General English (CRICOS course code 114809M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Federation University Australia over 20 weeks. This course is designed for international students seeking to improve their English language proficiency for academic, professional, or personal purposes. As part of the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) field under the Society and Culture discipline, it provides a foundational language skills development pathway. Federation University is a CRICOS-registered provider (00103D) and a government-owned institution with campuses across Victoria. Whether you are looking to progress to further studies or enhance your communication skills in English, this course offers a structured learning environment aligned with Australian education standards.
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General English (CRICOS course code 114809M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Federation University Australia over 20 weeks. This course is part of the ELICOS field (Field of Education 091501) and does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but provides a solid foundation in English language skills. It is ideal for students who need to meet English language prerequisites for further study or wish to improve their general English proficiency for work or daily life in Australia. Federation University Australia, established in 1870, is a public university with a strong reputation for student support and regional engagement. The course is available at three Victorian campuses: Ballarat, Berwick, and Gippsland. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the standards required for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act.
This General English course covers the field of Education: 09 – Society and Culture, specifically 0915 – Language and Literature, with a focus on ELICOS (091501). Students typically develop skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English at a level appropriate for everyday communication and academic preparation. The curriculum emphasises practical language use, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational fluency. While the exact syllabus may vary, graduates of General English programs often gain confidence to interact in English-speaking environments and meet entry requirements for vocational or higher education courses. This course does not lead to a dual qualification or foundation studies.
The course duration is 20 weeks (as recorded on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English, and the course is offered as a single qualification (non dual). There is no work component included. Students study full-time, typically with 20 hours of face-to-face classes per week. The schedule may vary by campus, and some institutions offer flexible timetables. This structure allows international students to maintain their student visa compliance while improving their English skills.
Tuition fees are A$10,600, non-tuition fees are A$885, and the estimated total is A$11,485. These fees are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change – always confirm directly with Federation University Australia via their website at www.federation.edu.au. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent, food, transport), and the student visa application charge. For example, living costs in Ballarat are estimated at A$400–600 per week, in Berwick (Melbourne area) around A$500–700 per week, and in Gippsland around A$400–550 per week. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of the student visa.
English language requirements vary by provider – typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For General English, a lower IELTS score may be accepted (e.g., IELTS 4.5–5.0) or a placement test may be used. Prior qualifications: students should have completed secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 10 or 11. Foundation or pathway options: Federation University offers pathways from General English to academic English or further studies – check with the provider for specific arrangements. All international applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and have sufficient financial capacity.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, student visa holders with work rights may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
This course is delivered at three Federation University Australia campuses in Victoria: Federation University Ballarat (Ballarat, VIC), Federation University Berwick (Berwick, VIC), and Federation University Gippsland (Churchill, VIC). Ballarat is a regional city with a vibrant student community and lower living costs compared to Melbourne. Berwick is a suburb of Melbourne, offering access to the city's amenities. Gippsland (Churchill) is a regional campus in eastern Victoria with a focus on community. All campuses are accessible by public transport, and Victoria has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering hundreds of courses.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa, and evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Visa conditions vary – always check the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; consult a MARA agent for visa advice.
Victoria is home to over 150,000 international students and offers a diverse study environment. Ballarat offers a cost of living approximately 20% lower than Melbourne, while Berwick provides proximity to Melbourne's CBD. Gippsland offers a regional experience with strong community ties. Consider your lifestyle preferences, budget, and study goals when choosing a campus. Victoria has extensive public transport, and all campuses are connected by train or bus.
All listed providers are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government. Data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). HeadStart Academy is a free resource – no commission, no referral fees. We cover 26,433 courses across all study levels and states. Student visa guidance is included for every course level. ESOS Act protections apply to all listed institutions. There are 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses.
Ready to apply? Follow the 3-step process below to start your journey at Federation University Australia.
General English is a CRICOS-registered programme at Federation University Australia. 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.