General English (CRICOS course code 0100387) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Australian College of International Studies Pty Ltd over 1 year 4 months (~70 weeks). This ELICOS program is designed for international students seeking to improve their English language proficiency for academic, professional, or personal purposes. Offered at the ACIS campus in North Sydney, New South Wales, the course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian government standards for international education. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03781G), Australian College of International Studies Pty Ltd is authorised to enrol international students, and the course carries the same protections under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act as all listed programs. Whether you aim to progress to further study or enhance your everyday English skills, this course provides a structured learning environment in one of Australia's most vibrant cities. Read on for details on fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and the student visa process.
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General English (CRICOS course code 0100387) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Australian College of International Studies Pty Ltd over 1 year 4 months (~70 weeks). The course falls under the field of education 091501 (ELICOS), which is part of the Society and Culture broad field (09). ELICOS programs are specifically designed for non-native English speakers to develop their English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This particular course does not lead to a formal AQF qualification but provides a solid foundation for further studies or everyday communication. Australian College of International Studies Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03781G) is a private provider based in North Sydney, NSW. The indicative tuition fee is A$16,200, with no non-tuition fees listed, bringing the estimated total to A$16,200. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application fees are additional. For the most current fee information, always check the provider's website at www.acis.edu.au.
As an ELICOS course in the field of Language and Literature (0915), General English focuses on the practical use of English in everyday contexts. Students typically develop skills in spoken communication (conversation, pronunciation, fluency), listening comprehension (understanding native speakers in various settings), reading (comprehending texts from newspapers to academic articles), and writing (from sentences to paragraphs and short essays). Grammar and vocabulary are integrated throughout the curriculum to build accuracy and range. The course aims to help learners reach an intermediate to upper-intermediate level of proficiency, enabling them to handle a variety of social and study situations. While the exact syllabus is determined by the provider, ELICOS programs often follow the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students framework, which guides outcomes such as achieving an IELTS equivalent score of around 5.5. Graduates are better prepared for further academic study in Australia or for careers requiring English communication.
The course runs for 1 year 4 months (~70 weeks), as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification course (no dual qualification offered). The study mode is likely full-time face-to-face at the campus, though you should confirm with Australian College of International Studies Pty Ltd for any blended options. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are generally expected to maintain full-time enrolment. The 70-week duration allows for significant language immersion, which is key to achieving measurable progress.
The indicative tuition fee for General English is A$16,200. The CRICOS register shows non-tuition fees as A$0, bringing the estimated total to A$16,200. However, these figures are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change — always confirm directly with the provider before applying. Additional costs not included in the course fee: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — compulsory for international students (approximately A$500–700 per year for single cover), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the Student visa application charge (currently A$710 as of 2025, subject to change). For current fees, visit the provider's website at www.acis.edu.au.
English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For a General English (ELICOS) course at the non-award level, the entry requirement is often a minimum IELTS score of around 4.5–5.0 or equivalent, as the course itself is designed to improve English. However, Australian College of International Studies Pty Ltd may have its own specific requirements. Prior qualifications: usually a minimum of Year 11 or equivalent is expected for international students. There is no foundation/pathway option noted for this course; refer to the provider for details. Always check the provider's website for the most accurate and up-to-date entry criteria.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students may still work part-time under their Student visa conditions (see 'Student Visa' section below).
This course is delivered at ACIS - Level 4 213 Miller St, NORTH SYDNEY, NSW 2060. North Sydney is a major commercial district on the lower North Shore of Sydney, just across the Harbour Bridge from the city centre. It has excellent public transport links, including trains and buses, and is home to a diverse student population. The neighbourhood offers a range of cafes, shops, and accommodation options. With over 200 CRICOS-registered providers in the Sydney region, international students have plenty of choice, but North Sydney’s quieter business environment can be ideal for focused study. Typical living costs in Sydney: weekly rent A$250–400 for a room, groceries A$70–120, and transport A$30–50 (with student concessions available). These are indicative only.
International students enrolling in General English normally apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions: you must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, hold sufficient OSHC, and meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. You must also demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel. The ESOS Act protects your rights, including access to the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) if the provider fails to deliver. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; consult a MARA agent or Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for this course: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Verify that Australian College of International Studies Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03781G) is registered to deliver General English (CRICOS 0100387). All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, but you can double-check on the official CRICOS website. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit the provider's website (www.acis.edu.au) for application forms, entry requirements, English test scores (if any), and application deadlines. Submit your application and supporting documents. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use it to lodge your visa application online. Prepare evidence of finances, English proficiency (if required), OSHC, and GTE statement. Refer to the Department of Home Affairs for the latest visa processing times.
North Sydney offers a unique blend of business centre and residential suburb. It’s just a short train ride from Sydney’s iconic harbour and central business district, giving you access to world-class cultural attractions, beaches, and nightlife. The area is known for its high-rise office buildings, leafy streets, and a large student community. Living costs are generally slightly higher than the Australian average but comparable to other parts of Sydney. Public transport is frequent and reliable: trains connect North Sydney to the city in about 10 minutes, and buses serve the wider Lower North Shore. If you prefer a slightly quieter study environment while still being close to everything Sydney has to offer, North Sydney is an excellent choice. For more location-specific advice, explore our NSW page.
Ready to start your English journey in Australia? Browse more ELICOS courses on HeadStart Academy or visit Australian College of International Studies Pty Ltd directly to apply.
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General English is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian College of International Studies 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.