General English Beginner (CRICOS course code 087717K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd over 6 weeks. This ELICOS program is designed for international students who want to build foundational English skills for daily communication, further study, or work in Australia. As a CRICOS-registered course (02934D), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. HeadStart Academy presents this page as a free resource to help you explore your options. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Whether you are planning to improve your English for personal growth or as a pathway to higher education, this course offers a structured start in a supportive environment.
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General English Beginner (CRICOS course code 087717K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd over 6 weeks. This course falls under the field of education 091501 - ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), part of the broader Society and Culture discipline. It is a beginner-level program aimed at developing core English skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. As an ELICOS course, it is designed for students who have little to no prior English knowledge. The provider, Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02934D), is a private institution based in Melbourne, Victoria. The course is delivered at two locations in the Melbourne metropolitan area: North Melbourne and West Melbourne. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this course is one of them. All CRICOS-registered courses, including this one, are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring international students receive quality education and consumer protections.
This General English Beginner course is classified under field 091501 - ELICOS. In this field, students typically learn basic English communication skills for everyday situations. Although specific syllabi vary by provider, graduates of beginner ELICOS programs generally can understand and use familiar everyday expressions, introduce themselves and others, ask and answer basic questions about personal details, and interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly. The course focuses on developing a foundation in vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and simple written and spoken texts. It prepares students for the next level of English study (e.g., Elementary or Pre-Intermediate). This course is a single qualification (Non AQF Award) and does not lead to a formal Australian Qualification Framework award, but it provides essential language skills for progression.
The course duration is 6 weeks (6 weeks on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification course; there is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The intensive nature of ELICOS programs typically involves full-time study hours, often around 20-25 hours per week. Students should be prepared for a classroom-based learning environment with interactive tasks, group work, and self-study. The 6-week timeframe allows for rapid progression at the beginner level. As with all international student courses, attendance and academic progress requirements apply under visa conditions.
Tuition fees for General English Beginner at Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd are A$2,145. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0. The estimated total cost is A$2,145. Please note: these fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by the institution and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd via their website www.scei.com.au. Additional costs not included in the indicative total include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), visa application charges, and personal expenses. For a student in Melbourne, indicative weekly living costs are approximately A$450–550 for rent (shared accommodation), A$80–120 for groceries, and A$30–50 for public transport (with student concession). These are rough estimates and vary by lifestyle.
Entry requirements for General English Beginner at Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd are determined by the provider. As a general guide for ELICOS beginner levels, no prior English test score is required, as the course is for true beginners. However, students must be at least 18 years old (or have appropriate guardian arrangements if under 18). Some providers may require a minimum level of English proficiency assessed through a placement test upon arrival. For this course, since it is beginner level, the English requirement guide is: English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. But for beginner, no IELTS is needed. Prior qualifications: Students should have completed secondary schooling equivalent to Year 10 or higher. Foundation/pathway options: Students who complete this course may progress to higher ELICOS levels or packaged into a vocational or higher education program. Refer to the provider for specific articulation arrangements.
There is no work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are generally allowed to work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. However, this work is not part of the course curriculum.
General English Beginner is delivered at two locations in Victoria: 41 Boundary Road, North Melbourne — North Melbourne, VIC, and 52-56 Chetwynd St, West Melbourne — West Melbourne, VIC. Both locations are in the Melbourne metropolitan area, a city with a large international student population (over 250,000 international students in 2025). Melbourne has numerous CRICOS-registered providers (over 500) offering a wide range of courses. Public transport to the North Melbourne campus is accessible via trams and trains, with North Melbourne station nearby. West Melbourne is close to Flagstaff or Southern Cross stations. Living in Melbourne as a student: the cost of living is moderate to high; rent for shared housing averages A$200–300 per week in the inner suburbs. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene and diverse communities, making it a popular destination for international students.
To study General English Beginner at Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd, international students typically require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key visa requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, proof of sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and meeting health and character requirements. Student work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Remember that HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice. For visa applications, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au. Student visa holders must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, attend classes, and make satisfactory academic progress.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities, with a strong multicultural community, excellent public transport, and a thriving arts and food scene. For students in General English Beginner, Melbourne offers many opportunities to practise English in real-life settings, from markets to museums. The city has a large network of English language colleges and universities, making it easy to progress to further studies. However, consider the higher cost of living compared to smaller Australian cities. Check your budget and lifestyle preferences before deciding. HeadStart Academy covers over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, so you can compare options in other cities like Sydney, Brisbane, or Perth.
Applying for General English Beginner at Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd involves three simple steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy or directly on the CRICOS register. Filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and location (Victoria). 2. Apply directly to Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd through their website (www.scei.com.au). Check specific entry requirements, any English language test needed, and application deadlines. Prepare documents such as academic transcripts, passport copy, and evidence of English proficiency if required. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the institution and use it to apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and show financial capacity. For personalised guidance, consult a registered migration agent.
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General English Beginner 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.