General English Program (1-40 weeks) (CRICOS course code 000785F) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd over 40 weeks (~9 months). This course is designed for international students aiming to build practical English skills for academic, professional, or everyday use in Australia. With no formal work component, the program focuses entirely on language development across reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd is a CRICOS-registered private provider (CRICOS 00067C) located in Melbourne, Victoria — a city home to over 150 CRICOS-registered institutions and thousands of international students each year. As a trusted resource, HeadStart Academy sources all course data from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, covering 26,433 courses across Australia. Whether you are preparing for further study or seeking to improve your English for migration purposes, this program offers a structured pathway under the ESOS Act protections that apply to all CRICOS-registered courses.
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General English Program (1-40 weeks) (CRICOS course code 000785F) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd over 40 weeks (~9 months). The course falls under the field of education 09 - Society and Culture, specifically 0915 - Language and Literature, with a focus on ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). This level is designed for students with varying English proficiencies who wish to improve their general communication skills. The program does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but can serve as a foundation for further studies or employment. Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd is a private institution with CRICOS registration number 00067C, authorised to enrol international students in this course. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, students are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
The General English Program covers the core areas of language learning: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Emphasis is placed on practical communication for everyday situations, including social interactions, workplace conversations, and academic contexts. Students typically develop vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and fluency through interactive lessons, group activities, and real-world tasks. While the specific syllabus is set by Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd, ELICOS courses at this level generally focus on building confidence and accuracy. Graduates often progress to vocational or higher education programs, or use their improved English for migration or employment purposes. The course is delivered entirely in English, providing an immersive environment. For detailed curriculum information, refer to the provider’s website.
The General English Program (1-40 weeks) is listed on the CRICOS register with a duration of 40 weeks (~9 months). This is a single qualification course with no dual or combined award. The language of instruction is English, and the program is delivered full-time on campus. Students attend classes according to the provider’s schedule, typically 20 hours per week. As an ELICOS course, it does not include a mandatory work component, although 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. The course structure allows for progressive learning over the 40-week period, with assessments to monitor improvement.
The indicative tuition fee for the General English Program (1-40 weeks) is A$16,560, with non-tuition fees of A$630 (including items such as enrolment fees, materials, and administration). The estimated total fee is A$17,190. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change — always confirm directly with Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd at www.holmesinstitute.edu.au. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For example, OSHC for a single student for the duration of the course typically costs around A$600–A$1,000, depending on the provider. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$1,500–A$2,000 per month for rent, food, and transport. International students should budget accordingly and ensure they meet the financial capacity requirements for the Student visa (Subclass 500).
Entry requirements for the General English Program (1-40 weeks) vary by provider. Generally, ELICOS courses have flexible English language requirements compared to academic programs. Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd may require students to take a placement test upon arrival to determine the appropriate level. For this course, typical prerequisites include a minimum age of 18 years and completion of secondary schooling equivalent to Australian Year 12. English language proficiency is not a formal barrier as the course is designed to improve English; however, students must demonstrate basic literacy. For courses leading to further study, a higher IELTS score (e.g., 5.5–7.0) might be needed for subsequent programs. Foundation or pathway options are available — contact the provider for details. Always refer to the provider's official entry requirements.
No work component — this course does not include a mandatory work or internship component. The General English Program (1-40 weeks) is purely academic, focusing on language development. Students are not required to undertake work placements as part of the curriculum. However, as an international student holding a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work part-time: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This work is not part of the course but can help with living expenses while studying in Melbourne.
This course is delivered by Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd at its campus in Melbourne, Victoria. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, with a vibrant international student community of over 200,000 students from 170 countries. The city is home to more than 150 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. The campus is accessible via public transport, including trains, trams, and buses. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney, with indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$300–A$500, groceries A$80–A$150, and a monthly myki pass (public transport) about A$150. The city offers a multicultural environment ideal for improving English through daily interactions.
International students enrolling in the General English Program (1-40 weeks) require a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Key conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a registered course, meeting attendance and academic progress requirements, holding valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and satisfying the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion to demonstrate your intention to stay temporarily for study purposes. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. You must also show evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living costs (currently A$21,041 per year for a single student), and travel. The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application. For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the General English Program (1-40 weeks) at Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register to verify that Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd (CRICOS 00067C) is authorised to deliver this course. HeadStart Academy helps you compare providers across Melbourne. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check the entry requirements and submit your application through the provider’s website at www.holmesinstitute.edu.au. You may need to provide academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), and a copy of your passport. Application deadlines vary, so plan ahead. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Holmes will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE, OSHC, and financial requirements. For visa assistance, consult a MARA agent.
Melbourne is a top destination for ELICOS students, with over 30 dedicated English language colleges. Before choosing this course, consider your long-term goals: do you plan to progress to a vocational or university program? If so, check if the General English Program leads directly into a packaged course with a formal qualification. Also consider the campus location — Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd is centrally located, close to public transport, shops, and accommodation. The city’s high cost of living may require careful budgeting; however, part-time work opportunities can offset expenses. Finally, remember that ELICOS courses are covered by ESOS protections, meaning you have rights regarding refunds, course changes, and support services. Always compare multiple providers and read the institution’s written agreement before enrolling.
Ready to improve your English in Melbourne? Explore the General English Program (1-40 weeks) at Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd. Visit www.holmesinstitute.edu.au to apply today.
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General English Program (1-40 weeks) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) 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.