Are you an international student looking to improve your academic English before starting a degree or diploma in Australia? English for Academic Purposes (CRICOS course code 117537F) is a Non AQF Award delivered by AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND TRADE PTY. LTD. (CRICOS 03742D) over 36 weeks (~8 months). This course focuses on developing the language and study skills necessary for tertiary-level study, including academic writing, critical reading, seminar discussion, and research techniques. It is ideal for students who need to meet English proficiency requirements for further study in Australia. At HeadStart Academy, we provide verified CRICOS data and guidance to help you choose the right course and provider. All information on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026.
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English for Academic Purposes (CRICOS course code 117537F) is a Non AQF Award delivered by AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND TRADE PTY. LTD. over 36 weeks (~8 months). This course falls under the field of education 09 - Society and Culture (0915 - Language and Literature, specifically 091501 - ELICOS). ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students, designed to prepare students for academic environments. The course is conducted entirely in English and does not lead to a dual qualification or a VET qualification. It is a standalone program aimed at improving academic English competence. The provider, AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND TRADE PTY. LTD. (trading as AIBT), is a private institution registered with CRICOS (provider code 03742D). AIBT has multiple campuses in Victoria and South Australia. As per the CRICOS register, this course has no mandatory work component. Indicative total fees are A$11,050 (tuition A$10,500 + non-tuition A$550). Fees are set by the provider and subject to change.
English for Academic Purposes courses typically cover advanced listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills tailored to university contexts. Students learn to write essays and reports, deliver presentations, participate in tutorials, and understand academic lectures. The curriculum often includes grammar for academic writing, vocabulary development, and critical thinking. While the exact syllabus is set by AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND TRADE PTY. LTD., ELICOS programs generally aim for an IELTS equivalent of 6.0-7.0 upon completion. This field (Society and Culture) focuses on communication and analytical skills essential for social sciences, humanities, and business pathways. Graduates will be better prepared for diploma or degree programs in Australia.
The course duration is 36 weeks (~8 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time program with instruction in English. It is a single qualification (Non AQF Award) with no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The study mode is on-campus at AIBT's delivery locations. Given the length, international students will typically hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) covering the full duration. Students should plan their accommodation and living arrangements accordingly. Melbourne, Adelaide, and Albion all have affordable transport options and diverse student communities. Check with AIBT for specific class schedules and intake dates.
The indicative fees for English for Academic Purposes at AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND TRADE PTY. LTD. are: tuition A$10,500 and non-tuition fees A$550, totaling A$11,050. Please note these are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the student visa application charge. For current fees, always consult the provider's website: www.aibt.edu.au (verify link). As a guide, living costs in Melbourne are approximately A$20,000–A$25,000 per year; Adelaide and Albion are slightly lower. HeadStart Academy recommends budgeting for these expenses.
English language requirements for ELICOS courses vary by provider. Typically, for English for Academic Purposes, an IELTS score between 5.5 and 7.0 overall is required, depending on the course level. Some providers may accept equivalent tests (TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge). Prior qualifications: No formal academic prerequisites are usually needed, but students should have completed secondary school or equivalent. Foundation or pathway options: AIBT may offer pathways from general English to academic English. Contact the provider for specific entry criteria. Note that meeting the English requirement alone does not guarantee admission; visa requirements also apply.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This work right helps students gain experience and offset living costs. Always check your visa conditions for any limitations.
English for Academic Purposes is delivered at three campuses: 74 Sydney Street, Albion, VIC; Adelaide Campus, Adelaide, SA; and City Campus - Little Collins St, Melbourne, VIC. Albion is a suburb of Melbourne's west, with affordable housing and good transport. Adelaide is a smaller capital city with lower living costs and a tight-knit student community. Melbourne's CBD campus is in the heart of Australia's largest student city, offering access to libraries, public transport, and cultural activities. Each campus provides a conducive learning environment with modern facilities. Over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers operate across Australia, with many ELICOS programs available in these cities.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND TRADE PTY. LTD., genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC. OSHC is mandatory for health cover. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. The Department of Home Affairs sets visa conditions. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or visiting homeaffairs.gov.au for current policies. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring your rights as an international student.
Follow these three steps to apply for English for Academic Purposes at AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND TRADE PTY. LTD.: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and location (Melbourne, Adelaide, Albion). Compare providers and courses. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Meet the entry requirements, submit English test scores (e.g., IELTS), and provide academic transcripts. Check application deadlines on AIBT's website. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Then lodge a visa application, including OSHC, GTE statement, and evidence of funds. Visa processing times vary – apply early.
Choosing where to study English depends on your budget, lifestyle preferences, and future study plans. Melbourne is Australia's most multicultural city, with a large international student population (over 200,000). Living costs are higher: rent A$250–A$400 per week, groceries A$80–A$120, transport A$40–A$60. Adelaide is more affordable (rent A$180–A$300), with a relaxed pace and strong community feel. Albion offers suburban convenience near Melbourne. All locations have excellent public transport connections to the campuses. Consider your desired pathway: for university degrees, Melbourne and Adelaide have multiple universities offering direct entry from ELICOS programs. HeadStart Academy helps you compare options.
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English for Academic Purposes is a CRICOS-registered programme at AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND TRADE 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.