Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) Preparation (Upper Intermediate) (CRICOS course code 086194G) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd over 10 weeks. This ELICOS course is designed for upper-intermediate learners aiming to achieve the Cambridge FCE qualification – a globally recognised credential for work, study, and migration. Delivered at the MIT Sydney Language Centre on Sussex Street in the heart of Sydney's CBD, students benefit from a prime location with access to Australia's largest English-speaking student community. Whether you're preparing for academic pathways or professional advancement, this course builds practical language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking – all within a supportive, CRICOS-registered environment. Melbourne Institute of Technology (CRICOS 01545C) is a private college with a strong reputation for quality ELICOS delivery. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia offering more than 26,000 courses, choosing a trusted institution is essential. HeadStart Academy provides this data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) – a free, independent resource for international students.
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Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) Preparation (Upper Intermediate) (CRICOS course code 086194G) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd over 10 weeks. This course falls under the field of education 091501 - ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), within the Society and Culture broad field. It is specifically designed for students at an upper-intermediate level who wish to prepare for the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) exam. FCE is a globally accepted certification that demonstrates your ability to use everyday written and spoken English at an intermediate-to-upper-intermediate level. The course focuses on developing integrated language skills – grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing – through task-based activities and exam practice. As an ELICOS program, it does not lead to an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) award but provides a solid foundation for further study or employment. Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd (MIT) is a private provider registered with CRICOS (provider code 01545C) and has been delivering quality education in Australia. The course is delivered face-to-face at the MIT Sydney Language Centre, ensuring a structured and immersive learning environment. All CRICOS-registered courses must comply with the ESOS Act, protecting your rights as an international student, including tuition fee protection and access to complaints processes.
This course targets the upper-intermediate level of English proficiency (B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). In the field of Language and Literature (ELICOS), students typically develop skills in: comprehending complex texts and conversations, producing clear and detailed writing on a range of subjects, interacting with a degree of fluency and spontaneity, and using language flexibly for social, academic, and professional purposes. While the exact syllabus is set by Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd, preparation for the Cambridge FCE exam involves intensive practice in all four language skills plus grammar and vocabulary expansion. You'll engage in simulated exam tasks, receive personalised feedback, and build confidence in real-world communication scenarios. The ELICOS pathway is a common stepping stone for international students progressing to vocational or higher education in Australia. Because this is a Non AQF Award, it does not count towards a formal Australian qualification, but it holds international recognition. Sydney, with over 200,000 international students, offers an ideal environment for language immersion, with countless opportunities to practice English outside the classroom.
The course duration is 10 weeks (recorded as 10 weeks on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification course – no dual qualification or foundation studies component. Study is typically full-time, with a minimum of 20 contact hours per week, though you should confirm exact timetables with Melbourne Institute of Technology. The CRICOS register does not provide study mode details, but MIT Sydney Language Centre usually offers face-to-face delivery at their Sussex Street campus. The short duration makes it an ideal option for students who want to quickly improve their English and obtain a recognised certificate before moving on to further studies or employment. If you're planning to study for longer, you may enrol in multiple consecutive terms. Check with the provider about class schedules and whether part-time options are available, though student visa holders must maintain full-time enrolment.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$4,050 (as recorded on the CRICOS register as at April 2026). There are no non-tuition fees listed, so the estimated total is A$4,050. Please note: this fee is indicative only and subject to change by Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd. You must confirm current fees directly with the provider via their website (http://www.mit.edu.au). The CRICOS register does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the Student visa application charge – these are additional. For a single student, OSHC typically costs around A$500–700 per year. Living expenses in Sydney average A$1,500–2,500 per month (including rent, food, transport, and entertainment). Always budget for the full cost of your stay. As a free resource, HeadStart Academy provides this data from the official CRICOS register – we do not charge referral fees or commissions.
English language requirements vary by provider – typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For an upper-intermediate ELICOS course, you are likely to need a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL iBT 46–59, PTE Academic 42–49). Some providers may accept previous English study or an internal placement test. In addition, you should have completed Year 12 or equivalent in your home country. Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd will assess your proficiency level before enrolment to ensure you are placed in the correct class. If you do not meet the English requirement, you may need to complete a lower-level ELICOS course first. Always check specific entry requirements with the provider, as they can change. For visa purposes, you must also meet the English language requirement set by the Department of Home Affairs for Student visa (Subclass 500) – typically an IELTS score of 5.5 overall for ELICOS standalone courses.
This course has no work component. It does not include any mandatory work placement, internship, or practical training. However, as a Student visa (Subclass 500) holder, you will have work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term (when your course is in session) and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This allows you to gain part-time work experience in Sydney, which can supplement your income and improve your English skills. Work rights are subject to visa conditions – always check your visa grant letter. Sydney's job market offers opportunities in hospitality, retail, and administration, with many employers valuing the language skills gained from ELICOS study. Remember that working while studying must not interfere with your course attendance and progress.
This course is delivered at MIT Sydney Language Centre (ELICOS Operations) (Sussex Street) – SYDNEY, NSW. The Sussex Street campus is located in Sydney's central business district, close to public transport hubs like Wynyard and Town Hall stations. Sydney is Australia's largest city, with a vibrant multicultural community and over 200,000 international students from 150+ countries. The city offers excellent infrastructure, including multiple universities, TAFE colleges, and private providers. Living in Sydney, you'll have access to world-famous beaches, parks, and cultural attractions. The indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around A$400–600, with shared accommodation costing A$250–400. Groceries average A$80–150 per week, and a public transport weekly ticket is about A$40–50. Sydney's job market and social opportunities make it a popular choice for international students. All CRICOS-registered courses must meet the ESOS Act protections, so you are safeguarded while studying.
International students studying this course on a full-time basis are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia, work part-time (48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during breaks), and travel to and from Australia. To apply, you must first receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd. You will also need to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The visa application charge is currently A$710 (subject to change). For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au). Remember: HeadStart Academy is not a migration agency and does not provide immigration assistance. Your visa outcome depends on individual circumstances.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) Preparation (Upper Intermediate) at Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy's free course search to filter by study level (ELICOS), field (Society and Culture), and location (Sydney). Confirm the provider's registration status on CRICOS (MIT: 01545C). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Submit your application to Melbourne Institute of Technology through their website (http://www.mit.edu.au). Provide evidence of your English proficiency (e.g., IELTS test results) and previous academic qualifications. Check application deadlines and any additional requirements (e.g., placement test). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, MIT will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online via the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare supporting documents including passport, OSHC cover, financial evidence, and GTE statement. Await visa grant before travelling to Australia.
Sydney is Australia's premier destination for international students, home to over 1,000 CRICOS-registered providers and more than 10,000 courses. For ELICOS students, the city offers immersive English environments with diverse accents and cultures. The cost of living is higher than other Australian cities, but the opportunities for part-time work, networking, and cultural experiences are unmatched. Consider your budget: weekly expenses (rent, food, transport) typically range from A$400 to A$800. Public transport is reliable with trains, buses, and ferries; a student Opal card offers discounts. Sydney's climate is mild year-round, perfect for outdoor activities. If you value urban lifestyle, multicultural communities, and access to world-class education, Sydney could be ideal. However, if you prefer lower costs or a quieter setting, cities like Brisbane or Adelaide may suit better. Always factor in total costs and your personal preferences. HeadStart Academy helps you compare providers and locations – all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
Ready to boost your English? Visit Melbourne Institute of Technology's website to apply for the Cambridge FCE Preparation course today.
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Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) Preparation (Upper Intermediate) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd. 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.