Focal Holdings Pty Ltd (CRICOS provider code 01497F) is a private CRICOS-registered provider offering 15 active courses to international students. The provider trades under multiple names including The Illawarra Business College, Australian College of Hospitality, Australian College of Community Services, and Australian College of Community Care. With a capacity of 1,200 students, Focal Holdings Pty Ltd delivers courses in Bankstown, New South Wales, primarily in the fields of Management and Commerce, Food, Hospitality and Personal Services, and Society and Culture. As a private provider, it offers a focused vocational pathway for international students seeking practical skills and qualifications.
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Focal Holdings Pty Ltd is classified as a 'Private' CRICOS-registered provider. In the Australian education system, private providers are independent colleges, language schools, and vocational training organisations that are not government-owned. Unlike public universities or TAFE institutes, private providers often specialise in niche fields such as hospitality, business, or community services. They are required to meet the same rigorous standards under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and must maintain CRICOS registration to enrol international students. Private providers like Focal Holdings Pty Ltd offer flexible course structures, smaller class sizes, and industry-focused training, making them a popular choice for students seeking practical skills and direct entry into the workforce. As of April 2026, there are 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, offering over 26,000 courses – private providers account for a significant portion of these options. Students choosing a private provider should verify its CRICOS registration (code 01497F) and confirm that the institution has adequate resources and support services for international students.
Focal Holdings Pty Ltd delivers all its CRICOS-registered courses from a single location in the Sydney suburb of Bankstown, New South Wales. The campus is situated at 44 Raymond Street, Bankstown NSW 2200. Bankstown is a major commercial and residential hub in South Western Sydney, approximately 20 km from Sydney's central business district. The area is well-served by public transport, including Bankstown railway station (T3 Bankstown line) and multiple bus routes. International students studying in Bankstown benefit from a diverse community and lower living costs compared to the Sydney CBD. According to recent estimates, the weekly cost of living in Bankstown is around $350–$450 for rent (shared accommodation), $70–$100 for groceries, and $30–$40 for public transport. The suburb is home to several other CRICOS-registered providers, creating a vibrant international student community. With over 1,200 registered providers in New South Wales alone, Bankstown offers a convenient study environment with access to multicultural amenities and support services.
Focal Holdings Pty Ltd offers 15 active courses across four qualification levels: Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma. At the Certificate III level, students can gain foundational skills in areas like hospitality or community services. Certificate IV courses build on this knowledge with more specialised training, often leading to supervisory roles. Diploma programs provide comprehensive vocational training that can articulate into higher education or direct employment. Advanced Diplomas represent the highest vocational qualification offered, focusing on advanced technical and managerial skills. While the provider does not offer bachelor's or master's degrees from its own registration, students may pathway into university degrees through credit transfer arrangements – we recommend contacting the institution directly for articulation options. Each course level is designed to meet industry standards and prepare international students for the Australian job market. As of April 2026, the CRICOS register lists 26,433 courses across Australia, with vocational courses like those offered by Focal Holdings Pty Ltd playing a vital role in the country's skills development.
Focal Holdings Pty Ltd offers courses in three broad fields of education as classified by the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED). The first field is '08 Management and Commerce', which includes business management, accounting, marketing, and related disciplines. The second field is '11 Food, Hospitality and Personal Services', covering cookery, hospitality management, and personal services. The third field is '09 Society and Culture', which encompasses community services, welfare, and social programs. These fields align with Australia's high-demand skill areas, particularly in hospitality and community services. For example, the Australian Government's Skills Priority List often highlights shortages in chefs, hospitality managers, and community service workers. Studying in these fields can provide international students with strong employment prospects post-graduation, especially if they seek Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) opportunities. Prospective students should explore the specific course offerings under each field on the CRICOS register (code 01497F) to find the program that matches their career goals.
International students planning to study a CRICOS-registered course at Focal Holdings Pty Ltd will need to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires all applicants to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrate English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.5 for vocational courses, or as specified by the provider), and show evidence of sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of the visa. The course must be full-time and lead to a qualification listed on CRICOS. For dependent family members, a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) may apply. All CRICOS-registered providers, including Focal Holdings Pty Ltd, are bound by the ESOS Act, which ensures tuition protection and student rights. For detailed visa guidance, consult our Student Visa Subclass 500 page. Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent – we recommend contacting the Department of Home Affairs or a MARA-registered agent for personalised advice.
Applying to study at Focal Holdings Pty Ltd as an international student involves three key steps. Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers – use our platform or the official CRICOS register to find courses that match your preferred field of study, level, and location. Filter by provider code 01497F to see all active courses from Focal Holdings Pty Ltd. Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution – once you've selected a course, visit the provider's website (www.tibc.nsw.edu.au) or contact their admissions team. You will need to submit application documents including academic transcripts, English language test results, and a Genuine Temporary Entrant statement. Deadlines and entry requirements vary by course, so check with the provider. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). After Focal Holdings Pty Ltd issues your CoE, you can lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC arranged and sufficient funds. Our Student Visa Subclass 500 page provides further details on the application process.
It is essential for international students to verify that any institution they consider is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Focal Holdings Pty Ltd holds the CRICOS provider code 01497F, which you can confirm at any time on the official CRICOS website (cricos.teqsa.gov.au). Registration ensures the provider meets Australian Government standards for teaching, facilities, and student support. Additionally, all CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000, which includes the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) – a safety net if the provider fails to deliver a course. As of April 2026, there are 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses. HeadStart Academy sources its data directly from the CRICOS register to provide accurate, up-to-date information. We do not charge referral fees or commissions – our goal is to help students make informed decisions about studying in Australia.
Bankstown offers a unique study environment for international students, combining multicultural vibrancy with suburban affordability. The suburb has a large migrant community, meaning access to diverse cuisines, cultural events, and community support networks. Living costs are generally lower than in Sydney's eastern suburbs or the CBD – typical rent for a room in a shared house is $180–$250 per week, while a one-bedroom apartment costs around $300–$400. Groceries and public transport are also reasonably priced. Bankstown is home to several other CRICOS-registered providers, including TAFE NSW and private colleges, fostering a student-friendly atmosphere. However, students seeking a bustling city campus or proximity to major universities may need to factor in a 30–45 minute commute to Sydney CBD. Consider your lifestyle preferences: Bankstown offers a quieter, community-oriented experience with good access to amenities, while Sydney CBD provides a fast-paced urban environment. Always research local accommodation, transport, and part-time work opportunities before deciding.
Explore all 15 courses from Focal Holdings Pty Ltd on the CRICOS register and start your study journey in Bankstown, NSW today.
Focal Holdings Pty Ltd (CRICOS 01497F) is a Private provider in Bankstown, NSW with 15 currently non-expired CRICOS courses [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Example course from the register: Diploma of Leadership and Management (CRICOS 104131B) is listed at 52 weeks with tuition A$10,000 and estimated total A$10,800 [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Important: This page is general information only and not migration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) evidence requirements and current financial settings, verify directly with the Department of Home Affairs [checked 2026-08-21].