Pearson Test of English Preparation (CRICOS course code 116872K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Milestone English Academy Pty Ltd over 28 weeks (~6 months). This course is designed to equip international students with the skills and strategies needed to achieve their target score on the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, a computer-based English language test accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide and for Australian visa purposes. Based in Carlton, Victoria, this program focuses on enhancing reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities within an English-speaking environment. With an indicative tuition fee of A$8,400 and a total estimated cost of A$8,900 (excluding OSHC, living expenses, and visa fees), it offers a structured pathway to meet English proficiency requirements for further study or migration. Milestone English Academy Pty Ltd is a CRICOS-registered provider (03496B), ensuring that international students are protected under the ESOS Act. All data on HeadStart Academy is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, providing you with reliable and up-to-date information to make informed decisions about your study journey in Australia.
The Pearson Test of English Preparation course (CRICOS 116872K) is classified under the field of education '0915 Language and Literature' (ELICOS) at the Non AQF Award level. This means it does not lead to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification but rather provides focused language training to meet specific test readiness goals. Delivered by Milestone English Academy Pty Ltd, a private institution with CRICOS registration 03496B, the course is offered exclusively at their Carlton campus in Melbourne. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment, ensuring that students receive quality education and consumer protections under the ESOS Act. The course is designed for students who need to demonstrate English proficiency for entry into Australian universities, vocational programs, or for skilled migration purposes. With Australia hosting over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, choosing a CRICOS-registered course like this one is the first step toward a safe and compliant study experience.
While specific syllabi are set by the provider, a Pearson Test of English Preparation course typically covers all four macro-skills assessed in the PTE Academic: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Students engage in practice tests, timed exercises, and personalised feedback to improve their performance in areas such as essay writing, summarising spoken text, and oral fluency. The course also focuses on test-taking strategies, time management, and familiarisation with the computer-based test format. Given its ELICOS classification, the instruction is delivered entirely in English, immersing students in an academic English environment that accelerates language acquisition. Graduates of this course are expected to approach the PTE Academic with greater confidence and improved scores, enabling them to meet the English language requirements of their chosen destination. It's important to note that this is a Non AQF Award, so it is not equivalent to a diploma or degree but serves as a targeted preparation program for the PTE exam.
According to the CRICOS register, the Pearson Test of English Preparation course has a duration of 28 weeks (~6 months). This full-time program requires students to maintain a study load consistent with student visa conditions. The language of instruction is English, and the course is delivered as a single qualification with no dual or foundation study component. The 28-week duration allows for comprehensive coverage of test content and ample practice time. Students should be prepared for a structured timetable with classes held at the provider's campus in Carlton. The course is not available online or via distance learning; attendance is expected at the physical location. For international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500), maintaining full-time enrolment is mandatory, and any changes to study load must be approved by the provider to ensure visa compliance.
The indicative tuition fee for Pearson Test of English Preparation is A$8,400, with non-tuition fees (such as enrolment, materials, and administration) estimated at A$500, bringing the total estimated cost to A$8,900. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm the current fees directly with Milestone English Academy Pty Ltd by visiting their official website at www.milestones.vic.edu.au. Additional costs not included in the total are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — mandatory for international students (see our OSHC guide); living expenses — estimated at around A$25,000–30,000 per year depending on lifestyle and location; and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500). HeadStart Academy does not charge any fees or receive commissions; we provide this information as a free resource to help you plan your study budget.
Entry requirements for Pearson Test of English Preparation vary by provider. Typically, for ELICOS programs, students need to demonstrate a minimum English proficiency level, often equivalent to IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall, depending on the course level. Some providers may accept other English tests like TOEFL or PTE scores. Additionally, students should have completed secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 11 or 12. Since this is a Non AQF Award, specific academic prerequisites may be less strict than for degree programs. For exact entry criteria, contact Milestone English Academy Pty Ltd directly. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable to this course, but if you need to improve your English before taking the PTE Preparation course, the provider may offer lower-level ELICOS programs. Note that meeting entry requirements does not guarantee a visa; you must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and financial capacity criteria for the Student visa.
This course has no mandatory work component. It is purely academic preparation for the PTE exam. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This work right allows students to gain part-time experience and supplement their living costs. Always check your visa conditions before starting any employment.
The course is delivered at a single location: Level 1, 252 Lygon Street, Carlton VIC 3053. Carlton is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Melbourne, known for its Italian heritage and proximity to the University of Melbourne. The campus is well-served by public transport, including tram routes along Lygon Street and Swanston Street, and is within walking distance of Melbourne Central Station. Carlton has a large student population, with many cafes, libraries, and study spaces. Indicative living costs in Melbourne are around A$450–600 per week for rent, A$80–120 for groceries, and A$40–60 for public transport. The suburb is safe and culturally diverse, making it an attractive choice for international students.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Milestone English Academy Pty Ltd, proof of genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and English proficiency (if not already demonstrated). Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory — see our dedicated OSHC page for details. The visa application fee is currently A$1,600 (subject to change). For personalised visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agency and does not provide immigration advice.
Applying for the Pearson Test of English Preparation course at Milestone English Academy Pty Ltd involves three simple steps. First, research CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy — filter by course level, field, and city to compare options. Second, apply directly to your chosen institution by meeting their entry requirements, providing English test scores if required, and submitting all necessary documents before the application deadline. Third, once you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Milestone English Academy, you can apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and prepare your GTE statement. For step-by-step guidance, explore our student visa resources on HeadStart Academy.
Carlton is a prime location for international students, especially those studying at institutions near the University of Melbourne and RMIT. With over 150 CRICOS-registered providers in Victoria alone, Melbourne offers a rich educational ecosystem. The suburb is known for its cultural diversity, affordable housing options (shared apartments around A$250–350 per week), and excellent public transport connectivity via trams and trains. The cost of living in Melbourne is moderate compared to Sydney, with weekly groceries averaging A$80–120 and a monthly transport pass around A$150. Carlton is also close to the Melbourne CBD, offering part-time job opportunities in hospitality and retail. However, consider your personal preferences for climate (Melbourne has four seasons in one day) and the competitive nature of the city. If you thrive in a bustling, multicultural environment with access to world-class amenities, Carlton could be an ideal study destination.
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Pearson Test of English Preparation is a CRICOS-registered programme at Milestone English Academy 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.