First Certificate English Preparation Course (CRICOS course code 096945A) is a Non AQF Award delivered by INUS Australia Pty Ltd over 10 weeks. This ELICOS program, classified under the Society and Culture field (091501 - ELICOS), provides international students with targeted English language preparation for the Cambridge First Certificate exam. INUS Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03341K) is a private provider with campuses in Melbourne (Parkville and Queen St), Pyrmont (Sydney), and other locations. The indicative total fee is A$3,900 (tuition A$3,500 + non-tuition A$400). As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. Whether you plan to use English for study, work, or daily life, this course offers a structured pathway to improve your language skills. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free, independent resource sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
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First Certificate English Preparation Course (096945A) is an ELICOS program designed to enhance your English proficiency to the level required for the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) exam. The course focuses on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, with an emphasis on practical communication in academic and everyday contexts. As a Non AQF Award, it does not lead to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification, but it equips students with the language competence needed for further study or employment. The curriculum typically covers grammar, vocabulary, and exam strategies, preparing you for the FCE assessment. While the specific syllabus is set by INUS Australia, all ELICOS providers must adhere to the National ELT Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) quality standards. This course is ideal for students at an intermediate English level who wish to achieve an upper-intermediate (B2) proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
The course duration is 10 weeks, as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered in English by qualified instructors. This is a single qualification course, meaning it is not part of a dual or packaged program. Full-time attendance is expected for international students to maintain visa compliance. Classes may be offered in a variety of delivery modes, such as face-to-face at one of INUS Australia’s campuses or online (depending on provider arrangements). The standard student visa (Subclass 500) requires a minimum of 20 hours of study per week for ELICOS courses. The 10-week duration allows students to complete one intensive term and then progress to further English studies or other courses. It's important to confirm the exact schedule with INUS Australia, as start dates may vary throughout the year.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$3,500, with non-tuition fees of A$400 (including enrolment, materials, and administration costs), giving an estimated total of A$3,900. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – typically A$500–$700 per year for single cover; living expenses such as rent (approximately A$300–$500 per week in Melbourne/Sydney), food (A$80–$150 per week), and transport (A$30–$50 per week); and the student visa application charge (currently A$710 as of 2025). Always check the official INUS Australia website for current fees and any special promotions. The total cost of studying in Australia can range from A$20,000 to A$30,000 per year depending on lifestyle and location. As HeadStart Academy, we advise budgeting carefully and exploring scholarship opportunities if available.
English language requirements vary by provider – typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For this ELICOS course, a lower level may be acceptable as it is a preparation program. However, INUS Australia may require proof of English proficiency via IELTS, TOEFL, or an internal placement test. Prior qualifications expected for this Non AQF Award level are minimal – usually completion of secondary schooling in your home country. Foundation or pathway options: If your English is below the required level, the provider may offer a general English course or a pre-First Certificate program. Contact INUS Australia directly for their specific entry criteria. All international students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and have sufficient funds for tuition and living costs. Note that these requirements are guidelines; always verify with the provider and the Department of Home Affairs.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. This means that the course is purely academic without a required internship or workplace training. However, as an international student holding a valid Student visa (Subclass 500), you may still be eligible to work part-time while studying – up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Work opportunities are not guaranteed and are subject to visa conditions. The absence of a work component does not affect your ability to seek employment; it simply means the course itself does not integrate practical work experience. If you are interested in courses with a work placement, consider VET programs or higher education degrees that include internships.
This course is delivered at three campuses of INUS Australia Pty Ltd: (1) INUS Australia Pty Ltd T/S INUS English PARKVILLE – Parkville, Victoria, a suburb near Melbourne's CBD, known for its proximity to the Royal Melbourne Hospital and University of Melbourne. (2) INUS Australia Pty Ltd T/S INUS English PYRMONT – Pyrmont, New South Wales, a vibrant harbourside suburb of Sydney, close to Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD. (3) INUS English Level 1 341 Queen St Melbourne – Melbourne, Victoria, in the heart of the city's central business district. Both Melbourne and Sydney are major international student destinations, each hosting over 200,000 international students and hundreds of CRICOS-registered providers. Public transport is excellent – trams and buses serve Parkville and Queen St in Melbourne; Pyrmont is well-connected by light rail and bus. Living costs in these cities are among Australia's highest, with average weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$250–$400. Choose a campus that best fits your preferred study environment.
International students enrolling in this course require a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia on a CRICOS-registered course. Key conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a registered course, attending at least 80% of scheduled contact hours, and achieving satisfactory academic progress. You must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. On a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is a critical criterion – you must demonstrate that your intention is to study temporarily. Financial capacity evidence (tuition, living expenses, and OSHC) is also required. After completing your course, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) depending on your qualification level. For personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy provides information only and does not give immigration advice.
Follow these steps to apply for First Certificate English Preparation Course at INUS Australia Pty Ltd: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use the official CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to verify that the course (CRICOS 096945A) and provider (CRICOS 03341K) are registered. Compare this course with other ELICOS options to ensure it meets your goals. Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution. Visit the INUS Australia website (www.inusaustralia.com.au) to check specific entry requirements, English language test scores (if any), and application deadlines. Complete the application form and submit required documents (e.g., passport, academic transcripts, English test results). You may also need to pay a deposit or enrolment fee. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once INUS Australia issues your CoE, you can apply for a visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Provide the CoE, OSHC evidence, financial proof, and any other required documents. After visa grant, you can start your course on the indicated start date.
Both Melbourne and Sydney are world-class cities for international students, but they offer different experiences. Melbourne is known for its arts, culture, and coffee, with a slightly lower cost of living than Sydney. It has a large Asian population and excellent public transport (trams, trains, buses). Sydney boasts iconic landmarks like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, with a more expensive lifestyle but diverse job opportunities. For an ELICOS course, consider factors like climate, lifestyle, and proximity to support networks. Both cities have vibrant international student communities, with many English-language schools and pathways to further study. If you prefer a bustling city centre, the Queen St or Pyrmont campuses are ideal. For a quieter environment, Parkville offers a leafy university precinct. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences and long-term study goals. HeadStart Academy provides detailed location guides to help you decide.
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First Certificate English Preparation Course is a CRICOS-registered programme at INUS Australia 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.