English for Academic Purposes (CRICOS course code 105280C) is a Non AQF Award delivered by OPERA EDUCATION GROUP PTY LTD over 36 weeks (~8 months). This course is designed to equip international students with the English language skills needed for tertiary study in Australia. As part of the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) field, it falls under the broad area of Society and Culture (Field of Education 091501). OPERA EDUCATION GROUP PTY LTD (CRICOS 03900F) is a private provider operating in the heart of Sydney. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free resource – we do not charge referral fees, and all data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. If you are considering studying English in Australia, this page gives you a clear overview of the course, costs, location, and visa requirements.
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English for Academic Purposes (CRICOS 105280C) is a Non AQF Award course, meaning it does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but prepares students for further study. It is classified under Field of Education 091501 (ELICOS) within the Society and Culture category. The course is delivered over 36 weeks (approximately 8 months) of full-time study. OPERA EDUCATION GROUP PTY LTD is a CRICOS-registered private provider (CRICOS 03900F) with a campus at Level 1, 303 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000. Sydney is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a vibrant study environment. This course is intended for students who need to improve their English to meet entry requirements for vocational or higher education courses in Australia.
As an ELICOS course, English for Academic Purposes focuses on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic context. Students typically learn how to write essays and reports, deliver presentations, take part in tutorials, and understand academic lectures. The curriculum also covers academic vocabulary, critical thinking, and research skills. While we cannot provide the specific syllabus for this course (which is set by the provider), graduates of similar ELICOS programs are generally able to function effectively in English-medium tertiary environments. The field of Language and Literature (0915) encompasses a range of language courses, with ELICOS being the most common for international students aiming to enter mainstream Australian education.
According to the CRICOS register, English for Academic Purposes (105280C) has a duration of 36 weeks, equivalent to approximately 8 months of full-time study. All instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification course – it does not lead to a dual award or combined qualification. The course is not classified as Foundation Studies, and there is no VET national code (it is not a VET course). Students are expected to attend classes on campus at the Sydney delivery location. The 36-week period includes any scheduled breaks, as is standard for CRICOS-registered courses.
Course fees shown are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change – always confirm directly with the provider before applying. For English for Academic Purposes at OPERA EDUCATION GROUP PTY LTD, the indicative tuition fee is A$10,500. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0. Therefore, the estimated total cost of the course is A$10,500. Please note: this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for student visa holders – typical costs range from A$500 to A$1,500 per year depending on coverage. Living expenses in Sydney are estimated at around A$21,000 per year according to the Department of Home Affairs. For current fees, visit the provider's website at www.operacollege.com.au.
English language requirements vary by provider – typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For English for Academic Purposes, providers often require a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 (or equivalent) with no band below 5.0. However, some providers accept lower scores for lower-level ELICOS courses. Prior qualifications: as this is a Non AQF Award, there is generally no requirement for prior Australian qualifications, but students must have completed their secondary education in their home country. Some providers may offer pathways from General English to Academic Purposes courses. We recommend you check the specific entry requirements with OPERA EDUCATION GROUP PTY LTD directly.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student holding a Student visa (Subclass 500), you may be eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Always check your visa conditions before undertaking any work.
English for Academic Purposes is delivered at Level 1, 303 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000. This is in the central business district of Sydney, Australia's largest city. Sydney has a student population of over 200,000 international students and is home to more than 200 CRICOS-registered providers. The campus is well-served by public transport, with Town Hall and Central Station within walking distance. Indicative living costs in Sydney: weekly rent for shared accommodation is around A$250–A$400, groceries A$70–A$150, and public transport A$40–A$60. These figures are guides only.
International students enrolling in English for Academic Purposes will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and English language proficiency (if required). As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory for the duration of your stay. For detailed visa guidance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (ELICOS) and city (Sydney). Ensure the provider (OPERA EDUCATION GROUP PTY LTD) is CRICOS-registered (03900F). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Contact OPERA EDUCATION GROUP PTY LTD via their website (www.operacollege.com.au) to check entry requirements, submit English test results, and learn about application deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, you will receive a CoE. Use it to apply for a student visa through the Department of Home Affairs.
Ready to start your English language journey in Sydney? Check the latest fees and entry requirements on the OPERA EDUCATION GROUP PTY LTD website.
English for Academic Purposes is a CRICOS-registered programme at OPERA EDUCATION GROUP 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.