IELTS Preparation Course Level 1 and 2 (CRICOS course code 117014M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Western Star Academy Pty Ltd over 26 weeks (~6 months). This course is designed for international students aiming to improve their English proficiency specifically for the IELTS exam, which is widely recognised for study, work, and migration purposes. Located in North Sydney, New South Wales, the course is part of the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) sector under the field of Society and Culture (Language and Literature). As a CRICOS-registered course, international students can enrol with confidence, knowing it meets Australian education quality standards. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) sources all course data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you find genuine, accredited study options.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
IELTS Preparation Course Level 1 and 2 (CRICOS course code 117014M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Western Star Academy Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04260C) over 26 weeks (~6 months). This course is classified under field of education 091501 - ELICOS, which focuses on English language teaching for speakers of other languages. The course is specifically tailored to prepare students for all four components of the IELTS test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. While the CRICOS register does not specify a detailed syllabus, typical ELICOS IELTS preparation courses at this level cover test-taking strategies, academic vocabulary, grammar for writing tasks, and mock tests. Graduates often achieve the required IELTS band score for further study at Australian universities (typically 6.0-7.0) or for skilled migration purposes. Western Star Academy Pty Ltd is a private provider registered with CRICOS to enrol international students. The course is delivered at their North Sydney campus.
As an ELICOS course in Language and Literature, the IELTS Preparation Course Level 1 and 2 focuses on developing English communication skills for academic and general contexts. Students engage in intensive practice across all four language skills, with emphasis on test-taking techniques for the IELTS exam. Typical learning outcomes include understanding question types, managing time effectively, improving essay structure, enhancing listening comprehension for various accents, and building confidence in speaking assessments. The course may also cover Australian academic conventions and strategies for dealing with different IELTS task types. Although the CRICOS register does not prescribe a specific syllabus, students should expect a structured progression from fundamental to advanced skills over two levels. This course is ideal for those who need a competitive IELTS score to access higher education or meet visa requirements.
The course duration is 26 weeks (~6 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Study is full-time, delivered in English, and leads to a single qualification (no dual qualification). There is no work component included. Classes are likely held on campus at the provider's North Sydney location. Students should be prepared for intensive study, typically 20-25 hours per week of scheduled classes plus self-study. The course is designed for international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500), which allows up to 48 hours per fortnight of work during term and unlimited work during scheduled breaks. Always check your visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs.
Tuition fee: A$10,000 (indicative). Non-tuition fees: A$900 (includes enrolment, materials, etc.). Estimated total: A$10,900. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are NOT included. For the most current fees, visit Western Star Academy Pty Ltd's official website at www.westernstaracademy.edu.au. Fees displayed on HeadStart Academy are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the provider.
Entry requirements for IELTS Preparation Course Level 1 and 2 vary by provider. Typically, providers expect students to have a minimum English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5 overall (or equivalent) for Level 1, progressing to 6.0 or higher for Level 2. Some providers may require completion of secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 10 or 11. Since this is a Non AQF Award, prior qualifications may not be strictly mandated, but a basic level of English is essential. For specific entry requirements, contact Western Star Academy Pty Ltd directly. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website or contacting their admissions team. If you need pathway options such as foundation studies, this course itself is a pathway to further study.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student on a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work rights are subject to visa conditions and should be confirmed with the Department of Home Affairs.
The course is delivered at: North Sydney — North Sydney, NSW. North Sydney is a bustling commercial hub on the lower North Shore of Sydney, just 3 km from the city centre. The area is well served by public transport, including North Sydney railway station and multiple bus routes. Students can easily access the campus from various parts of Sydney. North Sydney has a significant student population due to its proximity to universities and colleges. Living costs in North Sydney are typically higher than the national average: indicative weekly rent for shared accommodation is around A$250–A$400, groceries A$80–A$150, and public transport A$30–A$50. These are estimates only. For precise living costs, check the Department of Home Affairs financial capacity requirements.
To study this course, international students will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion: you must demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia for study. - OSHC: you must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of your stay. - Financial capacity: you must show you can cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student as of April 2026), OSHC, and travel. - English proficiency: you may need to provide an English test result (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) unless exempt. - While on a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during holidays. The Department of Home Affairs sets and enforces these conditions. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice. For personalised guidance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these 3 steps to apply for IELTS Preparation Course Level 1 and 2 at Western Star Academy Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to search for courses like this one. Ensure the provider and course are registered on CRICOS (as Western Star Academy Pty Ltd is with CRICOS 04260C). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Western Star Academy Pty Ltd via their website (www.westernstaracademy.edu.au). Prepare your documents: academic transcripts, English test results (if required), passport copy, and any other documents specified. Check application deadlines and entry requirements. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Provide proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. HeadStart Academy is here to help you navigate these steps — but for visa advice, always consult a professional.
North Sydney offers a vibrant student-friendly environment with numerous cafes, libraries, and study spaces. It is home to many educational institutions and is a short bus or train ride from the University of Sydney and UTS. The area has a mix of residential and commercial zones, making it convenient for students who want to live and study in a central location. Living costs are moderate to high, so budget wisely. Consider your preference for city life versus quieter suburbs. North Sydney also has excellent public transport links to the rest of Sydney, including Bondi Beach and the city centre. If you enjoy a dynamic urban setting with easy access to both academic and social activities, North Sydney could be a great fit.
ELICOS courses are ideal for students who need to improve their English for further study or work. Before enrolling, check that the course is CRICOS-registered (like this one) to ensure quality and visa eligibility. Consider the tuition fees and living costs in the city. Also, research the provider's reputation, class sizes, and student support services. For IELTS preparation specifically, look for courses that offer practice tests, feedback, and experienced instructors. If you plan to transition to a higher education course, confirm that the provider offers articulation pathways. HeadStart Academy's database includes 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses (as of April 2026), so you can compare options easily.
Ready to take the next step? Visit Western Star Academy Pty Ltd's website or use HeadStart Academy to explore more IELTS preparation courses and CRICOS-registered providers.
IELTS Preparation Course Level 1 and 2 is a CRICOS-registered programme at Western Star 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.