offers other ELICOS levels (e.g., General English) for students below the Advanced level. Contact TAFE SA for detailed entry criteria and placement testing options.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student holding a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work rights are subject to visa conditions and are not part of the course curriculum.
This course is delivered at Adelaide City Campus in ADELAIDE, SA. Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, known for its affordable living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne. The city has a vibrant student population, with over 30,000 international students from around the world. Public transport includes buses, trams, and trains, with student concession fares available. The Adelaide City Campus is centrally located, close to shops, restaurants, and accommodation options. Indicative living costs: weekly rent for shared accommodation ranges from A$150–A$250, groceries A$80–A$150, and public transport A$30–A$50 per week. Always budget for OSHC and personal expenses.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. You must maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress to comply with visa conditions. After completing the course, you may be eligible to apply for a further student visa or a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), depending on your qualifications. OSHC is mandatory for international students; compare policies via HeadStart Academy’s OSHC guide. Note: HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice—consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Adelaide offers a lower cost of living combined with a high quality of life. The city has a strong ELICOS sector, with many CRICOS-registered providers offering English courses. Students enjoy beautiful beaches, a vibrant food scene, and numerous festivals. Public transport is efficient, and the city is walkable. If you prefer a relaxed study environment with a diverse student community, Adelaide may be ideal. Consider climate (Mediterranean) and regional work opportunities if you plan to stay long-term.
Ready to enhance your academic English? Explore more ELICOS courses in Adelaide on HeadStart Academy, or apply directly to TAFE SA today.
English for Academic Purposes Advanced is a CRICOS-registered programme at TAFE SA. 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.