Looking for a General English course to improve your English skills for study, work, or everyday life in Australia? General English (CRICOS course code 0101613) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Stellar College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03808B) over 1 year 6 months (~76 weeks). This ELICOS program focuses on developing your reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in a practical context. With tuition fees of A$18,000 (indicative) and no non-tuition fees, it is a popular choice among international students. The course is offered at two locations: Homebush in NSW and Melbourne CBD in Victoria, giving you flexibility in choosing where to study. Stellar College is a private CRICOS-registered provider, ensuring you are covered by ESOS Act protections. Whether you are preparing for further studies or aiming to boost your English confidence, this course provides a structured pathway. Use this page to explore all key details, including fees, entry requirements, and how to apply.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
| Metric | Value |
|---|
General English (CRICOS course code 0101613) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Stellar College Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~76 weeks). This course is classified under the field of education Language and Literature (091501 - ELICOS), which focuses on English language proficiency for non-native speakers. As an ELICOS program, it is designed to enhance your communication skills for academic, professional, or social purposes. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), meaning it meets Australian Government standards for international education. Stellar College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03808B) is a private provider committed to delivering quality English language training. With 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering over 26,000 courses nationwide, you can trust that this course is part of a robust regulated system.
General English covers the core areas of English language learning: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You will develop vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation skills through interactive lessons and real-world tasks. The curriculum typically includes topics such as everyday conversations, workplace communication, and cultural understanding. While the exact syllabus is set by Stellar College, ELICOS courses at this level aim to build confidence and fluency. You will practice in small groups with qualified teachers, often using authentic materials like news articles, videos, and role-plays. Upon completion, you will be better prepared for further study in Australia (e.g., vocational courses or university) or for daily life English requirements. Note that this is a Non AQF Award, so it does not count towards an Australian qualification, but it is a valuable stepping stone for many students.
The duration of General English is 1 year 6 months (~76 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. This is a full-time course delivered in English only. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include any mandatory work component. The study mode is typically on-campus at one of the two delivery locations (Homebush or Melbourne CBD). Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday, with a total of 20-25 contact hours per week. The length is designed to provide sufficient time for language acquisition, with progress checks and assessments throughout. If you need a shorter program, some providers offer flexible durations, but this particular course is set at 76 weeks. Ensure you have enough time to complete it within your student visa conditions.
The tuition fee for General English is A$18,000 (indicative) as recorded on the CRICOS register. There are no non-tuition fees (A$0), so the estimated total is A$18,000. Please note that this fee does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, nor does it cover living costs (such as rent, groceries, and transport) or the visa application charge. Living costs vary by city: in Sydney, weekly rent may range from A$250 to A$500, while in Melbourne it is similar, with additional costs of around A$400–600 per week for other expenses. Always confirm current fees with Stellar College by visiting www.stellarcollege.edu.au, as fees are subject to change. Fees shown are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.
English language requirements for this General English course vary by provider. Typically, ELICOS courses require a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 to 7.0 overall, depending on the intended outcome. For General English, some providers accept students with lower levels (e.g., IELTS 4.5) as it is a foundational program. Stellar College may require a placement test to determine your starting level. Prior qualifications expected: usually completion of Year 12 or equivalent. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet the direct entry requirements—contact the provider for details. Additionally, you must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for your student visa. Always check the latest entry criteria on the provider's website.
This course has no work component. It does not include a mandatory work placement or internship. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. The work rights are separate from the course structure. The no-work component means the course is purely academic without a practical work requirement. This is typical for ELICOS programs where the focus is language development.
General English is delivered at two locations: - Level 2 The Crescent, Homebush, NSW 2140 (Sydney region) - Melbourne CBD, Melbourne, VIC (exact address available from Stellar College)
Homebush is a suburb of Sydney, close to public transport and major amenities. Sydney is Australia's largest city with over 1,200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Melbourne, on the other hand, is a vibrant cultural hub with a large student population (over 250,000 international students). Both cities have excellent public transport (trains, trams, buses) making campus access easy. Living costs in Sydney and Melbourne are similar: expect around A$450–600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport combined. Choosing between Homebush and Melbourne depends on your preference for city lifestyle vs. suburban calm.
International students studying a CRICOS-registered course like General English must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus a buffer period. Key requirements include: - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion: you must show a genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): mandatory health insurance for the entire visa period. - Financial capacity: enough funds to cover tuition, living costs, and travel (approximately A$21,041 per year for living costs as of 2026). - Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during breaks (subject to visa conditions). - English proficiency: evidenced by IELTS or equivalent (if required). - Compliance with visa conditions: maintain enrolment, attendance, and academic progress. - Upon completion, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet requirements. Note: HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for General English at Stellar College Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register or filtering tools on HeadStart Academy to compare courses by level, field, and location. Ensure Stellar College meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit www.stellarcollege.edu.au to check entry requirements (English test scores, academic documents, application deadlines). Submit your application with required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare evidence of finances, OSHC, and GTE statement. For step-by-step visa guidance, visit our Student Visa page.
Ready to start your General English journey? Compare courses or contact Stellar College directly via their website. For visa guidance, check our Student Visa page.
General English is a CRICOS-registered programme at Stellar College 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.