Cambridge First Certificate of English (CRICOS course code 096903M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust over 12 weeks. This course falls under the field of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) within the broad area of Society and Culture. It is designed to improve English language proficiency to a level equivalent to an upper-intermediate standard, helping students prepare for further study or professional environments in Australia. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the Australian Government's standards for international education, ensuring quality and student protections under the ESOS Act. Melbourne City Institute of Education (MCIE) is a private provider registered with CRICOS code 03024A, located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. The indicative tuition fee is A$4,800 plus non-tuition fees of A$490, totalling an estimated A$5,290. This course does not include a work component and is delivered entirely in English. Prospective students should note that fees are indicative and subject to change. For the most current information, always refer to the provider's website. HeadStart Academy provides this data from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026 to help you make informed decisions about your study in Australia.
Cambridge First Certificate of English (CRICOS 096903M) is a Non AQF Award course in the field of ELICOS (091501). It is offered by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust (CRICOS 03024A), a private education provider based in Melbourne, Victoria. The course runs for 12 weeks (as recorded on the CRICOS register) with instruction in English. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. Students will develop their English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to a level that allows them to communicate effectively in academic and everyday contexts. This course is ideal for students aiming to meet English requirements for further study or to gain confidence in an English-speaking environment. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is covered by the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition protection and student rights. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses; this course is one of many available to international students.
This course falls within the field of education 091501 (ELICOS). Students typically focus on developing proficiency in English across four macro-skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency are core components. The course aims to bring students to a level equivalent to the Cambridge First Certificate, which is approximately B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Graduates will be able to understand the main ideas of complex texts, interact with native speakers with a degree of fluency, and produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects. While specific syllabi are set by the provider, typical ELICOS courses at this level involve project work, presentations, group discussions, and self-study. This course does not lead to an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) award but is widely recognised by institutions and employers. For precise curriculum details, refer to Melbourne City Institute of Education's website.
According to the CRICOS register, Cambridge First Certificate of English has a duration of 12 weeks. All instruction is conducted in English. The course is a single qualification only — no dual qualification is available. It is not a foundation studies program. There is no VET national code as this is an ELICOS course. The study mode is face-to-face at the provider's campus in Melbourne. Most ELICOS courses run for 20-25 hours per week, with additional self-study expected. Students should be prepared for daily classes and assessments. The 12-week duration may vary slightly depending on intake dates. Check with MCIE for exact start dates. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions.
The indicative fees for Cambridge First Certificate of English at Melbourne City Institute of Education are as follows: These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by the provider. They are subject to change. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, living expenses (approx. A$1,500–$2,000 per month in Melbourne), and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always confirm current fees with Melbourne City Institute of Education at www.mcie.edu.au before applying.
English language requirements vary by provider. For this course, Melbourne City Institute of Education typically requires an English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5 overall (or equivalent) for entry into an upper-intermediate level program. However, exact requirements should be confirmed directly with the provider. Students may also need to sit an internal placement test. Prior qualifications: as this is a Non AQF Award, no specific academic background is required, but students should have completed secondary school or equivalent. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable for this course. If you do not meet the English requirement, MCIE may offer lower-level ELICOS courses. Contact the provider for individual assessment.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are still eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. However, this course does not integrate work experience as part of the curriculum.
This course is delivered at Melbourne City Institute of Education's campus located on Level 8, Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000. Melbourne is Victoria's capital city, home to a large international student population (over 170,000). The campus is in the central business district, easily accessible by public transport including trains, trams, and buses. The city offers a multicultural environment, with many amenities such as libraries, restaurants, and accommodation options. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$1,500–$2,000 per month for rent, food, and transport. When choosing to study in Melbourne, consider climate, lifestyle, and the availability of student support services. For more information on studying in Victoria, see our Victoria state guide.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities, with a vibrant international student community. The city has over 400,000 international students from 170 countries. The cost of living is higher than in regional areas but lower than Sydney. Typical weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$250–$400, groceries A$80–$150, and public transport A$50–$70 with student concessions. Melbourne's climate is temperate with four seasons. The city is known for its arts, coffee culture, and sporting events. When choosing this course, consider whether the hustle of a big city appeals to you. If you prefer a quieter environment, regional Victoria also offers ELICOS courses. Use HeadStart Academy's filters to explore other locations.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study at a CRICOS-registered provider. You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, have sufficient financial capacity, and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from MCIE will be required for the visa application. Note that this course is not designated for student guardian visa (Subclass 590). Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current visa conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a registered MARA agent for advice.
Applying for Cambridge First Certificate of English at Melbourne City Institute of Education involves three steps:
Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and location (Melbourne). Confirm that MCIE is the right fit for your goals.
Step 2: Apply directly to Melbourne City Institute of Education. Visit www.mcie.edu.au to review entry requirements, submit your application, and provide English test scores (if required). Application deadlines vary by intake.
Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once MCIE issues your CoE, lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring you meet the GTE, financial, and OSHC requirements. For personalised advice, speak to a registered migration agent.
Start your journey — check entry requirements and apply directly to MCIE at www.mcie.edu.au.
Cambridge First Certificate of English 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.