General English - Beginner to Advanced (CRICOS course code 097555G) is a Non AQF Award delivered by West Australian Institute of Further Studies Pty Ltd over 2 years. This course is designed for international students seeking to improve their English language proficiency from beginner through to advanced levels. As an ELICOS program (Field of Education 091501), it focuses on developing core communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing within an Australian academic and social context. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets the rigorous standards set by the Australian Government for international education. With the West Australian Institute of Further Studies (CRICOS 03188C) as the provider, students benefit from a private institution located in Perth's central business district. Perth is a vibrant city with over 20,000 international students, moderate living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne, and excellent public transport. Whether you're aiming to enter vocational training, higher education, or simply enhance your English for personal or professional reasons, this course provides a structured pathway. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, and data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no referral fees.
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General English - Beginner to Advanced (CRICOS course code 097555G) is a Non AQF Award delivered by West Australian Institute of Further Studies Pty Ltd over 2 years. This course falls under the field of Society and Culture (09) and specifically Language and Literature (0915), classified as ELICOS (091501). It is a single qualification with no dual award or foundation studies component. The course is delivered in English and does not include a mandatory work component. With an indicative total fee of A$37,750 (tuition A$36,400 plus non-tuition fees of A$1,350), this program offers comprehensive English language training from beginner to advanced levels. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this course is one of them. The ESOS Act protections apply, ensuring students' rights are safeguarded. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, with data directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026).
General English courses at the ELICOS level are designed to develop a student's overall English proficiency. This includes building vocabulary, improving grammar accuracy, and practicing all four macro-skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. At the beginner level, students learn basic survival English and everyday expressions. As they progress through intermediate and advanced stages, they tackle more complex texts, engage in debates, write essays, and prepare for academic or professional environments. The course also incorporates Australian cultural context, helping students adapt to life in Perth. While the specific syllabus is set by the provider, typical ELICOS programs focus on communicative competence, fluency, and accuracy. Graduates often pursue further studies in vocational or higher education, or use their improved English for employment. It's important to note that this is a Non AQF Award, meaning it does not lead to a nationally recognised qualification but is widely accepted for its practical outcomes.
The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. This is a full-time program with English as the language of instruction. It is a single qualification, meaning it is not combined with another award. Students are expected to attend classes at the provider's campus in Perth. The 104-week period allows for gradual progression from beginner to advanced levels, with multiple entry and exit points depending on the student's initial proficiency. Part-time study may be possible under certain visa conditions, but full-time enrolment is typical for international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500). The provider, West Australian Institute of Further Studies Pty Ltd, delivers the program in a face-to-face setting. Always check the CRICOS register for the most up-to-date duration, as courses may be updated.
The indicative fees for General English - Beginner to Advanced are as follows: tuition fee A$36,400, non-tuition fees A$1,350 (covering materials, administration, etc.), and an estimated total of A$37,750. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by the provider. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are not included. Perth's living costs are estimated at around A$1,500–A$2,000 per month for rent, groceries, and transport — but this varies. Always confirm the exact fee structure with West Australian Institute of Further Studies directly on their website (http://www.waifs.wa.edu.au). Fees are subject to change, and the provider may offer payment plans or scholarships. HeadStart Academy provides these numbers as a guide only.
Entry requirements for General English - Beginner to Advanced vary by provider. Typically, ELICOS courses require a minimum English proficiency of IELTS 5.5 overall for intermediate entry, but for beginner levels no prior English is needed. At West Australian Institute of Further Studies, applicants should hold at least a high school certificate or equivalent. There are no formal academic prerequisites for this course as it caters to all levels. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable; however, after completing this course, students may progress to vocational or higher education programs that accept ELICOS as English evidence. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and have sufficient financial capacity. For precise requirements, contact the provider directly or consult a registered migration agent.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This can help offset living costs in Perth, where part-time work in hospitality, retail, or tutoring is common. Always check your visa conditions, as work rights are subject to change.
The course is delivered at: Level 1, 160 Central Arcade, 811 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000. This location is in the heart of Perth's Central Business District (CBD), easily accessible by public transport including trains, buses, and the free CAT bus network. Perth is the capital of Western Australia, home to over 2 million people and a diverse international student population of around 50,000. Living costs in Perth are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$200–A$350. The campus is close to shopping centres, cafes, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal study environment.
International students studying this course typically require a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and limited work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks. You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, have adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status. Financial capacity requirements include tuition, living costs (at least A$21,041 per year for a single student), and travel expenses. The visa application charge is currently A$710 (subject to change). It's crucial to apply well in advance and consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agency and does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for General English - Beginner to Advanced at West Australian Institute of Further Studies: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. Find West Australian Institute of Further Studies (CRICOS 03188C) and confirm the course details. 2) Apply directly to the institution: Meet the entry requirements, submit your application with necessary documents (academic transcripts, English test results if any, passport copy), and pay the application fee (if applicable). Check deadlines on the provider's website. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa via ImmiAccount. Ensure you have OSHC and financial evidence ready. For step-by-step visa guidance, visit our student visa page.
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General English - Beginner to Advanced is a CRICOS-registered programme at West Australian Institute of Further Studies 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.