General English (CRICOS course code 0101738) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year 4 months (~70 weeks). This ELICOS program, classified under Field of Education 091501, helps international students build practical English language skills for everyday communication, further study, or work in Australia. Offered at the provider's Dandenong campus in Victoria, the course provides a solid foundation for students aiming to meet English entry requirements for higher education or simply improve their proficiency. With an indicative tuition fee of A$15,000 and no additional non-tuition fees, it's a cost-effective option for learners committed to their language journey. Lawson College Australia is CRICOS-registered (03406J), ensuring compliance with Australian Government standards for international education. All international students in Australia are protected by the ESOS Act, and this course is no exception. Whether you plan to progress to vocational training, university, or work in an English-speaking environment, this General English course offers structured learning in a supportive environment. At HeadStart Academy, we provide this information directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) so you can make informed decisions about your study abroad plans.
General English (CRICOS course code 0101738) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year 4 months (~70 weeks). This course belongs to the field of Language and Literature (091501 – ELICOS) under the broader Society and Culture category. It is designed for international students who wish to improve their English language proficiency for academic, professional, or personal purposes. As an ELICOS program, it focuses on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, often integrated with cultural and social contexts. The course is offered by a private provider, Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03406J), which operates from its campus at 53 Walker Street, Dandenong, Victoria. This provider is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), giving students confidence in the quality and accountability of the education they receive. Australia's ESOS Act ensures that international students' rights are protected, including access to complaint processes and tuition protections. For any specific syllabus details, we recommend contacting the provider directly.
As a General English course at the Non AQF Award level, students focus on building foundational to intermediate English skills. Typically, ELICOS programs cover grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and communication strategies across real-world contexts. Students practice conversational English in academic and social settings, improve reading comprehension through authentic texts, develop writing skills for emails, essays, and reports, and enhance listening comprehension through lectures, dialogues, and media. The field of Language and Literature (091501) emphasises not only linguistic competence but also cultural awareness, enabling students to navigate Australian society more effectively. This course does not lead to a formal qualification but can serve as a pathway to further study or employment. Many students use General English as a stepping stone to meet English entry requirements for vocational or higher education courses. For exact learning outcomes, please refer to Lawson College Australia's official course documentation.
The General English course has a duration of 1 year 4 months (~70 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification course (no dual qualification) and is not a VET program (VET national code: N/A). It does not include a foundation studies component. Students are expected to attend classes on a full-time basis at the Dandenong campus. The 70-week duration allows ample time to progress through multiple levels of English proficiency, typically from elementary to intermediate or upper-intermediate, depending on the student's starting point. The schedule may be structured into terms or semesters, with breaks in between. International students must maintain full-time enrollment to comply with student visa conditions. For specific term dates and study load, please check with the provider.
The indicative fees for General English at Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd, sourced from the CRICOS register, are as follows: Tuition fee A$15,000, Non-tuition fee A$0, Estimated total A$15,000. Please note that these fees are indicative only and subject to change. Institutions set their own fees and may adjust them without notice. Additionally, the following costs are not included in the above: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – mandatory health insurance for international students, living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600 as of 2025). For accurate and current fee information, always check the provider's website at www.lawsoncollege.edu.au. HeadStart Academy provides fee data from the official CRICOS register as a starting point for your budgeting.
General English courses typically have flexible entry requirements. While there are no formal academic prerequisites for this Non AQF Award level, providers generally require students to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid student visa. For English language requirements, IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall may be expected for courses leading to higher education, but for General English itself, a lower level (e.g., IELTS 4.0 or equivalent) may be acceptable as the course is designed to improve proficiency. Some providers may require an English placement test upon arrival. Prior qualifications: For this level, completion of secondary education is typically sufficient. Foundation/pathway options: This General English course can serve as a pathway to further studies at Lawson College or other institutions. We recommend contacting the provider directly for detailed entry criteria and to discuss your individual circumstances. All entry requirements are set by the institution and verified at the time of application.
This General English course does not include a mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake practical placements or work experience as part of the curriculum. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the course term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This allows students to gain work experience and supplement their living expenses while studying. For more details on work rights, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
The General English course is delivered at: 53 Walker Street, Dandenong, VIC 3175. Dandenong is a major suburban centre in Melbourne's south-east, approximately 30 km from the CBD. It is a vibrant multicultural area with a large migrant and international student community. Dandenong is served by public transport, including trains (Dandenong station is on the Pakenham/Cranbourne lines) and buses, making the campus easily accessible. The city also offers a range of affordable housing, with indicative weekly rent for a private room around A$200–300, groceries A$80–120, and a monthly myki pass (transport) approximately A$150. There are many registered CRICOS providers in the Melbourne region, offering extensive study choices. Studying in Dandenong allows students to experience both suburban life and proximity to Melbourne's amenities.
International students enrolling in General English at Lawson College Australia will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study in CRICOS-registered courses and includes work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited during scheduled holidays. You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily in Australia for study. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Financial capacity requirements must be met, showing you can cover tuition, living costs, and travel. For full details, visit the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered MARA agent for your specific situation.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare General English courses across Australia. Filter by course level, field (ELICOS), and location to find options like Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit www.lawsoncollege.edu.au, check entry requirements (English test scores, academic documents), and submit an application before the deadline. You may need to pay an application fee. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online, attaching required documents such as OSHC policy, financial evidence, and English results. Plan for visa processing times (typically 4–8 weeks).
1. How much does General English cost at Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd? Indicative tuition is A$15,000 with no non-tuition fees, total A$15,000. This does not include OSHC, living costs, or visa charges. Always check the provider's website for current fees. 2. How long is General English? The course duration is 1 year 4 months (70 weeks) as per CRICOS register. Full-time study is required to maintain visa compliance. 3. What are the entry requirements for General English? Generally, you need to be 18+ and hold a student visa. English proficiency requirements vary; the course itself is designed to improve language skills. Contact Lawson College for specific entry criteria. 4. Where is General English delivered? At 53 Walker Street, Dandenong, Victoria 3175. This location offers easy access to public transport and student amenities.
Explore all General English courses on HeadStart Academy and find the right fit for your study goals in Australia.
General English is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lawson College Australia 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.