General English (Elementary to Upper Intermediate) (CRICOS course code 057140F) is a Non AQF Award delivered by UOWC Ltd over 1 year. This course is designed to improve English language proficiency from elementary to upper intermediate levels, catering to international students who wish to enhance their communication skills for academic, professional, or personal purposes. UOWC Ltd, trading as UOW College, is a CRICOS-registered private provider (CRICOS 02723D) located in Wollongong, New South Wales. As part of Australia's extensive ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) sector, this course falls under the field of Society and Culture (0915 Language and Literature). The program is delivered at the UOW College, Wollongong Campus in Gwynneville, a vibrant student city with a large international community. HeadStart Academy sources all course data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring you have accurate, up-to-date information. Explore this course and many others at headstartacademy.com.au, your trusted free resource for international students.
General English (Elementary to Upper Intermediate) (CRICOS course code 057140F) is a Non AQF Award delivered by UOWC Ltd over 1 year. This course is a comprehensive English language program that takes students from elementary to upper intermediate proficiency. It is registered under the field of Education 0915 - Language and Literature, specifically for ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). As a Non AQF Award, it does not lead to an Australian Qualifications Framework qualification but provides essential language skills for further study or everyday life in Australia. UOWC Ltd is a private, CRICOS-registered institution with a strong reputation for supporting international students. The course is taught in English and is a single qualification with no dual awards. For more details on the curriculum, you can visit the provider's website at www.uowcollege.edu.au.
This General English program focuses on developing the four key language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while also building vocabulary and grammar. Students at this level typically progress from being able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions to confidently communicating on a range of topics. The course aims to help students achieve upper intermediate fluency, enabling them to handle complex conversations, understand main ideas in texts, and produce clear writing. The ELICOS field is designed for students whose first language is not English, and this course is ideal for those preparing for further academic study or wanting to improve their English for work or personal growth. While the exact syllabus is set by UOWC Ltd, you can expect a communicative approach with plenty of practical activities and assessments to track your progress.
The course duration is 1 year (54 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered in English and is a single qualification (Non AQF Award). The program is likely full-time, requiring a minimum of 20 hours of study per week, typical for ELICOS courses. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The 54-week duration allows for gradual language development from elementary to upper intermediate. Please confirm the exact study mode (e.g., on-campus, face-to-face) with UOWC Ltd, as delivery may vary.
The indicative tuition fee for General English (Elementary to Upper Intermediate) is A$32,346, with non-tuition fees of A$0, making the estimated total A$32,346. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and are subject to change by the institution. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., accommodation, food, transport), and the visa application charge for the Student visa (Subclass 500). For current fees and a detailed fee breakdown, always refer to UOWC Ltd's website at www.uowcollege.edu.au. As a guide, international students in Wollongong should budget approximately A$400–A$600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport, but this varies.
Entry requirements for General English (Elementary to Upper Intermediate) vary by provider. For this level, UOWC Ltd typically requires students to be at least 16 years old and to demonstrate a basic proficiency in English (e.g., IELTS 3.0–4.0 equivalent) to enter at elementary level. Since the course progresses to upper intermediate, higher starting levels may be assessed via a placement test. For international students, proof of English ability may be required, though specific IELTS bands are not fixed for this course—many ELICOS providers accept students with no formal English test by using an internal assessment. Prior academic qualifications are generally not required for this Non AQF Award, but some foundation or pathway options may be available if you aim to progress to a degree. Check with UOWC Ltd for their specific prerequisites.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student holding a Student visa (Subclass 500), you may be eligible for limited work rights (48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks) subject to visa conditions. Always check your visa conditions and seek advice from the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
This course is delivered at UOW College, Wollongong Campus, located in Gwynneville, New South Wales. Wollongong is a coastal city south of Sydney, known for its large student population, including many international students. The area has excellent public transport links, including trains and buses to Sydney, and the campus is easily accessible. Wollongong offers a lower cost of living compared to Sydney, with weekly rent for a room in shared accommodation typically starting at A$250–A$350. There are numerous CRICOS-registered providers in Wollongong and the surrounding Illawarra region, making it a popular study destination.
International students enrolling in this course will typically require a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. To apply, you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, which assesses your intention to stay temporarily for study. You will also need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, proof of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel, and a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from UOWC Ltd. It is important to note that visa outcomes are determined by the Department of Home Affairs, and HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice. For personalized assistance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA). As an international student, you are protected by the ESOS Act, which ensures quality education and consumer rights.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to find CRICOS-registered courses like General English (Elementary to Upper Intermediate). Filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and location (Wollongong) to compare options. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit UOWC Ltd's website (www.uowcollege.edu.au) and submit an application. You will need to meet entry requirements, including any English test or placement assessment. Check application deadlines and required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, UOWC Ltd will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
Wollongong is a vibrant student city with a strong international community. Home to the University of Wollongong and several other CRICOS-registered institutions, it offers a range of accommodation options, from on-campus residences to private rentals. The cost of living is moderate: average weekly rent for a studio apartment is around A$400, while shared housing can cost A$250–A$350. Groceries and transport add about A$100–A$150 per week. Public transport includes buses and trains connecting to Sydney and other regions. With its beaches, parks, and cultural events, Wollongong provides a balanced study-life experience. Consider whether this city's environment and lifestyle suit your preferences before applying.
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General English (Elementary to Upper Intermediate) is a CRICOS-registered programme at UOWC 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.