Preparation Course for the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency Exam (CRICOS course code 106240C) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Shafston International Pty Ltd over 10 weeks. This intensive program is designed for international students aiming to achieve a high level of English proficiency and successfully sit the Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) exam. Shafston International Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03917H) is a private education provider with campuses in Kangaroo Point (Brisbane), Southport (Gold Coast), and Sydney. As a CRICOS-registered provider, Shafston meets strict Australian Government standards for delivering courses to overseas students. The course falls under the field of education 091501 – ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring you receive quality education under the ESOS Act protections. With over 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses across Australia, you can trust that your study choices are well-informed.
Preparation Course for the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency Exam (CRICOS course code 106240C) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Shafston International Pty Ltd over 10 weeks. This course is specifically tailored to prepare international students for the Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) examination, which is the highest level of Cambridge English Qualifications. The course focuses on advanced language skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as well as exam techniques and practice tests. It is classified under the field of education 091501 – ELICOS, which encompasses English language instruction for non-native speakers. As an ELICOS course, it aims to improve overall English proficiency to a near-native level. Graduates of this course are well-equipped to pursue academic or professional opportunities where advanced English is required. The provider, Shafston International Pty Ltd, has been delivering English language programs for many years and is known for its supportive learning environment.
The course is designed to develop all four language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—to a C2 proficiency level as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Students will engage with complex texts, practice advanced writing tasks such as essays and reports, participate in intensive listening exercises, and refine their spoken fluency through discussions and presentations. Special emphasis is placed on exam strategies, time management, and practice tests to build confidence. While the specific syllabus is set by Shafston International Pty Ltd, typical ELICOS courses at this level cover a range of authentic materials from academic and professional contexts. Students also learn to use idiomatic language and precise vocabulary to express nuanced ideas. By the end of the course, learners should be able to understand virtually everything heard or read and express themselves spontaneously and fluently.
The course is delivered over 10 weeks (10 weeks as per the CRICOS register). It is a full-time program with instruction in English. This is a single qualification course, meaning it does not lead to a dual qualification or include integrated foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes regularly and participate in self-study outside of class. The intensive nature of the course requires a high level of commitment. Shafston offers multiple intake dates throughout the year, allowing flexibility for international students planning their arrival in Australia. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the duration is fixed and must be completed within the specified timeframe to meet student visa conditions. Check the provider's website for exact start dates and class schedules.
The indicative fees for this course are as follows: - Tuition fee: A$4,500 - Non-tuition fee: A$430 - Estimated total: A$4,930 These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Shafston International Pty Ltd. Please note that the total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. International students should budget for additional costs: OSHC (around A$500–A$700 per year), living expenses (indicative A$21,041 per year for a single student), and visa application fees (A$710 as of 2024). Always confirm current fees directly with Shafston International Pty Ltd before applying, as fees are subject to change. HeadStart Academy provides indicative data only and recommends checking the provider's official website for the most up-to-date information.
English language requirements for the Preparation Course for the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency Exam vary by provider. Typically, students are expected to have an English proficiency level equivalent to IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall, depending on the course level. Since this is a high-level course preparing for CPE, a strong command of English is necessary. Prior qualifications such as completion of a higher-level English course or successful completion of Cambridge First (FCE) or Advanced (CAE) may be required. Shafston International Pty Ltd may also require students to sit a placement test upon arrival to determine suitability. For entry requirements specific to this course, refer to the provider's website or contact their admissions team. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable to this Non AQF Award. If you do not meet the English requirements, you may consider enrolling in a lower-level ELICOS course first.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. It is purely academic in nature, focusing on language instruction and exam preparation. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work rights are automatically granted when the visa is approved, but students must not rely on work to cover tuition or living costs. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current work conditions.
This course is delivered at four locations across Australia: - 46 Thorn Street, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169 (Kangaroo Point, Brisbane) – This campus is in a leafy suburb near the Brisbane River, close to the city centre and public transport. - Gold Coast Shafston – 72 Nerang Street, Southport QLD 4215 (Southport, Gold Coast) – Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, a popular destination for international students with many cafés and beaches. - Shafston Gold Coast (Southport) – same as above. - Shafston Sydney Campus – Level 24, 233 Castlereagh St Sydney NSW 2000 (Sydney CBD) – In the central business district, within walking distance of transport and amenities. Brisbane has over 150 CRICOS-registered providers, the Gold Coast more than 70, and Sydney over 400. Living costs vary: in Brisbane, indicative weekly rent is A$250–A$350; Gold Coast A$280–A$380; Sydney A$350–A$500. All campuses are accessible via public transport. The provider may offer the course at more than one location; check with Shafston.
With campuses in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, this course offers you the chance to study in two of Australia's most vibrant states. Queensland enjoys a subtropical climate with warm weather year-round, making it ideal for students who love outdoor activities. Brisbane, as the state capital, has a large international student community and a lower cost of living compared to Sydney. The Gold Coast is famous for its beaches and tourism industry, offering a relaxed lifestyle. However, if you prefer a fast-paced metropolitan environment, the Sydney campus provides a central location in Australia's largest city. Consider your personal preferences for climate, lifestyle, and budget when choosing a campus. Queensland's student population is diverse, with many support services available for international students.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). To apply, you must first receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Shafston International Pty Ltd. Key visa requirements include: - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion – you must demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily for study. - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – mandatory health insurance for the duration of your stay. - Financial capacity – evidence you can cover tuition, living costs, and travel. - English proficiency – unless exempt, you must provide test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL). Current student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Visa conditions may change; always consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Preparation Course for the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency Exam at Shafston International Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's course search to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and location. Verify Shafston's CRICOS code 03917H and confirm the course is still registered (CRICOS course code 106240C). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Shafston International's official website to check entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application online with required documents (e.g., academic transcripts, English test results, passport). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Shafston will issue a CoE. Then lodge your visa application through the Department of Home Affairs, including OSHC and evidence of financial capacity. Attend a visa interview if required. Need help? HeadStart Academy provides free guides but does not process applications.
Ready to take the next step? Follow the 3-step application process above to apply for the Preparation Course for the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency Exam at Shafston International Pty Ltd. Start your journey towards a high-level English qualification today!
Preparation Course for the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency Exam is a CRICOS-registered programme at Shafston International 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.