General English (CRICOS 097903C) at Sydney School of Business and Technology

Course overview

General English (CRICOS course code 097903C) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Sydney School of Business and Technology Pty Ltd over 1 year. This ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program is registered under the field of Education: Society and Culture, specifically Language and Literature (091501). The course is designed to develop students' English language skills across reading, writing, listening, and speaking, preparing them for further study or everyday communication in Australia. Sydney School of Business and Technology Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02140E) is a private institution located in Burwood, NSW. As a CRICOS-registered provider, it meets Australian Government standards for international student education, ensuring ESOS Act protections. This course does not lead to a dual qualification or serve as a foundation program; it is a standalone English language course. The indicative tuition fee is A$14,000, with additional non-tuition fees of A$500, totaling A$14,500. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, and our data is sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.

What you'll study

As an ELICOS course in Language and Literature (091501), General English focuses on building communicative competence in English for everyday and academic contexts. Students typically develop skills in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency through interactive lessons and real-world tasks. The curriculum often covers listening comprehension, speaking practice, reading strategies, and writing techniques, tailored to intermediate to advanced levels (depending on entry proficiency). While specific syllabus details are set by Sydney School of Business and Technology, the course aims to help students gain confidence in using English in social, academic, and professional settings. Graduates may progress to vocational courses, higher education, or employment where English is required. The field of Language and Literature encompasses a broad range of linguistic and cultural studies, with ELICOS being a core pathway for non-native speakers. HeadStart Academy notes that this course is not part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) but is a recognized pathway for many students.

Duration and study mode

The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. It is delivered in English, the language of instruction. This is a single qualification course with no dual qualification options. The study mode is full-time, typically involving 20 contact hours per week, though exact timetables are set by Sydney School of Business and Technology. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The course does not include foundation studies or a VET component. If you plan to study in Burwood, NSW, consider that the suburb hosts several educational institutions and has a supportive student community. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for specific term dates and delivery schedules.

Fees (indicative)

The indicative tuition fee for General English (097903C) is A$14,000, with additional non-tuition fees of A$500 (including materials, enrolment, or administration). The estimated total cost is A$14,500. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Sydney School of Business and Technology Pty Ltd—they are indicative and subject to change. Important: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are not included. For current fees, always visit the provider's website at www.ssbt.edu.au. As a general guide, living costs in Sydney for a single student are approximately A$1,800–2,500 per month (including rent, food, and transport), but actual expenses vary. OSHC is mandatory for international students; HeadStart Academy provides a separate guide on OSHC at /visa/oshc-health-cover. Budget for all expenses to ensure financial capacity for your visa application.

Entry requirements

English language requirements vary by provider—typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For General English, Sydney School of Business and Technology may set a minimum proficiency equivalent to IELTS 4.0–5.0 (basic to intermediate) for entry, but this is indicative. Students must have completed prior schooling to an equivalent Australian Year 10 or higher, though specific academic prerequisites are determined by the provider. As this is a Non AQF Award, foundation or pathway options are not applicable, but the course can serve as a pathway to further study. HeadStart Academy advises contacting Sydney School of Business and Technology directly for precise entry criteria. All international students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and meet financial capacity standards for their Student visa. For visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.

Work component

This course does not include a mandatory work component. Work placement, internships, or paid work are not part of the curriculum. However, International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This work must not compromise your studies. HeadStart Academy notes that while the course itself has no work component, students may seek part-time employment to supplement their income. Always check your visa conditions and consult the Department of Home Affairs for official advice.

Delivery locations

This course is delivered at Suite 404, Level 4, 4 Railway Parade, Burwood 2134 NSW. Burwood is a vibrant suburb in Sydney's inner-west, approximately 12 km from the CBD. It is well-connected by train, bus, and light rail, making it easy to access from surrounding areas. Burwood has a large student population due to proximity to universities and TAFEs, and offers affordable rentals (weekly rent for shared accommodation around A$200–300) and diverse dining options. Sydney, as a whole, hosts over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a wide range of courses. Studying in Burwood gives you access to city amenities while enjoying a suburban atmosphere. For more on studying in New South Wales, visit /states/nsw.

Student visa (Subclass 500)

International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study General English (097903C) at Sydney School of Business and Technology. Visa requirements include: proof of enrolment (Confirmation of Enrolment), Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement, English proficiency (if required), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the course duration, and financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The visa duration typically matches the course length plus a short period for travel. HeadStart Academy provides detailed guidance on student visas at /visa/student-visa-subclass-500 and OSHC at /visa/oshc-health-cover. Remember: specific visa conditions apply—always refer to the Department of Home Affairs. We are not a migration agency and do not provide migration advice.

How to apply for General English at Sydney School of Business and Technology

Follow these three steps to apply: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy's course finder to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (Language and Literature), and city (Burwood, NSW). Ensure the provider is registered for your intended course. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution – Visit Sydney School of Business and Technology's website at www.ssbt.edu.au. Check entry requirements (English level, prior study) and submit your application. Provide Academic transcripts, English test scores (if applicable), and passport copy. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa – Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use it to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC evidence and financial documents. Remember, HeadStart Academy cannot guarantee visa outcomes; consult a registered MARA agent for assistance.

Studying General English in Burwood, NSW

Burwood offers a supportive environment for international students, with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It is home to several educational institutions, including Burwood Girls High School and nearby TAFE NSW campuses. The suburb has a strong multicultural community, which can help English learners practice in real-life settings. Public transport is excellent: Burwood Station connects you to Sydney CBD in about 20 minutes, and bus services run frequently. Living costs in Burwood are moderate compared to the city centre—weekly rent for a shared apartment ranges from A$200–300, groceries around A$80–120, and a weekly transport pass about A$40. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, choosing Burwood means you're in a state (NSW) with the highest number of international students. HeadStart Academy encourages you to explore the suburb's amenities and consider how they fit your study and lifestyle needs.

Ready to improve your English in Sydney? Apply for General English at Sydney School of Business and Technology today. Visit their website or contact them directly to start your journey.

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