English for Academic Purposes (CRICOS course code 089712K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Times Academy Pty Ltd over 36 weeks (~8 months). This ELICOS course (field of education 091501) is designed for international students who want to improve their English language skills for academic study in Australia. The course is available at two locations: Level 4, 338 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, and Times Academy (Sussex Street), Melbourne, VIC. Whether you plan to enrol in further education or need to meet university English entry requirements, English for Academic Purposes provides the language foundation you need. Times Academy Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03457J) is a private provider registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and student rights. As of April 2026, Australia has 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses. HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no referral fees — we help you navigate your study options in Australia. This page provides indicative course details; always confirm with the provider. Course fees shown are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register.
This course falls under the field of education '09 - Society and Culture' with a detailed field of '0915 Language and Literature' and specifically '091501 ELICOS'. ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students and focuses on developing English proficiency for academic contexts. Students engage in intensive language training covering reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills necessary for success in Australian tertiary education. The curriculum is designed to help learners progress from intermediate to advanced English levels, enabling them to meet the English entry requirements of universities or vocational courses. As a Non AQF Award, this course does not confer a formal Australian Qualification Framework qualification but serves as a crucial pathway. Graduates typically achieve a level of English suitable for further studies, such as diploma or degree programs. The course emphasises academic writing, lecture comprehension, and research skills. It is important to note that the specific syllabus may vary; contact Times Academy for detailed curriculum information.
The course duration is 36 weeks, which is approximately 8 months of full-time study as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — there is no dual award or foundation studies component. The course is not a VET course, so no VET national code applies. Students are expected to attend classes on campus at either the Sydney or Melbourne location. Full-time study typically involves around 20 hours of face-to-face instruction per week, supplemented by self-study. The course does not include any mandatory work component. Study mode is full-time only, which aligns with Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements for maintaining enrolment. The academic calendar may be divided into terms or semesters; check with the provider for specific start dates.
Tuition fees are set by the provider — see the Times Academy website for current fees. Non-tuition fees (such as enrolment, materials, or administration fees) are also set by the provider. The indicative total cost for this course is A$12,600, as sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026). This estimate covers tuition only. It does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and costs approximately A$500–$700 per year. Living costs vary by city: in Sydney, average weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$250–$400, groceries A$80–$150, and public transport A$30–$50. In Melbourne, costs are slightly lower. Always confirm the latest fees with Times Academy directly, as fees are subject to change. For more information on health cover, visit the OSHC page on our site.
English language requirements vary by provider, but for ELICOS courses at this level, typical entry IELTS scores range from 5.5 to 7.0 overall, depending on the course's target proficiency. For English for Academic Purposes, an intermediate level (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent) is generally expected. Prior academic qualifications: completion of Year 12 or equivalent is usually required. Some providers may consider work experience or previous study. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements — contact Times Academy for details. International students must also satisfy Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions, including the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. For visa-specific advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
This course has no mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Work rights are subject to visa conditions and may change. Students should check the Department of Home Affairs website for current settings. The absence of a work component means the course is purely academic, allowing students to focus on language development without work obligations. If you seek work experience, consider courses that include internships or placements.
English for Academic Purposes is delivered at two campuses: Level 4, 338 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW (in the city centre near Town Hall station), and Times Academy (Sussex Street), Melbourne, VIC (central business district near Flinders Street station). Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 200,000 international students and hundreds of CRICOS-registered providers. Melbourne is similarly vibrant, with over 150,000 international students. Both cities offer excellent public transport, diverse cultures, and extensive student support services. Living costs: Sydney is slightly more expensive (approx. A$500–$700 per week for rent, food, and transport) than Melbourne (approx. A$450–$650). Each campus is well-connected by trains, trams, and buses. Choosing between Sydney and Melbourne depends on your budget, climate preference, and lifestyle. For a deeper dive into studying in New South Wales, see our NSW study guide.
To study this course as an international student, you must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), satisfying the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity. As of 2024, work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The student visa application fee is currently A$710 (subject to change). OSHC is mandatory; compare providers on the Department of Home Affairs website. For detailed visa guidance, visit our Student Visa (Subclass 500) page. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent for personalised advice. Always check the latest requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Follow these three steps to apply for this course: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the official CRICOS register to verify that Times Academy is registered (CRICOS 03457J) and that this course (089712K) is current. HeadStart Academy lists only CRICOS-registered providers. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Times Academy to confirm entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Times Academy will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a visa through the Department of Home Affairs. If needed, seek assistance from a registered migration agent.
Both Sydney and Melbourne are top destinations for international students, each with unique advantages. Sydney offers a warm climate, iconic beaches, and a strong job market in finance and tech. Melbourne is renowned for its arts, coffee culture, and slightly lower cost of living. When choosing, consider your budget: Sydney's weekly living costs average A$600, while Melbourne's are around A$550. Both cities have large student populations and excellent public transport. Sydney has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers; Melbourne has over 180. For students interested in Society and Culture courses, Sydney offers a wide range of options. Ultimately, both cities provide a world-class study environment — your choice depends on personal preference. For more on studying in Sydney, check our Society and Culture courses in Sydney page.
Ready to apply? Start your journey by researching CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy.
English for Academic Purposes is a CRICOS-registered programme at Times Academy 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.