Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (CRICOS course code 114626G) is a Certificate IV delivered by Technical and Further Education Commission over 1 year at TAFE NSW Ultimo. This course is designed for international students seeking to build foundational skills for tertiary study in Australia. It covers academic English, study techniques, and critical thinking within the field of General Education Programmes (Field of Education 120199). As a VET course (national code 11225NAT), it serves as a pathway to higher education. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is one of them. HeadStart Academy provides this information free of charge with no referral fees.
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This Certificate IV course falls under Mixed Field Programmes, specifically General Education Programmes. Students develop core competencies in academic writing, research, digital literacy, and independent learning. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in diploma or degree-level studies. While specific units are set by the provider, typical learning outcomes include effective communication, problem-solving, and self-management. The course does not specify a dual qualification or foundation studies component.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification (not a dual award). There is no mandatory work component. Students are expected to attend full-time study at the campus location. This structure allows for steady progression towards tertiary readiness.
Tuition fees are set at A$18,300 for the full program, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, bringing the estimated total to A$18,300. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. It is essential to confirm current fees with Technical and Further Education Commission (TAFE NSW) directly via their international website at https://www.tafensw.edu.au/international. Fees are subject to change and are indicative based on CRICOS data as at April 2026.
International students typically require an IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent) for entry into a Certificate IV course. Prior academic qualifications equivalent to Australian Year 10 or completion of a Certificate III are expected. Some providers may offer foundation or pathway programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Always check with TAFE NSW for specific prerequisites and English language requirements.
This course has no work component. It does not include mandatory work placement or internship hours. Students can still engage in part-time work under their student visa conditions (up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks).
The course is delivered at TAFE NSW Ultimo in ULTIMO, New South Wales. Ultimo is a central Sydney suburb, adjacent to the CBD, with excellent public transport access including trains, buses, and light rail. Sydney has a large international student population (over 150,000) and numerous CRICOS-registered providers. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, with indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom unit around A$500–600, groceries A$80–120, and transport A$40–50. The campus is within walking distance of Darling Harbour and Chinatown.
International students on this course will require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Conditions include maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, adequate OSHC health cover, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks. It is important to comply with visa conditions. For personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation at Technical and Further Education Commission: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's free tool to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that Technical and Further Education Commission (00591E) is the right provider for you. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit TAFE NSW's international website, check entry requirements (including English test scores and academic qualifications), and submit your application before the deadline. 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 your visa online through the Department of Home Affairs.
Sydney is Australia's largest city and a global education hub with over 150,000 international students. It offers diverse cultural experiences, world-class dining, and iconic landmarks. However, it is also the most expensive city in Australia for living costs. For this particular course, TAFE NSW Ultimo's central location provides easy access to libraries, public transport, and student services. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences when deciding. HeadStart Academy helps you compare study destinations across Australia, including regional areas with lower living costs.
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View the full Technical and Further Education Commission profile →
Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation is a CRICOS-registered programme at Technical and Further Education Commission. 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.