General English (CRICOS course code 0101311) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Times Academy Pty Ltd over 1 year 7 months (~84 weeks). This ELICOS course (Field of Education 091501) is designed for international students seeking to improve their English language proficiency for academic, professional, or everyday purposes. Times Academy, a CRICOS-registered private provider (03457J), delivers this program at two locations: Sydney (Level 4, 338 Pitt Street) and Melbourne (Sussex Street). Indicative tuition is A$25,200, with non-tuition fees of A$350, bringing the estimated total to A$25,550. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) – a trusted Australian Government database. As a HeadStart Academy resource, we help you navigate CRICOS-registered options to find the right course for your goals.
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General English (0101311) is a Non AQF Award, meaning it does not align with the Australian Qualifications Framework but is a pathway for language development. It falls under the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) category within the field of Society and Culture (0915 Language and Literature). This course is ideal for students who need to meet English language requirements for further study, improve their communication skills, or prepare for exams like IELTS. Times Academy Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03457J) is a private institution registered to enrol international students. CRICOS registration is your primary trust signal – it ensures the course meets Australian standards and that you are protected under the ESOS Act. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, making it crucial to verify registration before applying.
While specific syllabi vary by provider, ELICOS General English programs typically focus on developing the four macro-skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You will also learn grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Courses are often structured in levels from beginner to advanced, with progress assessed through ongoing tests. The field of education (091501) indicates a broad language and literature context, but as a Non AQF Award, this course is not part of a formal degree. Instead, it prepares you for vocational or higher education pathways or everyday English use. Many providers integrate cultural orientation to help you adjust to life in Australia. Times Academy may offer elective modules in academic English or exam preparation, but check with the provider for exact content.
According to the CRICOS register, the duration is 1 year 7 months (~84 weeks). This is a full-time course delivered in English. There is no dual qualification element – it is a single, standalone course. Study modes typically include face-to-face classroom instruction with possible online components, but confirm with Times Academy. The language of instruction is English, and international students must demonstrate proficiency at entry (see entry requirements). As an ELICOS course, it is designed for intensive language learning, often with 20-25 contact hours per week. The longer duration allows for gradual progression from one level to the next. Schedule flexibility may vary by campus.
Indicative fees sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) are as follows: Tuition fee: A$25,200; Non-tuition fee: A$350; Estimated total: A$25,550. Please note that these fees are subject to change – always confirm with Times Academy Pty Ltd directly. Additional costs not included in the CRICOS data are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent, food, transport), and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500). Indicative weekly living costs vary by city: in Sydney, expect around A$600–$800 per week for rent, groceries, and transport; in Melbourne, slightly less at A$500–$700. Use the provider's website for the most current fee schedule: visit their CRICOS-listed website via the register.
English language requirements vary by provider. For General English ELICOS, typical entry is IELTS 5.5 overall (or equivalent) for intermediate level, with higher levels requiring up to 7.0. However, many ELICOS courses accept students with lower scores – even beginner – because the course itself teaches English. Prior qualifications: As a Non AQF Award, there is no formal academic prerequisite, but you must be at least 18 years old (or have parental consent if 16-17). Some providers may require completion of Year 10 or equivalent. Foundation or pathway options: Completing General English can lead to further VET or higher education courses. Always check with Times Academy for their specific entry criteria.
No work component is included in this course. It does not have a mandatory work placement, internship, or vocational placement. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions and your course's academic calendar. Note that work rights do not commence until your course starts. ESOS Act protections ensure you receive the course as advertised.
This course is delivered at two locations: Level 4, 338 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, and Times Academy (Sussex Street), Melbourne, VIC. Sydney is Australia's largest city with a vibrant student population of over 200,000 international students. The Pitt Street campus is centrally located near Town Hall station, with easy access to public transport. Melbourne is known for its arts and culture, with a similar international student community. The Sussex Street campus is in the CBD, close to Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross. Each city has over 400 CRICOS-registered providers offering diverse courses. Consider cost of living: Sydney is slightly more expensive (average rent A$500/week for a share house), while Melbourne is more affordable (A$400/week). Both cities offer excellent public transport and student support services.
International students studying this course on a full-time basis require a Student visa (Subclass 500). To qualify, you must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Times Academy. You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily for study. Additionally, you need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay – this covers medical and hospital costs. Financial capacity: You must show you can cover tuition, living costs, travel, and dependents (if applicable). The Department of Home Affairs provides detailed requirements. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent – consult a MARA-registered agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for personalised advice. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks.
Follow these three steps to apply for General English at Times Academy Pty Ltd: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use the official CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy’s database to verify that Times Academy (03457J) is accredited and the course (0101311) is current. Compare locations, fees, and duration. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Contact Times Academy via their website or admissions office. Submit required documents: academic transcripts, English test results (if any), passport copy, and proof of financial capacity. Meet application deadlines (courses may start monthly). Pay any application fee. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, Times Academy will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Include GTE statement, OSHC policy, and financial evidence. Apply at least 6-8 weeks before course start.
Choosing between Sydney and Melbourne depends on your preferences. Sydney offers iconic landmarks, a multicultural atmosphere, and a strong job market, but higher living costs. Melbourne is famous for its café culture, arts, and slightly lower cost of living. Both have excellent public transport and large international student communities. Times Academy’s campuses are in the CBD, so you'll have access to libraries, restaurants, and transport. Consider climate: Sydney is warmer year-round; Melbourne has four seasons in one day. If you prefer a buzzing harbour city, choose Sydney; if you love laneways and festivals, Melbourne might be your pick. Regardless, both cities provide a world-class study experience with ESOS protections.
Ready to start your General English journey? Explore Times Academy on the CRICOS register or visit their website to apply today.
General English is a CRICOS-registered programme at Times Academy 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.