General English (CRICOS course code 113688A) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Sydney Metro College Pty Ltd over 1 year 2 months (~60 weeks). This ELICOS course is designed for international students seeking to improve their English language proficiency for everyday communication, further study, or employment. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03427D), Sydney Metro College offers this course at two campuses: Melbourne (VIC) and Surry Hills (NSW). HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, with data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). All listed institutions are CRICOS-registered, ensuring compliance with Australian Government standards for international education. Please note that fees shown are indicative and subject to change; always confirm with the provider before applying.
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General English (CRICOS 113688A) is a Non AQF Award in the field of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), falling under Field of Education 091501 – Language and Literature. Delivered by Sydney Metro College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03427D), the course runs for 60 weeks (1 year and 2 months). It is a single qualification (no dual awards) and does not include foundation studies or a work component. Instruction is in English only. This course is ideal for students who wish to build their English skills for personal or academic purposes, or as a pathway to further study in Australia. As an ELICOS course, it is designed for non-native English speakers to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. The indicative total fee is A$21,300, excluding OSHC, living costs, and visa application charges. Always check Sydney Metro College's website for current fees and any additional charges.
This course focuses on developing English language proficiency across all four macro-skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students typically engage with a range of materials and activities that build vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Emphasis is placed on communicative competence for everyday situations, as well as academic English if required for further study. While specific syllabus details are set by Sydney Metro College, ELICOS courses generally include modules on conversation, comprehension, composition, and cultural context. The field of Language and Literature (0915) covers the study of language structure, usage, and literature, but at this level (Non AQF Award) the focus is on practical language skills rather than theoretical linguistics. Upon completion, students often progress to vocational or higher education courses that require a certain English level.
The course duration on the CRICOS register is 60 weeks, equivalent to 1 year and 2 months. Study is full-time and conducted in English. No dual qualification or foundation studies component is included. The course is delivered face-to-face at Sydney Metro College's campuses. Students should expect a minimum of 20 contact hours per week, as is typical for ELICOS programs. The language of instruction is English, and all materials are provided in English. International students must maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress to comply with student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for General English (113688A) is A$20,800. Non-tuition fees (such as enrolment or material costs) are estimated at A$500, bringing the total estimated cost to A$21,300. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as of April 2026 and are indicative only; they are set by Sydney Metro College Pty Ltd and subject to change. Additional costs not included in this estimate are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – approximately A$500–$700 per year for single cover; living expenses such as rent (approximately A$250–$450 per week depending on city), groceries, and transport; and the Student visa (Subclass 500) application charge (currently A$1,600). Always confirm exact fees with the provider at www.sydneymetrocollege.edu.au before applying. HeadStart Academy does not charge any referral fees or commissions.
Entry requirements for General English courses vary by provider. Typically, ELICOS programs require applicants to have a minimum English proficiency, often demonstrated by an IELTS score of 5.5–7.0 overall depending on the course level (e.g., intermediate vs. advanced). For this non-AQF award, there are no formal academic prerequisites, but students should have completed secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 10 or 12. Some providers may require a placement test upon arrival. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable for this standalone ELICOS course; however, successful completion may lead to further study at Sydney Metro College or other institutions. International students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and have sufficient financial capacity. Always check Sydney Metro College's specific entry criteria and English language requirements on their website.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. However, work is not part of the curriculum. Students should not rely on income from work to meet tuition or living costs, as per Department of Home Affairs requirements.
General English (113688A) is delivered at two Sydney Metro College campuses: SMC Melbourne Campus in Melbourne, VIC, and Sydney Metro College (Surry Hills) - Level 2, 16-22 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills, NSW. Both locations are in major Australian cities with large international student populations. Melbourne has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, while Sydney has over 300. The Surry Hills campus is close to public transport (Central Station) and the city center. Melbourne campus is situated in a vibrant educational hub. Living costs vary: in Sydney, indicative weekly rent is around A$300-$500; in Melbourne, around A$250-$400. Public transport costs approximately A$40-$50 per week. Both cities offer diverse cultural experiences and strong student support networks.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and work rights (48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks). Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient funds for tuition fees, living costs (at least A$29,710 per year for a single student), and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act provides legal protections, including the Tuition Protection Service (TPS). HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; always consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised guidance.
Follow these three steps to apply for General English at Sydney Metro College Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy's resources to compare ELICOS courses. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality and compliance. Filter by course level (Non AQF), field (Language and Literature), and location (Melbourne or Surry Hills).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit Sydney Metro College's website (www.sydneymetrocollege.edu.au) to review exact entry requirements, English proficiency expectations, and application deadlines. Submit your application along with required documents (e.g., academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy). The college may conduct a placement test.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once accepted, Sydney Metro College will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Arrange OSHC, prepare evidence of financial capacity, and complete the GTE statement. Allow several weeks for visa processing.
Ready to improve your English in Australia? Explore General English at Sydney Metro College and take the first step toward your study abroad journey.
General English is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sydney Metro 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.