General English (Beginner to Advanced) (CRICOS course code 0101722) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Academy of English Pty Ltd over 1 year 2 months (~62 weeks). This ELICOS course is designed for international students seeking to improve their English proficiency from beginner to advanced levels. As a CRICOS-registered provider (02399M), Academy of English ensures compliance with Australian Government standards for overseas students. This course is ideal for students aiming to enhance their academic, professional, or daily communication skills in English. With two delivery locations in Sydney and Brisbane, students can choose a study environment that suits their lifestyle and goals. HeadStart Academy provides this detailed guide to help you understand the course structure, fees, entry requirements, and visa processes. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026.
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General English (Beginner to Advanced) (CRICOS course code 0101722) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Academy of English Pty Ltd over 1 year 2 months (~62 weeks). This course is classified under Field of Education 091501 - ELICOS, which focuses on English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. As part of the broader Society and Culture field (09), this program aims to develop English language skills across reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The course is structured to cater to students at various proficiency levels, starting from beginner to advanced. Academy of English Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 02399M) operating since [year not specified]. The course does not include a work component and is a single qualification without dual or foundation studies. With an indicative tuition fee of A$21,000 and non-tuition fees of A$675, the estimated total cost is A$21,675. Please note that fees are indicative and subject to change; always confirm with the provider.
This General English course covers all core language skills: speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. While specific syllabi may vary by provider, ELICOS programs generally follow a communicative approach that emphasises real-world language use. Students can expect to progress through levels from elementary to advanced, with each stage building on the previous. The course is designed to prepare students for further academic study, employment, or everyday communication in English-speaking environments. Given its Non AQF Award status, this course does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but serves as a pathway to higher-level study or to meet English language requirements for other courses. Many students use General English to achieve the proficiency needed for IELTS preparation or vocational training. HeadStart Academy recommends that students clarify specific learning outcomes with the provider before enrolment.
The General English (Beginner to Advanced) course at Academy of English Pty Ltd has a duration of 1 year 2 months (~62 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This full-time program is delivered in English, the language of instruction. It is a single qualification with no dual award or foundation studies component. The course runs for 62 weeks, which may include regular breaks. Students should note that the duration is indicative; actual study timelines may vary based on enrolment dates and class schedules. It is important to maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for General English (Beginner to Advanced) is A$21,000, with additional non-tuition fees of A$675, bringing the estimated total to A$21,675. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as of April 2026 and are set by the provider. Please note that fees are indicative and subject to change. Additional costs not included are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the student visa application charge. For current accurate fees, always check the Academy of English website (www.academies.edu.au). HeadStart Academy provides this information as a guide only.
English language requirements for General English courses can vary. Typically, providers set an IELTS overall score of 5.5 to 7.0 depending on the target level. For beginner levels, no prior English may be required, while advanced levels may need higher proficiency. Prior qualifications expected for this level: generally, students should have completed secondary education in their home country. Foundation or pathway options may be available; refer to Academy of English for specifics. Since this is a Non AQF Award, academic prerequisites are less formal. HeadStart Academy advises students to confirm entry criteria directly with the provider.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students are not required to complete any work placement as part of the program. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may be eligible to work 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Always check your visa conditions and consult the Department of Home Affairs for current rules.
General English (Beginner to Advanced) is delivered at two locations in Australia: Academy of English (George Street) (ELICOS Operations) in Sydney, New South Wales, and Queen Adelaide Building 90-112 Queen Street in Brisbane, Queensland. Sydney is Australia's largest city with a vibrant international student community, while Brisbane offers a more relaxed lifestyle with lower living costs. Across Australia, there are over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses. Sydney has hundreds of providers, and Brisbane also boasts a strong education sector. Students should consider factors like climate, transport, and cost of living. Indicative weekly living costs: Sydney (rent A$300-500, groceries A$80-150, transport A$40-60) and Brisbane (rent A$250-400, groceries A$70-130, transport A$30-50). Public transport to both campuses is accessible.
International students enrolling in General English (Beginner to Advanced) at Academy of English will typically need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study in Australia for the duration of the course. Key conditions include maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, adequate health insurance (OSHC), and demonstrating genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria. Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. You must also show financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents (if applicable). HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; for visa advice, consult a MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, safeguarding your fees and rights.
ELICOS courses like General English are ideal for students who need to improve their English for further study, work, or personal reasons. If you are planning to enrol in a vocational or university course that requires a specific IELTS score, a General English program can help you reach that level. It's also suitable for those who want to experience living in Australia while learning the language. Consider the time commitment (over a year) and the cost. If you already have intermediate English, you might opt for a shorter pathway. HeadStart Academy recommends researching your long-term goals and consulting with the provider to ensure this course aligns with your plans.
Follow these three steps to apply for General English (Beginner to Advanced) at Academy of English Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy's course search to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and city (Sydney or Brisbane). Verify the provider's registration on CRICOS. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Contact Academy of English to check entry requirements, submit your English test scores (if required), and meet application deadlines. Provide necessary documents like academic transcripts and passport copy. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use it to lodge a visa application through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. Remember, HeadStart Academy does not process applications; this is a guide.
Ready to enrol? Research General English courses on HeadStart Academy and connect with Academy of English today.
General English (Beginner to Advanced) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Academy of English 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.