English for Academic Purposes (CRICOS course code 098088K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Nortwest Pty Ltd over 24 weeks. This ELICOS program (Field of Education 091501) is designed for international students who need to develop their English language skills for academic study in Australia. Nortwest Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03256G) is a private provider with campuses in Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne. The course provides foundational language training to help students meet the English requirements of Australian universities and vocational institutions. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the standards set by the Australian Government for international student programs. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). HeadStart Academy is a free resource providing accurate, up-to-date information on over 26,000 courses across Australia.
English for Academic Purposes (CRICOS course code 098088K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Nortwest Pty Ltd over 24 weeks. This course sits within the field of Society and Culture, specifically Language and Literature (ELICOS). ELICOS programs are designed for non-native English speakers who need to improve their English proficiency for academic, professional, or personal purposes. The course is not a formal Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) award, but it provides language skills equivalent to upper-intermediate to advanced levels. Students who complete this course may be able to articulate into further studies at diploma or degree level, subject to meeting entry requirements. Nortwest Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS-registered provider (03256G) with multiple campuses across Australia. The indicative tuition fee is A$8,400 for the full 24-week program, with additional non-tuition fees of A$1,000, making the estimated total A$9,400. Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are not included. Always check the provider’s website for current fees as they are subject to change.
As an ELICOS program in Language and Literature, English for Academic Purposes focuses on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills for academic contexts. Students typically learn how to write essays and reports, take notes from lectures, participate in tutorials and seminars, and read academic texts critically. The curriculum emphasises academic vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Students also develop research skills and the ability to synthesise information from multiple sources. The course prepares learners for the language demands of undergraduate or postgraduate study in English-medium institutions. While HeadStart Academy does not provide specific syllabi, the learning outcomes align with the standards of the ELICOS sector. Graduates should be able to communicate effectively in academic settings, achieve required IELTS scores (often 5.5–7.0 overall), and progress to further studies. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and ELICOS programs are among the most popular for students transitioning to academic programs.
The course duration is 24 weeks (24 weeks as stated on the CRICOS register). It is delivered full-time in English. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. This is a single, standalone ELICOS program. Students should expect a minimum of 20 hours per week of face-to-face classroom instruction, though exact timetables vary by campus. The course is not offered online; all delivery is face-to-face. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. The language of instruction is English, and the course does not include any mandatory work component. Study load and contact hours are designed to meet the requirements of the Student visa (Subclass 500).
Indicative tuition fee: A$8,400. Indicative non-tuition fee: A$1,000. Estimated total: A$9,400. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. The non-tuition fee typically covers enrolment, administration, materials, and student services. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — approximately A$500–A$700 per year depending on provider and coverage; living expenses — budget approximately A$1,500–A$2,500 per month depending on city (rent, groceries, transport); visa application charge — currently A$1,600 (subject to change). Always confirm current fees directly with Nortwest Pty Ltd at www.nortwest.edu.au before applying. Fee payment is typically required at least one semester in advance. ESOS Act protections ensure that international students receive refunds if courses are not delivered as promised.
English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For English for Academic Purposes, students are expected to have an intermediate level of English, equivalent to IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall. Prior qualifications: Completion of secondary schooling or equivalent in home country. Students without formal qualifications may be accepted based on English assessment. Foundation/pathway options: This course itself is a pathway to further study; students should check with Nortwest Pty Ltd about progression to diploma or degree programs. There are no specific prerequisite subjects. Students must be at least 18 years old at course commencement. Visa requirements include genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria. Entry requirements may vary by campus — contact the provider for specific details.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holiday periods. Work rights are subject to visa conditions. The course itself is purely academic English instruction.
The course is delivered at the following locations: 531 George Street Sydney – Sydney, NSW; Adelaide Campus – Adelaide, SA; Level 2 77-79 York St Sydney NSW 2000 – Sydney, NSW; Melbourne Campus – Melbourne, VIC. All campuses are in major Australian cities with large international student populations. Sydney has over 100 CRICOS-registered providers; Adelaide and Melbourne each have over 50. Living costs vary: Sydney is the most expensive (weekly rent ~$500–$700), followed by Melbourne (~$400–$600), then Adelaide (~$300–$500). Public transport is accessible at all locations — Sydney and Melbourne have extensive train/bus/tram networks, and Adelaide has a reliable bus/train system. Students should consider commute times and accommodation proximity when choosing a campus.
To study this course in Australia, international students must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). You must hold a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a CRICOS-registered course like this one. Key requirements: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC), and English proficiency unless exempt. OSHC is mandatory for most student visa holders. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Visa processing times vary. Dependents may apply for a Subclass 500 or 590. For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Apply for English for Academic Purposes at Nortwest Pty Ltd in three steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy’s course search to find ELICOS programs. Filter by city, level, and provider type. Verify that Nortwest Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03256G) suits your needs. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit www.nortwest.edu.au to check specific entry requirements, English language test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL), and application deadlines. Submit your application with supporting documents (passport, academic transcripts, English test results). 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once accepted, Nortwest Pty Ltd will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa via ImmiAccount. Include financial evidence, OSHC confirmation, and GTE statement. Allow several weeks for processing.
Choosing the right city is crucial. Sydney is Australia’s largest city with a vibrant international student community (over 200,000 international students). It offers diverse culture and job opportunities but high living costs. Melbourne is known for its arts scene and slightly lower costs, with a similar student population. Adelaide is more affordable and has a relaxed lifestyle, with about 40,000 international students. All cities have excellent public transport and access to Nortwest Pty Ltd campuses. Consider your budget, preferred climate (Sydney and Adelaide are warmer; Melbourne cooler), and lifestyle. For English for Academic Purposes, any campus provides quality instruction, but smaller campuses may offer more personalised attention.
Start your academic journey in Australia — explore English for Academic Purposes at Nortwest Pty Ltd and apply today. Use HeadStart Academy's free tools to compare courses and providers.
English for Academic Purposes is a CRICOS-registered programme at Nortwest 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.