Academic English program (CRICOS course code 095850E) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Universal Education Centre Pty Ltd over 40 weeks (~9 months). This ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program is designed for international students who need to improve their English language proficiency for academic or professional purposes. Located at 203 Clarence Street, Sydney, in the heart of New South Wales, the course is offered by Universal Education Centre (CRICOS 00053J), a private provider committed to quality English language instruction. With Australia hosting over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, choosing the right program is critical. This page provides accurate, up-to-date information sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make an informed decision. We cover fees, entry requirements, student visa conditions, and what to expect from studying in Sydney. Remember, HeadStart Academy is a free resource and not a migration agent—always verify details with the provider and the Department of Home Affairs. Throughout the 40-week duration, you will engage in intensive English training, preparing you for further study or work in an English-speaking environment. The course is classified under field 091501 – ELICOS, placing it within Society and Culture studies. As a Non AQF Award, it does not confer a formal qualification but serves as a pathway to higher education or employment.
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This course falls under the field of Education 09 – Society and Culture, specifically 0915 Language and Literature, and 091501 ELICOS. ELICOS programs are designed for non-native English speakers to develop their English language skills in an academic context. While specific curricula are set by Universal Education Centre, typical ELICOS courses focus on reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary. Students often engage in tasks such as essay writing, presentations, group discussions, and comprehension exercises. The goal is to build proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–7.0, enabling students to meet the English requirements for further study in Australian universities or vocational courses. As a Non AQF Award, this program does not count towards a formal qualification but can serve as a pathway to higher education. It is important to note that the course is single qualification (no dual pathway) and does not include foundation studies. Assessments are continuous, and successful completion may lead to direct entry into partner institutions. For specific syllabus details, contact Universal Education Centre.
The Academic English program is delivered over 40 weeks, which equates to approximately 9 months of full-time study. This duration is fixed as per the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English, and students are expected to attend classes on campus at 203 Clarence Street, Sydney. There is no online or blended learning option specified. This is a single qualification course, meaning it does not combine two credentials. The course is not a VET program, so it has no VET national code. Students should be prepared for an intensive study schedule, typically involving 20 hours per week of classroom instruction. The provider may offer multiple intake dates throughout the year; contact Universal Education Centre for exact start dates. As a full-time student, you must maintain satisfactory attendance and progress as per visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$15,800 for the entire 40-week program. There are no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register (A$0), bringing the estimated total to A$15,800. However, please note that this amount does not include other necessary costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and typically costs several hundred dollars per year. Living costs in Sydney are estimated at around A$2,000–2,500 per month for rent, food, and transport. Always check the provider's website for the most current fees and any other charges. Tuition fees are set by Universal Education Centre and may be subject to change. As a guide, ELICOS courses in Australia range from A$300–400 per week, so this program is competitively priced. The fees shown are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Entry requirements vary by provider. For this Academic English program, Universal Education Centre sets its own admission criteria. Generally, ELICOS programs accept students with a minimum English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0 or 5.5, but specific requirements may differ. For higher-level ELICOS courses, a score of 6.0–7.0 may be needed. Academic qualifications: students should have completed at least senior secondary school in their home country. No prior English qualification is required if you are placed via a placement test. Some providers also require a minimum age (typically 18). Since this course is a Non AQF Award and not a foundation program, it is designed as a standalone English language course. If you intend to use it as a pathway to further study, check with Universal Education Centre about articulation agreements. Always confirm entry requirements directly with the provider and ensure you meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for the student visa.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. There is no placement, internship, or work experience integrated into the program. However, as an international student holding a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holiday periods. This work is not part of the course curriculum but can help cover living costs. Always check your visa conditions and remember that your primary purpose is to study. The ESOS Act protects your rights, including access to the Tuition Protection Service if your provider cannot deliver the course.
The Academic English program is delivered at one location: 203 Clarence Street Sydney, NSW 2000. This campus is situated in the central business district of Sydney, a vibrant and multicultural city. Sydney is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers (as at April 2026), offering thousands of courses across all fields. The city has a large international student population, estimated at over 150,000, providing a supportive community. The campus is accessible via public transport, including trains, buses, and light rail. Nearby amenities include libraries, cafes, and student accommodation. Living in Sydney offers a dynamic urban lifestyle but requires careful budgeting due to higher living costs compared to other Australian cities.
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is Australia's largest and most diverse city. For international students, it offers world-class education, cultural diversity, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, it's important to consider the cost of living. Weekly rent for a shared apartment can range from A$250–400, groceries around A$70–100, and transport A$30–40. Public transport is efficient with an Opal card system. As an ELICOS student, you will have access to English practice opportunities in daily life. There are also many English language schools in Sydney, so you can compare options. HeadStart Academy lists all CRICOS-registered providers in Sydney for transparency. If you prefer a quieter environment, you might consider other cities, but Sydney's energy and resources are unmatched.
International students enrolled in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Universal Education Centre, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition and living costs, English proficiency (as per provider standards), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and a genuine intention to stay temporarily as a student (GTE criterion). With a Student visa, you can work 48 hours per fortnight during study and unlimited hours during breaks. You must maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress. For visa application details, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy provides guidance but not immigration advice. Ensure your CRICOS course code 095850E is stated in your visa application. OSHC can be arranged through the provider or independently.
Applying for the Academic English program at Universal Education Centre is straightforward. Follow these three steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Verify that Universal Education Centre (CRICOS 00053J) and course code 095850E meet your needs. Check entry requirements and fees.
2. **Apply directly to Universal Education Centre**: Submit your application through the provider's website (www.uec.edu.au) or via their admissions team. You may need to provide academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if available) and a valid passport. The provider will assess your eligibility and may conduct a placement test to determine your starting level.
3. **Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa**: Once accepted, Universal Education Centre will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). With the CoE, you can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via ImmiAccount. Include the CoE code, your OSHC policy, and evidence of financial capacity. Wait for visa approval before traveling.
Ready to apply? Follow our 3-step guide above or contact Universal Education Centre directly at www.uec.edu.au.
Academic English program is a CRICOS-registered programme at Universal Education Centre 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.