Are you looking to prove your English proficiency with the Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) exam? The Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) Preparation Course (CRICOS course code 102779M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by SMEAG AUSTRALIA PTY LTD over 12 weeks. This course is designed to equip international students with the skills needed to succeed in the CAE exam and is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). SMEAG Australia is a private provider (CRICOS 03718D) with campuses in Melbourne and Mildura. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring you study with a trusted institution under the ESOS Act protections. Read on for details on fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa eligibility.
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Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) Preparation Course (CRICOS course code 102779M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by SMEAG AUSTRALIA PTY LTD over 12 weeks. This course falls under the field of education 09 - Society and Culture (0915 - Language and Literature, 091501 - ELICOS). As an ELICOS course, it focuses on developing English language skills to a level where students can confidently sit the Cambridge English Advanced exam, which is widely recognised by universities, employers, and governments globally. While the CRICOS register does not specify a detailed syllabus, typical CAE preparation includes intensive reading, writing, listening, and speaking practice, as well as exam strategies. Graduates of this level should achieve an English proficiency equivalent to CEFR level C1 or higher. Studying an ELICOS course in Australia offers the advantage of immersive language learning in an English-speaking environment.
The Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) Preparation Course runs for 12 weeks, as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — no dual or concurrent awards. The course does not include foundation studies or a VET national code. Students study full-time, which is a standard requirement for maintaining a student visa. The 12-week duration is ideal for intensive exam preparation, and classes are typically scheduled Monday to Friday. SMEAG Australia may offer part-time options, but always confirm with the provider to ensure your visa conditions are met.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$3,840, with non-tuition fees listed as A$0, bringing the estimated total to A$3,840. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm the current fees directly with SMEAG Australia through their website: https://brightenglish.vic.edu.au/. Note that tuition fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the Student visa application charge. For Melbourne, indicative living costs (weekly rent, groceries, transport) are around A$450–A$600 per week. You'll need to budget for these additional expenses when planning your studies. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, and data comes from the official CRICOS register.
Entry requirements for the Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) Preparation Course vary by provider. Ideally, students should have an intermediate to upper-intermediate level of English. Typical IELTS scores for this level range from 5.5 to 7.0 overall, depending on the course level. Prior qualifications expected include completion of secondary school or equivalent. Foundation or pathway options are not standard for this course; however, you can contact SMEAG Australia to discuss options if you do not meet the English requirements. Always check the provider's specific entry criteria before applying. For visa purposes, you will need to demonstrate English proficiency as part of your Student visa application.
This course has no work component. It does not include a mandatory work placement or internship. However, as a Student visa (Subclass 500) holder, you may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This can help with living costs while studying.
The Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) Preparation Course is delivered at three locations in Victoria: - Level 1, 318 King Street Melbourne VIC 3000 — Melbourne CBD - MEL-CBD Queen St Campus — Melbourne, VIC - Shop 2 840 Fifteenth St Mildura — Mildura, VIC Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, home to over 5 million people, with a vibrant international student community of over 150,000. The city has excellent public transport, including trams, trains, and buses. Indicative weekly rent in Melbourne: A$250–A$400 for shared accommodation. Mildura is a regional city in northwestern Victoria, with a smaller student population and lower living costs — weekly rent around A$150–A$250. Both locations offer access to libraries, cafes, and study spaces.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). ELICOS courses are typically eligible for the ELICOS sector visa stream. Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, travel), and English proficiency. Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during breaks. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent — consult a MARA agent for personalised advice. ESOS Act protections apply, ensuring your course fees are protected and you have access to a complaints process.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) Preparation Course at SMEAG AUSTRALIA PTY LTD: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field (Society and Culture), and city (Melbourne or Mildura). Confirm the course is registered with CRICOS. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the provider's website (https://brightenglish.vic.edu.au/), check entry requirements and English test scores (e.g., IELTS 5.5–7.0), and submit your application before the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. You'll need to show evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE compliance.
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Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) Preparation Course is a CRICOS-registered programme at SMEAG 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.