General English (CRICOS course code 076336C) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Inforum Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year. This ELICOS program is designed for international students who want to improve their English language proficiency for everyday communication, further study, or work. Located in Southport, Queensland, the course offers a structured yet flexible learning environment with focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. As a CRICOS-registered provider (02894G), Inforum Australia is authorised to enrol overseas students, ensuring ESOS Act protections apply. Australia’s ELICOS sector is one of the most regulated in the world, giving students confidence in quality standards. Whether you are preparing for academic pathways or personal development, this course provides a solid foundation. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) helps you navigate the CRICOS register to find the right course and provider. Remember, all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, covering 1,556 providers and 26,433 courses.
General English (076336C) is classified under the field of education '09 - Society and Culture', specifically '0915 - Language and Literature' and further as '091501 - ELICOS'. As a Non AQF Award, it does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but provides valuable English language skills. The course runs for 52 weeks (1 year) and is delivered in English by Inforum Australia Pty Ltd, a private provider located at 13-15 Short Street, Southport QLD 4215. This course is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation program) and includes no mandatory work component. Indicative total tuition and non-tuition fees amount to A$14,500, though exact fees are set by the provider and subject to change. The course enables international students to meet English language requirements for further study or employment. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, meaning they meet Australian Government standards for teaching and student welfare. The ESOS Act ensures that international students have legal rights, including tuition protection and access to complaint mechanisms.
As an ELICOS program, General English focuses on developing communicative competence in everyday contexts. Students typically improve their ability to understand and use English in social, educational, and workplace settings. The curriculum covers the four macro skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, along with grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. At this non-award level, the emphasis is on practical usage rather than academic theory. Graduates often achieve a level of English sufficient to progress to vocational or higher education courses, or to enhance their employment prospects. While specific syllabus details are set by Inforum Australia, ELICOS courses in Australia must comply with the National ELT Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) or equivalent quality frameworks. This ensures consistent teaching standards across providers. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, making it a premier destination for English language study.
According to the CRICOS register, General English (076336C) has a duration of 52 weeks (1 year). It is a full-time course delivered face-to-face at the Southport campus. The language of instruction is English, and students are expected to attend classes regularly. This is a single qualification, meaning it does not combine with another course (e.g., a vocational diploma). No foundation studies component is attached, and there is no work component integrated into the course. For international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500), the course load must meet the requirements of the Department of Home Affairs, typically a minimum of 20 hours per week. Check with Inforum Australia for specific timetables. The campus is located in Southport, a vibrant suburb of the Gold Coast, known for its student-friendly environment and excellent public transport links.
The indicative total fee for General English (076336C) is A$14,500, as recorded on the CRICOS register. This includes tuition and non-tuition fees, but exact amounts are set by Inforum Australia Pty Ltd and may change. For the most current fee schedule, visit www.inforum.com.au. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the Visa Application Charge (VAC) are not included in this estimate. International students should budget for OSHC (approximately A$500–$700 per year for single cover), living expenses (the Department of Home Affairs suggests at least A$21,041 per year for a single student), and travel costs. The Gold Coast, where Southport is located, has a cost of living slightly above the national average, with indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment ranging from A$200–$350, groceries around A$80–$120, and public transport about A$40–$60. These figures are guides only and subject to change.
English language requirements for General English courses vary by provider. For this course, Inforum Australia Pty Ltd sets its own entry standards. Typically, ELICOS programs accept students with a minimum English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5 overall, though some may require IELTS 6.0 or higher for higher levels. Since General English is a non-award course, formal academic prerequisites are usually minimal, but students should have completed secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12. Some providers may require a placement test to determine the appropriate class level. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable here; refer to the provider for specific entry criteria. All international applicants must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the Student visa (Subclass 500). It is essential to confirm entry requirements directly with Inforum Australia before applying.
No work component is included in General English (076336C). The course does not require students to undertake any mandatory work placement or internship. However, international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500) are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This work rights entitlement is subject to visa conditions and the student maintaining satisfactory course attendance and progress. While the course itself has no work component, students can seek part-time employment to support their living costs. The Gold Coast region offers many job opportunities in hospitality, retail, and tourism. Always check the latest visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website.
General English (076336C) is delivered at Inforum Australia's campus located at 13-15 Short Street, Southport QLD 4215. Southport is a major suburb of the Gold Coast, a city known for its beaches, student population, and growing education sector. The Gold Coast is home to over 50 CRICOS-registered providers covering everything from ELICOS to postgraduate degrees. The campus is accessible by public transport, including the G:link light rail and bus services. Living in Southport offers proximity to amenities such as shopping centres, restaurants, and the Broadwater parklands. The typical student population in the Gold Coast exceeds 20,000 international students, creating a diverse and supportive community. When choosing a study location, consider factors like climate, lifestyle, and cost of living. HeadStart Academy provides detailed guides to help you decide.
International students enrolling in General English (076336C) will need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. This visa requires you to be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course — which this course is. Key conditions include: maintaining full-time enrolment, satisfactory attendance (80% or higher in most cases), and adequate OSHC for the duration of your stay. Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrating that your intention is to study temporarily. Financial capacity evidence is required: sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel. For dependents, a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) may be relevant. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised guidance.
Southport, on the Gold Coast, offers a dynamic environment for international students. With a subtropical climate, numerous student housing options, and a vibrant social scene, it appeals to those seeking a balance between study and lifestyle. The city has a strong ELICOS community, with many providers offering pathways to further education. However, the cost of living is higher than in some other Australian cities. Consider your budget and preferences. If you enjoy beach life, year-round warmth, and a multicultural atmosphere, Southport could be an excellent choice. HeadStart Academy's location guides provide deeper insights into student life in Queensland.
Ready to start your General English journey? Visit Inforum Australia's website for current fees and application details.
General English is a CRICOS-registered programme at Inforum 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.