English for High School Preparation (CRICOS course code 094446C) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Times Academy Pty Ltd over 1 year 2 months (~62 weeks). This course is designed for international students who need to improve their English language skills before entering an Australian high school. It falls under the field of Education 091501 – ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), which focuses on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in English. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 03457J), it meets the standards set by the Australian Government for delivering quality education to overseas students. Times Academy is a private provider with campuses in Sydney and Melbourne, two of Australia's largest and most multicultural cities. The indicative tuition fee is A$29,000, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register. This page provides a comprehensive overview of the course content, delivery locations, entry requirements, and visa implications to help you make an informed decision about your study abroad journey in Australia.
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This ELICOS course is tailored to prepare students for the linguistic and academic demands of the Australian high school system. While specific syllabi vary by provider, ELICOS programs at this level typically cover academic English skills such as essay writing, note-taking, presentation skills, and critical reading. Students will also develop everyday communication skills to navigate social and school environments. The course emphasises vocabulary expansion, grammar accuracy, and pronunciation. Since it is a Non AQF Award, it does not contribute to an Australian Qualifications Framework qualification but serves as a stepping stone to further study. Graduates are expected to achieve a level of English proficiency equivalent to approximately IELTS 5.5 or higher, enabling them to enrol in mainstream high school programs or other vocational and higher education courses. The field of Language and Literature (0915) ensures a strong focus on both linguistic competence and cultural understanding.
The course duration is 1 year 2 months (62 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is indicative of the standard full-time study load required to complete the program. The language of instruction is English, and students will be immersed in an English-only environment to maximise learning. The course is offered as a single qualification, meaning it is not a dual or combined award. Students attend classes on a full-time basis, typically 20 hours per week, which complies with student visa requirements. The 62-week duration includes both tuition and scheduled breaks. It is important to note that the actual completion time may vary depending on individual progress and any approved leave.
The indicative tuition fee for English for High School Preparation at Times Academy Pty Ltd is A$29,000, with non-tuition fees listed as A$0. The estimated total cost is therefore A$29,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change – always confirm with the provider before enrolling. Additional costs that are not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For OSHC, expect to pay around A$600–$800 per year for single cover. Living costs vary by city: in Sydney, weekly rent may range from A$300–$500; in Melbourne, from A$250–$450. Groceries and transport add approximately A$150–$250 per week. For the most accurate and current fees, visit the Times Academy website directly.
Entry requirements for English for High School Preparation vary by provider, but typically international students need to demonstrate English proficiency. For this level, an overall IELTS score of 5.5–7.0 is common, though some providers accept equivalent tests like TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Since it is a preparatory course, there may be no minimum formal qualification, but students should have completed secondary schooling to a certain level (e.g., Year 10 or equivalent). Foundation or pathway options are not automatically bundled – you should contact Times Academy for specific prerequisites and any possible articulation arrangements. All applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and meet the financial capacity criteria for the student visa (Subclass 500).
This course has no mandatory work component. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. However, any work must not interfere with the student’s full-time study obligations. It is important to note that work rights are a visa condition, not a part of the course curriculum.
This course is delivered at two campuses of Times Academy: Level 4, 338 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, and Times Academy (Sussex Street), Melbourne, VIC. Sydney is Australia’s largest city with over 200,000 international students and more than 1,000 CRICOS-registered providers. Melbourne is equally popular, home to around 180,000 international students and numerous world-class institutions. Both campuses are centrally located, with easy access to public transport. Sydney’s Pitt Street campus is near Town Hall station, while Melbourne’s Sussex Street campus is close to Southern Cross station. Living costs are higher in Sydney (approx. A$2,000–$2,500/month) compared to Melbourne (approx. A$1,800–$2,200/month), but both offer diverse cultural experiences and student-friendly environments.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). To obtain this visa, you must receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Times Academy and demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intent, sufficient funds, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of at least A$24,505 (as of October 2023) for living costs, plus tuition and travel. OSHC must be purchased for the entire visa duration. Student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during breaks. You are also covered by Australia’s ESOS Act, which protects the rights of international students. Always consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for English for High School Preparation at Times Academy Pty Ltd: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers like Times Academy on the official CRICOS register. Compare courses by level (Non AQF), field (ELICOS), and location (Sydney or Melbourne) using HeadStart Academy’s free tools. 2) Apply directly to Times Academy meeting their entry requirements, including English language tests and academic transcripts. Check application deadlines and prepare your documents. 3) Once accepted, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and GTE evidence.
Ready to start your English for High School Preparation journey? Visit the Times Academy website or use HeadStart Academy’s course finder to explore similar ELICOS programs.
English for High School Preparation 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.