Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (CRICOS course code 116389K) is a Certificate IV delivered by Shafston International Pty Ltd over 26 weeks (~6 months). This course is designed for international students who wish to build foundational academic skills for further study. As a Mixed Field Programme (General Education), it provides broad preparation for tertiary education. Registered on the CRICOS register (provider code 03917H), this course is fully compliant with Australian standards for international student enrolments. Students who complete this qualification may progress to higher education courses at Australian universities or vocational institutions. The course is taught in English and is available at two locations in Queensland: Kangaroo Point (Brisbane) and Southport (Gold Coast). With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000 courses available, HeadStart Academy helps you find the right fit for your study goals. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
This qualification falls under the field of General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes (120101). At AQF Level 4, students develop broad factual and technical knowledge in a range of contexts. They learn to apply knowledge and skills to complete routine and non-routine tasks, demonstrating autonomy and judgment. For this specific course, the curriculum likely covers core academic skills such as critical thinking, research methods, written communication, mathematics, and digital literacy, preparing students for university-level study. The exact syllabus is set by Shafston International Pty Ltd; contact them for detailed subject outlines. Graduates emerge with the confidence to transition into diploma or bachelor programs across various disciplines.
The course runs for 26 weeks (approximately 6 months) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual qualification) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes as scheduled at their chosen campus. The CRICOS register confirms a duration of 26 weeks, making it an intensive yet manageable pathway to further study.
Tuition fee: A$23,000 (indicative). Non-tuition fees: A$500. Estimated total: A$23,500. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student according to Department of Home Affairs), and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always check the provider's website for the most current fees before applying.
English language proficiency: IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent). Academic entry requirements: Completion of Year 12 or equivalent qualification. For international students, prior qualifications must be assessed by the provider. Foundation or pathway options: Contact Shafston International directly for details on alternative entry pathways or English language programs that may lead to this course. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; the provider makes the final decision.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work placement. However, student visa holders (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Work rights are subject to visa conditions. Always check your visa grant for specific conditions.
This course is delivered at two Shafston International campuses in Queensland: 1) 46 Thorn Street, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169 (Brisbane area) and 2) Gold Coast Shafston - 72 Nerang Street, Southport QLD 4215. Both campuses are in vibrant student hubs. Brisbane is home to over 160,000 international students across multiple universities and colleges, offering a diverse urban experience with good public transport. The Gold Coast provides a beachside lifestyle with a growing student community. Living costs in Brisbane are around A$350–500 per week for rent, groceries, and transport; Gold Coast is similar. Both locations are well-connected by bus and light rail.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Visa conditions include maintaining satisfactory course progress and attendance, holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay, and adhering to work restrictions (48 hours per fortnight during term). The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement must be satisfied. Applicants should demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring quality and consumer rights.
Queensland offers a sunny climate, affordable living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, and a strong international student community. Brisbane and the Gold Coast have excellent public transport, and both cities host major universities and vocational colleges. With over 200 CRICOS-registered providers in the state alone, you'll find diverse study options. Consider your preference for city life (Brisbane) or coastal lifestyle (Gold Coast). HeadStart Academy's state guides can help you compare. Remember to factor in Queensland's humidity in summer and cyclone season. Overall, it's a welcoming destination with ample support services for international students.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation at Shafston International Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's search tool to filter courses by level, field, and location. Find this course under provider 03917H. 2. Apply directly to Shafston International: Check entry requirements, submit English test scores (e.g., IELTS), and meet application deadlines. Prepare certified copies of your academic transcripts and passport. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use it to lodge your visa application online. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent.
Ready to apply? Start your journey with HeadStart Academy. Search for more courses or contact Shafston International directly.
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation 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.