General English Levels 1-4 (CRICOS course code 097472K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Zarah Institute of Education Pty Ltd over 50 weeks (~12 months). This ELICOS program is designed for international students aiming to improve their English from beginner to intermediate level. It falls under field 0915 – Language and Literature (091501 – ELICOS) and is taught entirely in English at the institute’s West Melbourne campus. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 02908F), it meets Australian Government standards for international education. All providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality under the ESOS Act protections. Before enrolling, understand student visa (Subclass 500) requirements including OSHC, GTE criteria, and financial capacity.
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General English Levels 1-4 (CRICOS 097472K) is a Non AQF Award course offered by Zarah Institute of Education Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02908F), a private provider based in Victoria. The course runs for 50 weeks (approximately 12 months) and is classified under the field of Education 0915 – Language and Literature, specifically ELICOS (091501). It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation component. The indicative total fee is A$17,400, comprising A$16,800 tuition and A$600 non-tuition fees. This course is ideal for students who need to build foundational English skills for further study, work, or daily life in Australia. As an ELICOS program, it is designed to help non-native speakers achieve proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
As an ELICOS program at Level 1-4, students typically focus on developing core English language skills from beginner to intermediate level. The curriculum generally covers grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and communication strategies. Students practice conversational English for everyday situations, academic contexts, and professional settings. Activities may include group discussions, presentations, listening exercises, reading comprehension, and writing tasks. The course aims to build confidence and competence in using English effectively. While specific syllabi are set by Zarah Institute, ELICOS programs in Australia are designed to prepare students for further study or integration into English-speaking environments. Graduates often progress to vocational or higher education courses that have English language prerequisites.
General English Levels 1-4 has a duration of 50 weeks (approximately 12 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The course is delivered full-time in English. It is a single qualification, meaning it does not combine with another award. Students attend classes at the West Melbourne campus, with a typical schedule of 20 hours per week (subject to provider confirmation). This structure allows international students to meet student visa (Subclass 500) requirements for full-time study. The course is not available part-time, and there is no work component integrated into the curriculum.
The following fees are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. They are set by Zarah Institute of Education Pty Ltd and subject to change. Always confirm current fees with the provider before applying.
Note: This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For a student visa (Subclass 500), you must show evidence of funds for travel, tuition, living costs (at least A$21,041 per year for a single student from October 2023 indexation) and OSHC. For Melbourne, living costs (including rent, food, transport) typically range from A$400 to A$600 per week. Visit the provider’s website at www.barton.edu.au for the most up-to-date fee schedule.
Entry requirements for General English Levels 1-4 are set by Zarah Institute of Education Pty Ltd. While specific criteria vary, ELICOS courses generally require applicants to be at least 18 years old and have completed Year 12 or equivalent. English language requirements are typically not required for beginner to intermediate levels, but the provider may assess your level via a placement test. For higher-level English courses, an IELTS score of 5.5 to 7.0 overall is often expected. International students must also meet student visa (Subclass 500) requirements, including genuine temporary entrant (GTE) assessment and sufficient financial capacity. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable for this Non AQF Award; contact the provider for details on progression to other courses.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a student visa holder, you may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Always check your visa grant conditions.
This course is delivered at: - Level 1, 355 Spencer St, WEST MELBOURNE, VIC 3003
West Melbourne is a central suburb of Melbourne, close to the CBD. The campus is well-served by public transport, including trams and buses, and is within walking distance of Southern Cross Station. Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city, home to over 200,000 international students and more than 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering ELICOS programs. The city offers a vibrant multicultural environment, with a cost of living typically higher than regional areas but lower than Sydney. Students can access libraries, language exchange groups, and community activities to enhance their English learning.
International students enrolling in General English Levels 1-4 will typically need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course. Key requirements include: - Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Zarah Institute - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay - Sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel - English proficiency (if required by provider) - Health and character requirements
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Dependents may also have work rights. For detailed information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps specific to General English Levels 1-4 at Zarah Institute of Education Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy or the CRICOS register to verify that Zarah Institute (CRICOS 02908F) and this course (097472K) are registered. Compare course details, fees, and locations.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Contact Zarah Institute via their website (www.barton.edu.au) to review entry requirements, submit an application, and arrange any required English placement test. Ensure you meet all conditions before acceptance.
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 apply for your student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Include all required documents, including OSHC, financial evidence, and GTE statement.
Melbourne is a top destination for international students, offering high-quality education and a lively cultural scene. With over 50 ELICOS providers, you have many options to study English. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$450-$600 per week for a single student, including shared accommodation, groceries, and public transport. The city’s public transport system (trams, trains, buses) is extensive, with a myki card required for travel. Melbourne also has a strong student community, with events, language exchange meetups, and volunteer opportunities to practice English. The West Melbourne campus location is particularly convenient for accessing the CBD, Queen Victoria Market, and Docklands. As an international student, you are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition assurance and consumer rights.
Ready to start your English language journey? Contact Zarah Institute of Education Pty Ltd directly through their website at www.barton.edu.au to discuss enrolment and current fees.
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General English Levels 1-4 is a CRICOS-registered programme at Zarah 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.