General English - Upper Intermediate (CRICOS course code 086134G) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd over 12 weeks. This ELICOS course is designed for international students who want to build their English language skills to an upper intermediate level, enabling confident communication in academic and social contexts. Southern Cross Education Institute (CRICOS 02934D) is a private provider with campuses in Adelaide and Melbourne, offering a supportive learning environment. The course falls under the Society and Culture field of education (091501 ELICOS), focusing on language and literature. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian standards for international education, with all data verified from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Whether you're aiming to progress to further study or improve your career prospects in Australia, this course provides a solid foundation.
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General English - Upper Intermediate (CRICOS 086134G) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd over 12 weeks. This course is part of the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) category, specifically under the field of Society and Culture (0915 Language and Literature). The course is designed for students who have a pre-intermediate to intermediate level of English and wish to advance to upper intermediate proficiency. Southern Cross Education Institute is a private registered provider with CRICOS code 02934D, offering this course across multiple campuses. The indicative tuition fee is A$4,290 with no additional non-tuition fees, making the estimated total A$4,290. Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are not included.
This course is a Non AQF Award, meaning it does not align with the Australian Qualifications Framework but focuses on developing practical English language skills. In the ELICOS field (091501), students typically build reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities at an upper intermediate level. The curriculum emphasises real-world communication, grammar, vocabulary expansion, and cultural understanding. Graduates are expected to be able to participate in complex conversations, write coherent texts, and comprehend nuanced spoken and written English. While specific syllabi vary by provider, the course aims to prepare students for further academic study or everyday professional and social interactions in Australia.
The course runs for 12 weeks (12 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register). Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual award). There is no work component included. Students should expect full-time study commitment. The course is delivered face-to-face at one of the provider's campuses. As this is an ELICOS course, it may not offer part-time options for international students due to visa conditions requiring full-time enrollment.
The indicative tuition fee for General English - Upper Intermediate is A$4,290, with no non-tuition fees, resulting in an estimated total of A$4,290. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the institution. Important: OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), living costs, and the visa application charge for a Student visa (Subclass 500) are not included. Always confirm current fees directly with Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd at www.scei.com.au before applying.
English language requirements vary by provider. For General English - Upper Intermediate, typical minimums range from IELTS 5.5 to 7.0 overall depending on the course level. Since this is an upper-intermediate ELICOS course, providers commonly expect a minimum English proficiency of around IELTS 5.0–5.5 or equivalent. Prior qualifications: Students should have completed a lower-level English course or equivalent. Foundation or pathway options: Check with Southern Cross Education Institute for possible articulation into further study. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the provider directly for precise entry criteria.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work or internship component. However, on a Student visa, international students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
This course is delivered at four campuses of Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd: 14-16 Grote Street, Adelaide, SA; 155-161 Boundary Road, North Melbourne, VIC; 41 Boundary Road, North Melbourne, VIC; and 52-56 Chetwynd St, West Melbourne, VIC. These locations offer access to Australia's vibrant city life. Adelaide has over 20 CRICOS-registered providers, while Melbourne boasts more than 100. Living costs in Adelaide are typically lower than in Melbourne – indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment ranges from $150–$250 in Adelaide and $200–$350 in Melbourne. Both cities have excellent public transport. Choose a campus that suits your lifestyle and budget.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and meeting health standards. Students on a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of the visa. For detailed guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to enrol in General English - Upper Intermediate at Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register to verify the provider (02934D) and course (086134G). HeadStart Academy's directory can help you compare courses. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd via www.scei.com.au, submit your application with required English test results, academic documents, and meet entry requirements. Check application deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including evidence of OSHC and financial capacity.
Choosing between Adelaide and Melbourne depends on your preferences. Adelaide offers a relaxed, affordable lifestyle with a smaller international student community (around 40,000), while Melbourne is a multicultural hub with over 250,000 international students and extensive amenities. Adelaide's lower cost of living makes it attractive for budget-conscious students, while Melbourne provides more diverse English practice opportunities due to its larger population. Both cities have strong public transport links to the campuses. Consider your budget, study goals, and desired lifestyle when selecting a delivery location.
ELICOS courses like this one are ideal for improving English skills before undertaking vocational or higher education in Australia. Consider your current English level and desired outcome – whether for academic preparation (e.g., for a diploma or degree) or general improvement. Check if the provider offers pathways to further study. Also, evaluate the provider's CRICOS registration, campus facilities, and student support services. Remember that ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring your tuition fees are protected and you have access to student services.
Ready to enrol? Visit Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd's website at www.scei.com.au to check current fees, entry requirements, and apply directly. Explore all CRICOS-registered ELICOS courses on HeadStart Academy.
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General English - Upper Intermediate is a CRICOS-registered programme at Southern Cross Education Institute 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.