English for Health (OET Preparation) (CRICOS course code 097282E) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Box Hill Institute over 20 weeks. This course is designed to help international students develop the English language skills needed for the Occupational English Test (OET), which is recognised by healthcare regulatory bodies in Australia. As an ELICOS program (Field of Education 091501), it focuses on building proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking within a health context. Box Hill Institute is a government-owned TAFE institution (CRICOS 02411J) with over 50 years of experience in vocational education. The course is offered at three campuses in Victoria: Box Hill, Melbourne CBD, and Lilydale. With an indicative tuition fee of A$8,500, this program provides a pathway for students aiming to work as health professionals in Australia. All international students enrolled in CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. At HeadStart Academy, we source all data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to provide accurate, trustworthy information. Note that OSHC, living costs, and visa application fees are not included in the indicative fees.
English for Health (OET Preparation) (CRICOS 097282E) is a Non AQF Award-level program offered by Box Hill Institute, a CRICOS-registered provider (02411J) under the Victorian Government. This 20-week course is designed for international students who need to achieve a high level of English proficiency for healthcare settings, particularly to sit the OET. The course falls under the field of Society and Culture (09) and specifically ELICOS (091501), meaning it focuses on language development rather than a formal qualification. As a Non AQF Award, it does not lead to a degree or diploma but provides targeted English training. Graduates typically gain the listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills required for the OET, which is accepted by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and other bodies. The course is delivered in face-to-face mode at three Victorian campuses. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses in Australia, Box Hill Institute stands out for its industry connections and student support services. This course is ideal for healthcare professionals or students who need to demonstrate English competency for registration or further study.
As an ELICOS program in the field of Language and Literature (091501), this course develops skills in English for specific purposes—healthcare communication. While the exact syllabus is set by Box Hill Institute, students at this level typically learn to: (1) understand and produce complex medical texts, including patient records and research articles; (2) communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and healthcare teams; (3) demonstrate listening skills in clinical scenarios; (4) write professional correspondence and reports; (5) improve accuracy in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation relevant to health contexts. The course emphasises practical language use for the OET, which assesses communication in a medical workplace. Students engage in simulations, role-plays, and case studies to prepare for real-world interactions. Because this is a Non AQF Award, the focus is on competency rather than academic credit, but the skills are directly applicable to OET preparation and future employment. ELICOS programs in Australia must adhere to the National ELT Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) standards, ensuring quality teaching and resources.
The English for Health (OET Preparation) course runs for 20 weeks, as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time program delivered in English at one of three Box Hill Institute campuses. The course is a single qualification (not a dual award) and is classified as a Non AQF Award, meaning it does not lead to a formal Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) credential. However, it is specifically designed to prepare students for the OET, which is a recognised English proficiency test for health professionals. Study load typically includes 20 contact hours per week, plus self-study. Classes are conducted on-campus to maximise interaction and practice. There is no online or distance learning option for this course. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The language of instruction is English, and students are expected to have a minimum English level to enter the course (see entry requirements). Box Hill Institute provides a supportive learning environment with access to language labs, libraries, and student services.
The indicative tuition fee for English for Health (OET Preparation) is A$8,500 for the full 20-week program, as listed on the CRICOS register. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, but students should confirm directly with Box Hill Institute for any additional charges such as materials, uniforms, or excursions. The estimated total cost is A$8,500. Please note: this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students and costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year depending on the provider. Living expenses in Victoria are estimated at A$21,041 per year for a single student (Department of Home Affairs 2024), covering rent, food, and transport. The Student visa application charge is currently A$1,600 (subject to change). Always verify current fees with Box Hill Institute at www.boxhill.edu.au, as fees are subject to annual adjustments. HeadStart Academy sources fee data from the official CRICOS register but cannot guarantee amounts—they are indicative only.
Entry requirements for English for Health (OET Preparation) vary by provider. For this course, Box Hill Institute typically requires applicants to have an English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall, depending on the level of the OET preparation. Since the OET is targeted at health professionals, students are expected to have a background in healthcare or a related field—either through previous study or work experience. For Non AQF Awards, prior qualifications such as a high school certificate or a degree in health science may be beneficial but are not mandatory. International students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. Specific academic entry requirements should be confirmed with Box Hill Institute. Some students may enter through an English language pathway if they have completed a lower-level ELICOS course. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting the institution directly for the most current prerequisites.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component such as an internship, placement, or work experience. All 20 weeks are dedicated to classroom-based English language training. However, Student visa (Subclass 500) holders have work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during study terms and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This allows students to seek part-time employment to support themselves financially. Work must not interfere with course attendance. It is important to note that this course itself does not offer industry placement; any work is entirely student-initiated. For students seeking practical experience in Australian healthcare settings, additional pathways such as vocational placements in nursing or allied health may be considered separately.
Box Hill Institute delivers English for Health (OET Preparation) at three campuses in Victoria: (1) Box Hill Institute of TAFE - 465 Elgar Rd, Box Hill, VIC 3128; (2) City Campus - 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000; (3) Lilydale Lakeside Campus - 1 Jarlo Dr, Lilydale, VIC 3140. Each campus offers excellent public transport connections. Box Hill is a major suburban hub with train and bus services, approximately 20 minutes from Melbourne's CBD. City Campus is in the heart of Melbourne, close to Flinders Street Station and tram lines. Lilydale is in the outer east, with train and bus links. Melbourne has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers, making it a popular study destination. Living costs in Melbourne average A$450–A$600 per week for rent, A$80–A$100 for groceries, and A$40–A$60 for public transport. The city's multicultural environment and healthcare infrastructure provide an ideal setting for OET preparation.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. To obtain the visa, students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrate financial capacity (tuition plus living costs plus OSHC), and hold adequate health insurance. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory—usually arranged through the institution or independently. The visa application fee is A$1,600 (as of 2024, subject to change). Students must also maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress. ESOS Act protections ensure refund policies and complaint processes. Note: HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa guidance.
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city and a hub for health education, with over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering OET preparation and healthcare courses. When choosing this course, consider: (1) Location - Box Hill and Lilydale campuses offer suburban settings with lower living costs, while City Campus provides proximity to hospitals and clinics. (2) OET recognition - ensure the course prepares you for the OET sub-test you need (e.g., medicine, nursing, dentistry). (3) Pathway options - some providers offer direct entry to health diplomas or degrees upon achieving OET scores. (4) Support services - Box Hill Institute offers academic, career, and personal counselling. (5) Cost of living - Melbourne's weekly expenses average A$450–A$600 for rent, A$80 for food, and A$40 for transport. Compare with Sydney (A$500–A$700) and Brisbane (A$350–A$500). Overall, Melbourne's vibrant multicultural community and strong health sector make it an excellent choice for OET preparation.
Follow these three steps to enrol in English for Health (OET Preparation) at Box Hill Institute:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to explore courses like this one. Filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and location (Victoria). Verify the provider's CRICOS registration (Box Hill Institute: 02411J).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit www.boxhill.edu.au to check entry requirements, English language test scores (IELTS 5.5–7.0), and application deadlines. Submit your application with supporting documents (transcripts, passport, English test results).
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Box Hill Institute issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring you have OSHC and funds for tuition and living costs.
Start your OET preparation journey today. Check your eligibility and apply directly to Box Hill Institute.
English for Health (OET Preparation) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Box Hill Institute. 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.