General English (CRICOS course code 089469E) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Apex Institute of Education Pty Ltd over 1 year. This ELICOS program is designed for international students who want to improve their English language skills for academic, professional, or personal purposes. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03156M), Apex Institute of Education ensures that this course meets the rigorous standards of the Australian education system. Whether you plan to progress to further study in Australia or enhance your career prospects, General English provides a solid foundation. With delivery locations in Melbourne and Sydney, you can choose a vibrant city to start your journey. HeadStart Academy provides this free resource to help you understand the course details, indicative costs, and the application process. All information is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy.
General English (CRICOS course code 089469E) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Apex Institute of Education Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course falls under the field of education 091501 - ELICOS, which is part of the Society and Culture group. It is designed for non-native English speakers to develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. The course is not part of a dual qualification or foundation studies program. As a Non AQF Award, it does not lead to a formal Australian Qualification Framework certificate but is widely accepted for visa purposes and as a pathway to further study. Apex Institute of Education is a private CRICOS-registered provider (03156M) based in Australia, with campuses in Melbourne and Sydney.
This ELICOS program focuses on building practical English language skills for everyday communication. Students typically engage in lessons covering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation practice. The curriculum is designed to progress from beginner to advanced levels, enabling learners to gain confidence in academic and social contexts. While the specific syllabus is determined by Apex Institute of Education, graduates of similar ELICOS courses often achieve sufficient proficiency to undertake vocational or higher education studies in Australia. The field of education (0915 - Language and Literature) emphasizes communicative competence and cultural awareness. As an ELICOS course, it adheres to the standards set by the National ELT Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) or equivalent quality frameworks.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English, and students are expected to attend classes full-time. This is a single qualification course with no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The course does not include a mandatory work component, although students may find voluntary opportunities locally. The full-time study load meets the requirements for a Student visa (Subclass 500). As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the duration is fixed and must be completed within the enrolment period. Apex Institute of Education may offer multiple intake dates throughout the year; check the provider’s website for specific start dates.
The indicative total course fee is A$14,500, as listed on the CRICOS register. This includes tuition only; non-tuition fees such as enrolment, materials, and administration charges are set by the provider and should be confirmed directly. Please note that this estimate does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For current fee schedules, visit Apex Institute of Education’s official website at www.apexaustralia.edu.au. All fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the intake and campus. HeadStart Academy strongly advises students to obtain a written fee quote from the institution before applying.
English language requirements for this course vary by provider. Typically, ELICOS programs require a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 overall or equivalent, though some providers accept scores as low as 4.5 or as high as 7.0 depending on the course level. For General English, there are often no formal academic prerequisites; students may be placed in a level based on a placement test at the start of the course. Prior qualifications expected: completion of secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12. Foundation or pathway options: Refer to Apex Institute of Education for any bridging programs. All applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. However, the course itself does not incorporate work experience or internships. Students seeking practical experience should explore voluntary opportunities or separate internship programs outside the curriculum.
General English is delivered at two campuses: Level 7, 123 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, and Apex Institute of Education (Goulburn Street, Sydney) in NSW. Melbourne is a major international student hub with over 50,000 international enrolments and a vibrant multicultural environment. The campus is in the central business district, easily accessible by public transport (trains, trams, buses). Sydney, Australia’s largest city, hosts a diverse student population and offers world-class amenities. The Sydney campus is located in the heart of the city, near public transport links. Both cities have a high cost of living: weekly rent averages A$300–A$500 for shared accommodation, groceries around A$80–A$150, and public transport A$30–A$50. These figures are indicative and should be factored into your budget.
International students studying this course must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and provides work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay, and demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents' expenses. The Department of Home Affairs processes visa applications. As HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent, we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent or visiting homeaffairs.gov.au for personalised advice. All CRICOS-registered courses like this one are covered by the ESOS Act, ensuring legal protections for international students.
Follow these 3 steps to apply for General English at Apex Institute of Education: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and city (Melbourne or Sydney). Compare providers and check their CRICOS status. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Apex Institute of Education’s website (www.apexaustralia.edu.au) to review entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents (passport, academic transcripts, English test results, etc.). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the institution will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring you meet GTE and financial requirements.
Ready to start your General English journey? Explore CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy and take the first step today.
General English is a CRICOS-registered programme at Apex Institute of Education 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.