English for Academic Purposes (CRICOS course code 111180A) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Penfold College Pty Ltd over 34 weeks (~8 months). If you are an international student aiming to improve your academic English skills for further study in Australia, this course provides the foundation you need. Delivered in Melbourne, Victoria, this ELICOS program focuses on language and literature skills essential for university or vocational pathways. Penfold College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03946C) is a private provider registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) as at April 2026. With 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses across Australia, you can trust that our data comes directly from the official register. This course is ideal for students who need to meet English language requirements for higher education. The indicative tuition fee is A$13,600, with non-tuition fees of A$2,000, making an estimated total of A$15,600. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are not included. HeadStart Academy is a free resource — no commission, no referral fees. We help you navigate the CRICOS register, compare providers, and understand student visa requirements. Remember, all institutions listed are CRICOS-registered, ensuring you are protected under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act.
This course falls under the field of education '09 - Society and Culture' with a focus on '0915 - Language and Literature' specifically '091501 - ELICOS'. As an English for Academic Purposes program, students typically develop advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic context. While the exact syllabus is set by Penfold College Pty Ltd, graduates of similar ELICOS programs gain the ability to comprehend lectures, participate in discussions, write essays, and conduct research in English. This level is non-award, meaning it does not lead to a formal qualification but prepares students for further study at diploma or degree level. According to the CRICOS register, this course is a single qualification with no dual or foundation study options. Students will engage with academic texts, practice academic writing conventions, and improve their pronunciation and fluency. The program is designed to bridge the gap between general English and the language demands of Australian higher education.
The English for Academic Purposes course at Penfold College Pty Ltd has a duration of 34 weeks (~8 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English, and it is offered as a single qualification (not a dual or combined award). There is no mandatory work component included in this course. Students are expected to attend classes full-time at the provider's campus. Melbourne, Victoria, is a vibrant student city with a large international student community. The city is home to numerous CRICOS-registered providers, offering students plenty of choices. Public transport is accessible, with trams and trains connecting the campus at Level 3 123 Lonsdale Street to the rest of Melbourne. Typical living costs in Melbourne include approximately A$200-400 per week for rent, A$80-100 for groceries, and A$40-60 for public transport. These costs are indicative and subject to change.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$13,600, with non-tuition fees of A$2,000, totaling an estimated A$15,600. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Penfold College Pty Ltd. Fees are subject to change, so always confirm directly with the provider before applying. Additionally, international students must budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders. OSHC typically costs around A$500-700 per year depending on the provider. Living costs in Melbourne, including accommodation, food, and transport, are estimated at A$21,041 per year by the Department of Home Affairs. The student visa (Subclass 500) also requires a visa application fee of approximately A$710. HeadStart Academy recommends using the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date financial capacity requirements.
English language requirements for this course vary by provider. For English for Academic Purposes, typical IELTS scores range from 5.5 to 7.0 overall, depending on the level of the course. Penfold College Pty Ltd may have specific requirements, so check their website or contact them directly. Prior qualifications: Since this is a Non AQF Award, there may be no specific academic prerequisites, but students should have completed secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12. Foundation or pathway options: This course itself is a pathway to further study. Refer to the provider for details on progression to diploma or degree programs. Remember, meeting the minimum English requirement does not guarantee admission; providers may have additional criteria. HeadStart Academy advises all students to verify entry requirements with the institution before applying.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a student visa holder (Subclass 500), you may be eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This can help offset living costs, but you must ensure that work does not interfere with your studies. Always check your visa conditions. For more details on student work rights, refer to the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only; for specific visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
This course is delivered at Level 3 123 Lonsdale Street MELBOURNE VIC 3000, in the heart of Melbourne's central business district. Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and is known for its cultural diversity, excellent education system, and high quality of life. The city is home to over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering hundreds of courses. Students can easily access the campus via public transport, with Flinders Street and Melbourne Central stations nearby. Living in Melbourne offers a vibrant student experience with numerous cafes, libraries, and student services. The indicative cost of living in Melbourne is higher than the national average but comparable to Sydney. HeadStart Academy's /states/vic page provides more information on studying in Victoria.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). To be eligible, you must hold a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Penfold College Pty Ltd. You will also need to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, have sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and hold adequate English proficiency (if not exempt). Student visa holders are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It is important to maintain enrolment, attendance, and progress as per your visa conditions. OSHC is mandatory. HeadStart Academy provides general information only. For personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs. For more details, see our student visa guide at /visa/student-visa-subclass-500.
Melbourne is one of Australia's most popular study destinations, with a large international student population and a diverse range of courses. The city offers a high quality of life, excellent public transport, and a thriving arts and food scene. However, living costs can be higher than in smaller cities. With over 50 CRICOS-registered providers in Melbourne alone, you have plenty of choices for English language and academic programs. Consider your lifestyle preferences: if you enjoy a bustling city environment with many cultural activities, Melbourne is ideal. If you prefer a quieter setting, you might explore regional providers. HeadStart Academy's /study/society-and-culture/melbourne page lists all society and culture courses in Melbourne. Remember, all courses listed are CRICOS-registered, so you are protected by the ESOS Act.
Follow these three steps to apply for English for Academic Purposes at Penfold College Pty Ltd:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (Society and Culture), and city (Melbourne). Compare providers like Penfold College Pty Ltd to find the best fit for your goals.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Ensure you meet the entry requirements, including English language proficiency (IELTS 5.5-7.0 typically). Submit your application through Penfold College Pty Ltd's admissions portal or via their website. Include your academic transcripts, English test scores, and passport copy. Note any application deadlines.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you receive your CoE, you can proceed to lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs. You'll need to provide evidence of financial capacity, OSHC, and GTE. After visa grant, you can plan your travel and accommodation in Melbourne.
HeadStart Academy is here to help you navigate each step with reliable information and resources.
Ready to take the next step? Explore your study options in Melbourne or start your application with Penfold College Pty Ltd today.
English for Academic Purposes is a CRICOS-registered programme at Penfold College 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.