Holmes Institute is a well-established private education provider in Australia, offering a variety of courses ranging from English language to higher education degrees in business and hospitality. The Cairns campus is one of several campuses around Australia (others include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Gold Coast).
Cairns is located in tropical North Queensland and is famous for its relaxed lifestyle, stunning natural beauty, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Studying in Cairns can offer a unique blend of academic focus and outdoor adventure.
Smaller class sizes – more individual attention from lecturers
Multicultural student body
Located in the heart of Cairns city
Great access to local work opportunities, especially in hospitality and tourism
Campus is near cafes, shops, and public transport
While course availability can vary slightly between campuses, the Cairns location typically offers:
General English
IELTS Preparation
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Information Systems
Graduate Diploma in Business
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
(Note: You should check directly with the campus for the most up-to-date list of programs.)
Student support services for international students
Visa assistance and academic counseling
Job search help and resume workshops
Events, social activities, and cultural trips
The Holmes Institute Cairns campus offers a range of programs catering to both domestic and international students, primarily in the fields of English language training and higher education in business and IT.
These are designed for students who want to improve their English for academic or general purposes.
General English
Focuses on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
All levels (Beginner to Advanced).
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Prepares students for further study in diploma or degree programs.
IELTS Preparation
Helps students improve their IELTS score for university entry or immigration purposes.
Start dates: Usually every Monday (rolling intake)
These are undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs mostly in business and information systems.
Bachelor of Business
Majors include:
Management
Marketing
International Business
Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Information Systems
Focuses on IT systems, business analysis, and project management.
Duration: Typically 3 years (or shorter with credit transfer/fast-track)
Graduate Diploma in Business
A one-year postgraduate qualification, often a pathway into the MBA.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Broad business leadership and management focus.
Suitable for those seeking managerial roles or career progression.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 years (depending on prior qualifications)
While Cairns primarily focuses on ELICOS and higher education, other Holmes campuses offer VET courses such as:
Diploma of Business
Advanced Diploma of Business
(Availability at Cairns may be limited—check with the campus directly.)
English Programs: No prior qualifications needed, just an English placement test.
Undergraduate Degrees: Year 12 or equivalent + IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent)
Postgraduate Degrees: Bachelor's degree + IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent)
English Courses: AUD $320–$350/week
Bachelor Degrees: AUD $17,000–$20,000 per year
MBA: AUD $20,000–$22,000 per year
(Fees may vary – contact Holmes for a quote)
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Business |
3 years |
$13,500 |
|
Bachelor of Information Systems |
3 years |
$13,500 |
|
Bachelor of Professional Accounting |
3 years |
$13,500 |
BHTM (Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management) in Australia
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
2 years |
$14,500 |
|
Master of Professional Accounting |
2 years |
$14,500 |
|
Master of Information Systems |
2 years |
$14,500 |
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Cairns, Queensland, Australia – tropical climate, close to the Great Barrier Reef |
|
Programs Offered |
- Bachelor of Business |
|
Language of Instruction |
English |
|
Intakes |
February, June, October |
|
Average Tuition (USD) |
- Bachelor's: ~$13,500/year |
|
Entry Requirements |
- Academic transcripts (min. equivalent to Australian Year 12 or Bachelor's) |
|
Campus Environment |
- Smaller, personalized class sizes |
|
Student Support Services |
- Academic support |
|
Accommodation |
- No on-campus housing |
|
Work Rights |
- Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods |
|
Post-Study Work Visa Eligibility |
Yes – graduates may apply for Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) depending on qualification |
|
Cost of Living (Cairns) |
~$15,000–$20,000 USD/year (depending on lifestyle) |
Step |
Details |
|---|---|
|
1. Choose a Program |
Select your desired course (e.g. Bachelor of Business, MBA, etc.) from the. |
|
2. Check Entry Requirements |
- Academic: Meet the academic qualifications for your course (e.g. Year 12 for bachelor’s, a bachelor’s degree for master’s). |
|
3. Prepare Documents |
Required documents include: |
|
4. Submit Application |
Apply directly via: |
|
5. Receive Offer Letter |
If eligible, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer. This may be: |
|
6. Accept Offer & Pay Fees |
- Sign the Acceptance Form |
|
7. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) |
Holmes will issue your CoE, required to apply for a student visa (Subclass 500) |
|
8. Apply for Student Visa |
Apply for the visa via the Australian Immigration website immi.homeaffairs.gov.au using your CoE |
|
9. Prepare for Travel |
Book your flight, arrange accommodation, attend orientation at Holmes Cairns! |
Intake |
Month |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Trimester 1 |
February |
Main intake – most popular for new international students |
|
Trimester 2 |
June |
Mid-year intake |
|
Trimester 3 |
October |
Final intake of the year |
You can apply for any intake depending on when you’re ready with documents and visa.
Program Level |
Minimum Academic Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s Degrees |
Completion of Year 12 or equivalent (e.g. high school diploma) |
|
Master’s Degrees |
Recognized bachelor’s degree in a related field |
Holmes also offers pathway programs if you don’t meet direct entry into a degree (like diploma to degree transitions).
Accepted Tests |
Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
IELTS |
Overall 6.0 (no band below 5.5) |
|
TOEFL iBT |
Overall 60–78 |
|
PTE Academic |
Overall 50 (no score below 42) |
|
Cambridge (CAE) |
169 or above |
If you don’t meet the English requirement, Holmes offers English language courses (ELICOS).
