General English Program (Beginner to Advanced) (5 to 50 weeks) (CRICOS course code 049258C) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Technical and Further Education Commission over 1 year 4 months (~70 weeks). This ELICOS program is designed for international students who want to improve their English language skills from beginner to advanced levels. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00591E), it meets Australian Government standards for international education. TAFE NSW, a government-owned provider, operates across multiple campuses in New South Wales, offering students access to modern facilities and experienced teachers. Whether you plan to further your studies or enhance your career prospects, this program provides a structured pathway to English proficiency. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, and our data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) – a free resource with no referral fees.
This course falls under the field of education 091501 – ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). It is a Non AQF Award, meaning it does not lead to an Australian Qualifications Framework qualification but prepares students for further academic study or personal development. Students develop reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar skills across multiple proficiency levels. The curriculum typically covers everyday communication, academic English, and cultural understanding. While specific syllabus details are set by the provider, graduates generally gain confidence in using English in real-world settings. With Australia hosting over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,433 courses, ELICOS programs like this are a popular starting point for international students.
The CRICOS register lists the duration as 1 year 4 months (~70 weeks). However, the course is also advertised as 5 to 50 weeks, allowing flexible enrollment based on your starting level and goals. Language of instruction is English, and this is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). The full 70-week program covers beginner to advanced levels, but shorter durations are available for targeted improvement. Students should confirm the exact duration with TAFE NSW when applying.
Tuition fee is A$22,400 for the full course. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, but students should check the provider for any additional costs such as materials or enrollment fees. Estimated total cost is A$22,400. This does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Living costs vary by location – for example, in Sydney (close to Ultimo) weekly rent may range from A$300–$500, plus groceries and transport. Always check TAFE NSW's website for current fees: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/international. Fees are indicative and subject to change.
English language requirements vary by provider. For ELICOS courses, no prior English test is typically required for beginner levels, but higher levels may require IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on the course level. Prior qualifications: generally no formal academic entry requirements, but students must be at least 18 years old (or equivalent). Foundation or pathway options: if you need additional preparation, TAFE NSW offers other English programs. For specific requirements, consult TAFE NSW directly. All international students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion.
No work component is included in this course. The program does not have a mandatory work placement or internship. However, students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
This course is delivered at six TAFE NSW campuses across New South Wales: Kingscliff (northern NSW), Liverpool (western Sydney), Meadowbank (northern Sydney), Tighes Hill (Newcastle), Ultimo (central Sydney), and Wollongong (south coast). Each campus offers access to local amenities and public transport. For example, Ultimo is in Sydney's CBD, near Central Station, while Wollongong is a regional city with lower living costs. NSW is home to over 1,000 CRICOS-registered providers, offering diverse study environments.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time in Australia. Key requirements: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from TAFE NSW, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient funds, English proficiency (unless exempt), and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, unlimited during scheduled breaks. The ESOS Act protects your tuition fees and ensures course quality. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice – consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
New South Wales offers a dynamic study environment with world-class cities and regional towns. Sydney is Australia's largest city with diverse job opportunities, while regional centres like Wollongong and Newcastle offer lower living costs. With over 200,000 international students, NSW has strong student support networks. Public transport connects all TAFE campuses: trains, buses, and ferries. Consider your budget: Sydney's rent is higher (A$400–$700/week), while Kingscliff or Wollongong may be more affordable (A$250–$400/week). If you prefer a bustling urban setting, Ultimo or Meadowbank are ideal; for a quieter coastal lifestyle, Kingscliff or Wollongong suit.
Follow these three steps to study General English Program at Technical and Further Education Commission: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – use headstartacademy.com.au to filter by course level (ELICOS), field (Society and Culture), and city in NSW. 2. Apply directly to TAFE NSW – meet entry requirements, submit your English test (if needed), and check application deadlines on their international website: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/international. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – after acceptance, pay tuition fees to get the CoE, then lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.
Find out more about General English Program at TAFE NSW by visiting their website or exploring other ELICOS courses on HeadStart Academy.
View the full Technical and Further Education Commission profile →
General English Program (Beginner to Advanced) (5 to 50 weeks) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Technical and Further Education Commission. 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.