PTE Academic (Upper Inermediate to Advanced Level) (CRICOS course code 092019E) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust over 1 year. This ELICOS course (Field of Education: 091501) is designed for international students who wish to improve their English proficiency for academic purposes, particularly for the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic exam. Located in Melbourne's CBD, the course offers a structured pathway to higher-level English skills, typically from upper intermediate to advanced. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this course is one of many options for those seeking to enhance their English language qualifications. All institutions listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring they meet Australian Government standards for international education.
PTE Academic (Upper Inermediate to Advanced Level) (CRICOS course code 092019E) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust over 1 year (52 weeks). The course is classified under Field of Education 091501 - ELICOS, focusing on English language skills needed for academic study and PTE Academic exam preparation. As a Non AQF award, this course does not lead to an Australian Qualifications Framework qualification but provides a certificate of attainment. The provider, Melbourne City Institute of Education (MCIE), is a private institution with CRICOS registration 03024A, located at Level 8 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC. The course is delivered in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual qualification or foundation studies). This course has no mandatory work component. The indicative tuition fee is A$9,600, with additional non-tuition fees of A$730, making an estimated total of A$10,330. These fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change—always confirm with the provider.
This ELICOS course focuses on developing English language proficiency at upper intermediate to advanced levels, specifically tailored to the PTE Academic test format. Students typically study reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, with an emphasis on academic vocabulary, grammar, and test-taking strategies. The course prepares learners for university entry or professional contexts requiring high-level English. While specific syllabi vary by provider, graduates generally achieve a standard of English equivalent to IELTS 6.0–7.0, enabling them to pursue further study or employment in English-speaking environments. The field of Language and Literature (0915) covers a broad range of communication skills, and this course narrows that focus to academic English assessment. For precise curriculum details, prospective students should contact Melbourne City Institute of Education directly, as HeadStart Academy provides general guidance based on the CRICOS registration data.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered full-time in English. This is a single qualification with no dual award or foundation studies component. The study mode is on-campus at the provider's location in Melbourne's CBD. International students should note that the course is designed to meet student visa requirements for full-time study (20 hours per week of scheduled contact). As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the duration and mode are approved by the Australian Government to ensure quality and consistency.
The indicative fees for the PTE Academic (Upper Inermediate to Advanced Level) course at Melbourne City Institute of Education are as follows: tuition fee A$9,600, non-tuition fees A$730, estimated total cost A$10,330. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026 and are indicative only. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change. Additional costs not included in this estimate are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent, groceries, transport), and the student visa application charge. For up-to-date fee information, please visit the provider's website at www.mcie.edu.au. International students should budget for living costs in Melbourne: indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$250–$400, groceries A$80–$150, and public transport A$40–$60 (with student concessions). Always check the Department of Home Affairs for current financial capacity requirements.
Entry requirements for PTE Academic (Upper Inermediate to Advanced Level) are set by Melbourne City Institute of Education. Typically, for an upper intermediate to advanced ELICOS course, applicants need to have completed a minimum of Year 10 or equivalent in their home country and demonstrate English proficiency at an intermediate level (e.g., IELTS 5.0–5.5 or equivalent). Some providers may require a placement test. For this specific course, English language requirements vary by provider but generally fall in the range of IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on the intended outcome. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet the entry requirements—consult the provider for details. All applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and meet visa conditions. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting Melbourne City Institute of Education directly for precise entry criteria.
This course has no mandatory work component. It is purely an English language program with no included work placement or internship. However, international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work rights are separate from the course curriculum and are governed by the Department of Home Affairs.
The course is delivered at Level 8 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, with a vibrant international student community of over 200,000. The city boasts over 300 CRICOS-registered providers, offering diverse courses across all fields. The Collins Street campus is in the heart of the Central Business District, with excellent public transport access via trains, trams, and buses. Students can easily reach the campus from suburbs across Melbourne. Living in Melbourne offers a blend of cultural events, dining, and outdoor activities. The typical cost of living for a single international student in Melbourne is estimated at A$30,000–A$40,000 per year, including rent, food, and transport. The ESOS Act protects all international students enrolled in CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
International students enrolling in this course require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Melbourne City Institute of Education, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and dependents (A$29,710 for a single student per year as of 2026), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa, and a valid passport. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Visa conditions vary—always check the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent for assistance. The ESOS Act ensures your education provider meets government standards.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. Find Melbourne City Institute of Education (CRICOS 03024A) and the PTE Academic (Upper Inermediate to Advanced Level) course. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Melbourne City Institute of Education via www.mcie.edu.au. Submit your application with required documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy). Check entry requirements and application deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, MCIE will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa online via the Department of Home Affairs, including evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. Remember to apply well in advance of your intended start date.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most livable cities, with a diverse population, strong economy, and renowned education sector. With over 300 CRICOS-registered providers, students have ample choice. The city offers a high standard of living but also comes with a higher cost compared to regional areas. Commuting is easy via the extensive public transport network (Myki card). Melbourne's cultural scene—sports, arts, food festivals—provides a vibrant lifestyle. However, consider your budget, climate (cooler than other Australian cities), and personal preferences. This ELICOS course is ideal if you aim to improve your English for academic or professional purposes in a dynamic urban setting. If you prefer a quieter, more affordable environment, regional Victoria or other states may suit you better.
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PTE Academic (Upper Inermediate to Advanced Level) 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.