General English (CRICOS course code 109129M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by York Business Institute Pty. Ltd. over 1 year 3 months (~65 weeks). This course is designed to improve your English language proficiency for study, work, or everyday life in Australia. As a CRICOS-registered course (CRICOS 03549E), it meets the standards required for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. With an indicative tuition fee of A$18,000 and additional non-tuition fees of A$850, the estimated total cost is A$18,850 (excluding OSHC, living costs, and visa charges). The course is offered at three locations in Sydney: Pitt Street, Glebe, and Sydney CBD. HeadStart Academy provides this information from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions about studying in Australia.
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General English (CRICOS course code 109129M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by York Business Institute Pty. Ltd. over 1 year 3 months (~65 weeks). This course falls under the field of education 09 - Society and Culture, specifically 0915 - Language and Literature, with a detailed field of 091501 - ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). As a Non AQF Award, it does not lead to an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) qualification but instead focuses on building practical English communication skills for students who wish to improve their general English proficiency. The course is taught in English and is a single qualification (not a dual qualification). It does not include a work component. All course data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026, ensuring accuracy and reliability for prospective international students.
General English courses at this level (ELICOS) typically cover the four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students develop vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation to communicate effectively in everyday situations. The curriculum is designed to build confidence in using English for social, academic, or professional contexts. While specific syllabus details are set by York Business Institute Pty. Ltd., graduates of ELICOS courses generally achieve a level of proficiency that enables them to pursue further study in Australia (e.g., vocational or higher education) or to work in English-speaking environments. This course is particularly suited for students who need to meet English language entry requirements for other CRICOS-registered courses or who wish to improve their English for personal or career reasons.
The course duration is 1 year 3 months (~65 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual qualification) and is not classified as foundation studies. The course is offered in a full-time study mode, typically requiring 20 hours of classroom-based instruction per week. York Business Institute Pty. Ltd. may offer flexible scheduling options; however, the standard duration is fixed at 65 weeks. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. For specific study mode details (e.g., part-time or online), contact the provider directly.
The indicative tuition fee for General English is A$18,000. Non-tuition fees (including enrolment, materials, and administrative charges) are estimated at A$850, bringing the estimated total to A$18,850. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., accommodation, food, transport), and the visa application charge (A$1,600 for the main applicant as of 2026). OSHC is mandatory for international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) and costs approximately A$600–A$800 per year for single cover. Living costs in Sydney are around A$2,500–A$3,000 per month (including rent, groceries, and transport). Always confirm current fees with the provider at www.york.edu.au before applying.
English language requirements vary by provider – typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For General English at York Business Institute Pty. Ltd., the minimum English proficiency may be lower (e.g., IELTS 5.0 or equivalent) as the course is designed to improve English. Prior qualifications: While there are no strict academic prerequisites for this Non AQF Award, students must have completed secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12 or be aged 18 or over (age requirements may apply). Foundation or pathway options: This course itself can serve as a pathway to further studies. For specific entry criteria, including acceptable English tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE), contact the provider or check their website. HeadStart Academy recommends reviewing the provider’s entry requirements carefully before applying.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students studying an ELICOS course on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may be eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work rights are granted by the Department of Home Affairs and are not part of the course structure.
General English is delivered at three locations in Sydney, New South Wales: Suite 2, Lvl 1, 338-340 Pitt St, Sydney 2000 (Sydney CBD); YBI@Glebe - 54 Parramatta Rd FOREST LODGE (Glebe, near University of Sydney and UTS); and YBI@Sydney (additional location in Sydney). Sydney is Australia's largest city with over 200,000 international students and more than 600 CRICOS-registered providers. The Pitt Street campus is in the heart of the CBD, close to public transport (trains, buses, light rail). Glebe is a vibrant inner-city suburb with affordable student housing and easy access to the city centre. Sydney's cost of living is higher than other Australian cities; indicative weekly rent is A$350–A$600 for shared accommodation. All campuses are accessible via public transport, and students can enjoy Sydney's beaches, cultural attractions, and multicultural environment.
To study General English (CRICOS 109129M) as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC for the duration of stay, and English language proficiency (if not from a native English-speaking country). You must also have OSHC for the entire visa period (single cover approx. A$600–A$800 per year). HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. ESOS Act protections ensure you receive quality education and consumer rights.
Follow these three steps to apply for General English at York Business Institute Pty. Ltd.:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare ELICOS courses in Sydney. Filter by course level, field (ELICOS), and location. Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (York Business Institute is registered under CRICOS 03549E).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Complete the application form on the provider’s website (www.york.edu.au). Meet the entry requirements (English test scores, academic documents, passport copy). Check application deadlines – many ELICOS courses have rolling intakes.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, you will receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Allow 4–8 weeks for visa processing.
Ready to start your English journey? Contact York Business Institute today at www.york.edu.au or apply through the HeadStart Academy platform for free guidance.
General English is a CRICOS-registered programme at York Business 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.