The University of New South Wales
UNSW Institute of Languages Sydney Australia

GPE with Cambridge Examination preparation


What we offer

First Certificate in English (FCE) - Level 5ii Course
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) - Level 6 Course
The Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) and Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) are examinations which test students’ proficiency in general English. They are practical, skills-based examinations with papers in reading, writing, English in use, listening and speaking. The exams are recognised worldwide as a reliable assessment of English proficiency.

FCE and CAE preparation is available within General English and offered throughout the year. Students use Cambridge textbooks and the courses provide practice in all the necessary skills for success in the exam. They also help develop independent learning strategies, for example to revise and extend your vocabulary and grammar knowledge.
Courses focus more intensely on examination preparation in the ten weeks before each exam (in mid-March, June and December).

Students complete practice tests, simulated interviews and work on time-management skills for each exam paper.

To provide a current, accurate indicator level of their skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening, students are assessed in their on-going performance in the classroom and also in practice examinations.

Students are strongly advised to enrol for preparation courses.

Term dates and fees

Term Dates Course fees
Term 1 5 Jan - 6 Feb 5 weeks AUD$2100
Term 2 9 Feb - 13 Mar
Term 3 16 Mar - 17 Apr
Term 4 4 May - 5 Jun
Term 5 9 Jun - 10 Jul
Term 6 20 Jul - 21 Aug
Term 7 24 Aug - 25 Sept
Term 8 12 Oct - 13 Nov
Term 9 16 Nov - 18 Dec

Other Costs
Enrolment fee AUD$220 (online, post or fax)
Homestay placement fee AUD$240 (plus an additional AUD$100 applicable for bookings less than 10 days notice)
Part Board (4 weeks) AUD$1000
Room only (4 weeks) AUD$740
Airport pickup AUD$145
Board under 18yrs (4 weeks) AUD$400 Setup charge plus AUD$10 per week monitoring until student reaches 18 years of age PLUS accommodation fees.

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How To Enrol

Before completing your application for this course, please read the following information on How to Enrol . This information will assist you in completing your application correctly.

Assessment & Certificates for Cambridge Examination preparation courses

Final course marks are based on:
  • Ongoing assessment in class based on clearly focused tasks.
  • Participation in class activities such pair work, group work and special projects.
  • Homework tasks and special assignments based on researching topics and spoken presentations.
  • Term tests based on material covered during the period of study.

At the successful completion of a course or series of courses, students will receive a UNSW Institute of Languages certificate at a graduation ceremony.

Sample Timetable


Class location

All courses are held at the Institute's Kensington and Randwick campuses:
223 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW 2033 Australia
22 King Street, Randwick NSW 2034 Australia
Download our location map.


Intensive Evening Courses dates and fees

Days/Hours Semester Dates Weeks Fees
Wednesday evening 6.00- 8.30 pm
2.5 hrs/week
Semester 1 18 Mar - 10 Jun 12 weeks AUD$630
Semester 2 2 Sept - 2 Dec 12 weeks AUD$630

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UNSW Institute of Languages ...for over forty years, Australia's most comprehensive language centre...

UNSW Institute of Languages is an education group of UNSW Global Pty Limited, a not-for-profit provider of education, training and consulting services and a wholly owned enterprise of the University of New South Wales. UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 CRICOS Provider No. 01020K   Copyright © 2008 UNSW Global Pty Limited. Page last updated 05.08.2009