General English: Elementary to Upper Intermediate (CRICOS course code 114979D) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Yarra Education Australia over 1 year 2 months (~62 weeks). This course is designed for international students who want to improve their English proficiency from elementary to upper intermediate level. It falls under the field of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), which is part of the broader Society and Culture category (Field of Education 091501). Yarra Education Australia is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 04115A) based in Melbourne, Victoria. As a CRICOS-registered institution, Yarra Education Australia is approved to enroll international students and must comply with the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and student protections. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, making it a top destination for English language study. This page provides comprehensive details on fees, duration, entry requirements, and visa guidance to help you plan your study journey.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
This course is part of the ELICOS field (091501), focusing on English language development from elementary to upper intermediate levels. Students typically work on core language skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar. The curriculum is designed to build confidence and competence in everyday English, academic preparation, or workplace communication. While specific syllabi vary by provider, ELICOS courses generally emphasize practical language use, including conversations, presentations, essays, and comprehension exercises. At Yarra Education Australia, the course structure supports progressive learning over 62 weeks, allowing students to advance through levels. Note that this is a Non AQF Award, meaning it does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but provides essential language proficiency for further study, work, or personal development in Australia. All courses are delivered in English, the sole language of instruction, ensuring full immersion.
The course duration is 1 year 2 months (62 weeks) as recorded in the CRICOS register. This full-time program is taught entirely in English. It is a single qualification — no dual awards are offered. The study mode is typically face-to-face at the Melbourne campus, though some components may involve guided self-study. The length of the course is designed to allow students to progress from elementary to upper intermediate English, with regular assessments to monitor improvement. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory attendance. The course does not include a work component, but students may work part-time subject to visa conditions (48 hours per fortnight during term). HeadStart Academy recommends confirming delivery mode directly with Yarra Education Australia as it may vary.
The indicative tuition fee for General English: Elementary to Upper Intermediate is A$15,500, with non-tuition fees of A$700, bringing the estimated total to A$16,200. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Yarra Education Australia. Non-tuition fees may cover application, materials, or administration costs. Important: This total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students, and costs vary by provider and policy. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at around A$2,000–$2,500 per month for rent, food, and transport (indicative). Always confirm current fees with Yarra Education Australia before applying. Fees are subject to change, and HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for the most up-to-date information.
English language requirements for this course vary by provider. Typically, for an ELICOS course at elementary level, no prior IELTS score is required, but students may need to take a placement test. For upper intermediate entry, a minimum IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall might be expected. Yarra Education Australia sets its own entry criteria; prospective students should contact the provider or visit their website for exact requirements. Prior educational qualifications are generally not mandatory for Non AQF Award courses, but students must demonstrate that they can meet the course demands. If you have foundation or pathway options, Yarra Education Australia may offer bridging programs — refer to the provider. All international applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the Student visa. HeadStart Academy cannot guarantee admission; always confirm with the institution.
This course has no mandatory work component. International students enrolled in this program are not required to undertake any work as part of their studies. However, Student visa (Subclass 500) holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work rights are granted by the Department of Home Affairs and depend on maintaining valid enrolment and satisfactory course progress. Students should be aware that work does not count towards course completion and should not interfere with academic requirements. HeadStart Academy recommends balancing work and study carefully and consulting the Department of Home Affairs for the latest work conditions.
General English: Elementary to Upper Intermediate is delivered at Location 6, 190 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. This campus is in Melbourne's central business district, easily accessible by public transport (trains, trams, and buses). Melbourne is a vibrant multicultural city home to over 200,000 international students and dozens of CRICOS-registered providers. The city offers a high quality of life with diverse cultural events, dining, and recreational activities. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney; indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around A$400–$550. The campus location provides proximity to libraries, cafes, and networking opportunities. Studying in Melbourne allows students to practice English in a real-world environment while enjoying a supportive student community.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study in a CRICOS-registered course, along with work rights (48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Yarra Education Australia, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), proof of financial capacity (tuition, living costs, travel), and meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. The GTE assessment ensures you intend to stay temporarily for study. Health insurance through OSHC is mandatory — it covers medical and hospital costs in Australia. The visa application charge is currently A$710 (subject to change). HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for official guidance.
Melbourne is Australia's leading city for English language study, with over 100 CRICOS-registered ELICOS providers. When choosing an ELICOS course, consider your learning goals: academic English for university, general English for everyday life, or exam preparation (IELTS/Cambridge). Yarra Education Australia's program focuses on general English progression from elementary to upper intermediate. Also factor in location — the Queen Street campus is central, but accommodation costs vary by suburb. Public transport is extensive, with a myki card for trains, trams, and buses. Melbourne's student population is diverse, so you'll have ample opportunities to practice English. Remember that ELICOS courses are regulated under the ESOS Act, giving you tuition protection and refund rights. Compare course durations, outcomes, and fees across providers. HeadStart Academy's free resource covers 26,433 courses to help you compare.
Applying for General English: Elementary to Upper Intermediate at Yarra Education Australia involves three main steps. First, research CRICOS-registered providers. Use the CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and city (Melbourne). Ensure Yarra Education Australia's CRICOS code 04115A is current. Second, apply directly to Yarra Education Australia. Review their entry requirements — typically a placement test to determine your current English level. Submit your application with required documents (passport, academic records, English test results if applicable). Meet application deadlines, which vary by intake. Third, receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Yarra Education Australia. Then apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Include your CoE, OSHC, financial evidence, and GTE statement. Visa processing times vary, so apply early. HeadStart Academy cannot assist with visa applications; consult a MARA agent if needed.
Start your English language journey at Yarra Education Australia. Visit their official website or contact their admissions team to apply for General English: Elementary to Upper Intermediate. For more guidance, explore HeadStart Academy's resources on student visas and living in Melbourne.
General English: Elementary to Upper Intermediate is a CRICOS-registered programme at Yarra Education 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.