Are you looking to prepare for the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-A) in Australia? The PTE-A Exam Preparation Course (CRICOS course code 096939K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by QIBA Pty Ltd (CRICOS 01515J) over 24 weeks. This course is designed to equip international students with the English language skills and exam strategies needed to succeed in the PTE-A test. As an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students) program under the field of Society and Culture – Language and Literature, it focuses on listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free resource to help you understand the course structure, fees, entry requirements, and student visa pathways. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.
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PTE-A Exam Preparation Course (CRICOS course code 096939K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by QIBA Pty Ltd over 24 weeks. This course falls under the field of education 091501 – ELICOS, which is part of the broader Society and Culture discipline. It is a single qualification course with no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The course language is English, and there is no mandatory work component. QIBA Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 01515J) with campuses in Canberra and Sydney. International students are protected under the ESOS Act 2000, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this course is one of them.
As an ELICOS course, the PTE-A Exam Preparation Course is designed to improve your English proficiency to a level required for the PTE-A test. Students typically develop skills in academic English, including listening to lectures, reading academic texts, writing essays, and speaking in formal contexts. The course also covers test-taking strategies, time management, and familiarisation with the PTE-A computer-based format. While the exact syllabus is set by QIBA Pty Ltd, ELICOS programs generally align with the Australian Core Skills Framework. Graduates may progress to further study or use the PTE-A score for university admissions or migration purposes.
The course duration is 24 weeks (24 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register). It is a full-time program delivered in English. This is a single qualification (Non AQF Award) with no dual qualification option. Study mode is likely face-to-face at the provider's campuses. International students should ensure they maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for the PTE-A Exam Preparation Course is A$13,000. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$800, bringing the estimated total to A$13,800. Please note that these fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are set by the institution. Always confirm current fees directly with QIBA Pty Ltd at www.qiba.edu.au before applying. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent, groceries, transport), and the visa application charge for the Student visa (Subclass 500). OSHC is mandatory for international students; you can compare OSHC policies on the HeadStart Academy OSHC guide.
English language requirements vary by provider and course level. For ELICOS courses like this, providers typically require an IELTS score between 5.5 and 7.0 overall, or equivalent. QIBA Pty Ltd will have its own entry requirements—check their website for details. Prior qualifications expected at this level: generally, students should have completed secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 11 or 12. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet the English requirement; refer to the provider for options. HeadStart Academy cannot guarantee admission; always verify requirements directly with the institution.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a Student visa (Subclass 500) holder, you may have work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. These conditions are subject to your visa and must be checked on the Department of Home Affairs website.
This course is delivered at two locations: Level 1 15 Moore Street, CANBERRA, ACT 2601, and SYDNEY CBD CAMPUS - Level 5, Sydney, NSW 2000. Canberra is Australia's capital city with a compact student population; it has a high concentration of educational providers. Sydney is a major international hub with over 200 CRICOS-registered providers. Both campuses are accessible by public transport. Living costs vary by city: in Canberra, indicative weekly rent is around A$250–400, while in Sydney, it ranges from A$350–600. These are guides only.
International students enroling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course, maintain OSHC, demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria, and show financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. After course completion, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet requirements. Always consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice.
Follow these 3 steps to apply for the PTE-A Exam Preparation Course at QIBA Pty Ltd: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register and HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements, submit English test scores (e.g., IELTS), and meet application deadlines. QIBA Pty Ltd's website (www.qiba.edu.au) will have application forms. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once QIBA issues a CoE, lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring you have OSHC and meet GTE requirements. HeadStart Academy is here to guide you through the process, but we do not provide migration advice.
Ready to enrol? Visit QIBA Pty Ltd's website for application details, or explore more ELICOS courses on HeadStart Academy.
PTE-A Exam Preparation Course is a CRICOS-registered programme at QIBA 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.