Scholarship Name |
Value (USD) |
Eligibility Criteria |
Applicable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Academic Excellence Scholarship |
Up to 25% tuition fee reduction |
- High academic performance in previous studies |
Bachelor’s & Master’s Programs |
|
Early Bird Scholarship |
~10–15% tuition fee reduction |
- Apply and accept offer by a specific early deadline |
All Programs |
|
Merit-Based Scholarship |
(Up to 20%) |
- Strong academic background |
Selected Bachelor’s & Master’s |
|
International Student Support Grant |
~$1,000 – $2,000 (one-time) |
- New international students |
All Programs |
|
Continuing Student Scholarship |
10% off second year tuition |
- Maintain strong GPA during first year of study at Holmes |
Bachelor’s Programs |
Facility Type |
Details |
Estimated Cost (USD/Week) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Campus Location |
Cairns CBD, Queensland – close to shops, cafes, public transport |
N/A |
Modern classrooms, computer labs, student lounge |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
Not available at Cairns campus |
N/A |
Students must arrange off-campus housing |
|
Homestay (with local families) |
Private room, shared facilities, meals included |
$220 – $300 |
Great for cultural immersion and language practice |
|
Shared Apartments/Student Housing |
Private room in shared unit, kitchen & laundry access |
$180 – $250 |
Bills sometimes included (Wi-Fi, water, electricity) |
|
Private Studio Apartment |
Fully furnished, self-contained |
$280 – $400+ |
More privacy, higher cost |
|
Temporary Accommodation |
Hostels, motels, budget hotels (short stay) |
$100 – $150 |
For first few weeks after arrival |
|
Airport Pickup (Optional) |
One-time airport transfer upon arrival |
~$70 – $100 (one-time fee) |
Book in advance through Holmes or third-party services |
Studying at Holmes Institute in Cairns offers a unique mix of academic focus and laid-back tropical living. Since Cairns is a smaller, coastal city, student life is more relaxed and personal, perfect for students who want to focus on their studies while enjoying natural beauty and a close-knit community.
Holmes Institute Cairns has a smaller campus compared to big city universities, but that means more one-on-one support, smaller class sizes, and a stronger sense of community. You’ll get to know your lecturers and classmates well, which can really help with academic success and networking.
Students at Holmes come from all over the world—Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, and beyond. It’s a diverse environment where you'll feel welcome and have plenty of opportunities to make friends from different cultures. Group projects, cultural events, and peer mentoring help international students feel included.
There are plenty of resources to help you succeed—English language support, tutoring, academic workshops, and approachable teachers. If you ever struggle with coursework or adjusting to the system, there’s always someone ready to help.
Cairns is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and known for its natural beauty. When you’re not studying, you can explore nearby beaches, waterfalls, or rainforests. The city is safe, student-friendly, and more affordable than big cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Think weekend markets, coffee shops, and outdoor adventures!
Holmes regularly organizes social activities like:
Welcome parties
Cultural nights
Sports days
Community volunteering These are great for making friends and building a support network away from home.
Most students live in shared apartments or homestays. The cost of living is lower compared to major cities, and everything is relatively close by. You can walk or bike to campus, or use public transport.
With a student visa, you're allowed to work part-time (up to 48 hours per fortnight). There are plenty of jobs in retail, hospitality, and tourism in Cairns. The Holmes careers team can help with resumes and job searches too.
Holmes Institute programs, especially in Business, Accounting, and Information Systems, are designed with employability in mind. While Holmes does not guarantee direct placements or internships, it offers strong career support services and industry-relevant curriculum to prepare students for the job market.
Holmes Institute provides:
Career Workshops: Resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies
One-on-One Career Advice: Career counselors help plan your path post-graduation
Networking Events: Industry guest speakers, employer meetups, and alumni talks
Job Boards & Portals: Access to part-time and graduate job listings
LinkedIn & Branding Support: Guidance on building a professional profile
International students on a student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions
Jobs in retail, hospitality, tourism, and admin roles are popular among students in Cairns
Holmes assists with job readiness so students can start earning while studying
After graduation, many international students apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows them to stay and work in Australia for 2–3 years, depending on their qualification.
Holmes graduates often pursue careers in:
Accounting and finance
Business management
Marketing and sales
IT support and systems analysis
Entrepreneurship/startups
Though Holmes Institute is a private education provider, it has connections with local businesses and encourages students to build local work experience through:
Volunteering
Community engagement projects
Freelancing or casual roles relevant to their field
80% – 90%
Holmes Institute is a private higher education provider, which tends to be more flexible and inclusive in admissions.
It focuses on accessibility and global diversity, welcoming students from many different countries.
If you meet the basic eligibility (academic qualifications + English proficiency), your chances of getting accepted are quite high.
Meeting academic entry criteria (Year 12 or Bachelor’s degree depending on the course)
Providing valid English test scores (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
Submitting a complete application with all required documents
Demonstrating genuine intent to study (especially important for visa processing)
Level 2, 27-29 Shields Street, Cairns QLD 4870, Australia
Walking distance to cafes, shopping centers (e.g., Cairns Central), and restaurants
Close to public transport: Bus stops nearby for easy commuting
Just a few minutes from the Cairns Esplanade, lagoon, and waterfront
Near essential services: pharmacies, banks, clinics, and student accommodations
Approx. 10 minutes from Cairns Airport by car or taxi
Located in a modern building with classrooms, computer labs, and student lounges
Smaller, more personalized learning environment
Surrounded by a laid-back, tropical city vibe—perfect for a balance between study and lifestyle
