General English (CRICOS course code 110043G) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Bentley College Pty Ltd over 1 year 1 month (~58 weeks). Offered at the Swanston Street Campus in Melbourne's CBD, this ELICOS program is designed for international students seeking to improve their English proficiency for academic, professional, or personal goals. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03914M), Bentley College Pty Ltd meets Australian Government standards for teaching international students. The indicative tuition fee is A$18,560, with non-tuition costs of A$450, bringing the estimated total to A$19,010. Please note that fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or visa application charges. Language of instruction is English, and there is no mandatory work component. Australia hosts over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses, and this course is ideal for students looking to build foundational English skills in a vibrant multicultural city.
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General English (CRICOS course code 110043G) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Bentley College Pty Ltd over 1 year 1 month (~58 weeks). This course falls under the field of education '09 - Society and Culture' (0915 - Language and Literature, specifically ELICOS). As an ELICOS program, it focuses on developing English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing for everyday communication. Students gain confidence in using English in real-world contexts, which can serve as a pathway to further study or employment. The course is registered with CRICOS, ensuring it meets Australian quality standards for international education. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, and data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). This resource is free with no referral fees.
Graduates of General English programs typically achieve improved fluency and accuracy in English, enabling them to communicate effectively in social, academic, and workplace settings. The curriculum covers grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and integrated skills tasks such as presentations, group discussions, and writing exercises. While specific syllabi vary by provider, at this level students can expect to progress from elementary to intermediate or upper-intermediate proficiency, depending on their starting point. This field of education (091501 - ELICOS) is designed for non-native speakers and does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but provides a strong foundation for further study or migration purposes. For detailed course content, refer to Bentley College Pty Ltd.
The course duration is 1 year 1 month (~58 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual award). This full-time program typically requires 20 contact hours per week, with additional self-study. Study breaks align with the academic calendar, during which students can work unlimited hours under their student visa conditions. The duration may vary based on individual progress and attendance. Always confirm the exact schedule with Bentley College Pty Ltd before enrolling.
The indicative tuition fee for General English is A$18,560, with non-tuition fees of A$450 (covering materials, enrollment, or administrative costs), totaling an estimated A$19,010. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders and typically costs A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Additionally, living expenses in Melbourne are estimated at A$1,500–A$2,000 per month (including rent, groceries, and transport), and the student visa application charge is A$630 (as of 2024). For the most current fees, visit Bentley College Pty Ltd's website directly. HeadStart Academy does not set fees and recommends confirming all costs with the provider.
English language requirements vary by provider. For General English, many institutions set a minimum IELTS score of 5.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent), depending on the starting level. Some providers accept other tests like TOEFL or PTE. Prior qualifications: as a Non AQF Award, there is no formal academic prerequisite, but students should have completed secondary schooling equivalent to Australian Year 10 or 12. Bentley College Pty Ltd may assess English proficiency via an internal test. Foundation/pathway options: If you do not meet the English requirement, you may need to enrol in a lower-level ELICOS course first. Always check with the provider for specific entry criteria.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work placement or internship. 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.
The course is delivered at Swanston Street Campus – Level 4, 55 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000. Located in Melbourne's central business district, this campus is easily accessible by public transport including trams and trains. Melbourne is home to over 200,000 international students and has a vibrant cultural scene. Students can access libraries, cafes, and support services within walking distance. For other locations, check with Bentley College Pty Ltd.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course typically require a Student Visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: maintaining enrollment in a CRICOS course, satisfactory attendance, and valid OSHC. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight while course is in session, unlimited during scheduled breaks. You must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. The ESOS Act protects your rights, ensuring refund policies and complaint mechanisms. For visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs.
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, consistently ranked among the world's most liveable. It has over 150 CRICOS-registered providers offering diverse courses. Living costs: indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$250–A$400; groceries A$80–A$120; public transport A$40–A$60 (with student concession). Melbourne offers excellent job opportunities for students in hospitality and retail. The city's multicultural environment helps international students adapt quickly. Consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and climate (temperate with cool winters) when deciding if Melbourne suits you.
Follow these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (0915 Language and Literature), and location (Melbourne). Confirm that Bentley College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03914M) meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare academic transcripts, passport copy, and English proficiency evidence. Submit your application to Bentley College Pty Ltd via their online portal or email. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. For visa assistance, consult a registered MARA agent.
Ready to improve your English in Melbourne? Use HeadStart Academy to compare more ELICOS courses and find the perfect program for you.
General English is a CRICOS-registered programme at Bentley College 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.