General English (CRICOS course code 115159K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Auscanus Institute of Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year 1 month (~58 weeks). This ELICOS program is designed for international students seeking to improve their English language proficiency for academic, professional, or personal purposes. Based in Melbourne, Victoria, Auscanus Institute of Australia is a CRICOS-registered private provider (CRICOS 04062J) committed to delivering quality education under the ESOS Act protections. As part of Australia's extensive CRICOS framework—with over 1,556 registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses—this General English course provides a solid foundation for further study or integration into English-speaking environments. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), to help you make informed decisions. Whether you're planning to pursue higher education or simply want to build your English skills in a vibrant city like Melbourne, this course offers a structured pathway. Note that all fees are indicative and subject to change. For visa and migration advice, consult a registered MARA agent.
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General English (CRICOS 115159K) is classified under the field of Education: 09 - Society and Culture, with a focus on Language and Literature (ELICOS). As a Non AQF Award, it does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but rather a certificate of attainment. The course is offered by Auscanus Institute of Australia Pty Ltd, a private institution based in Melbourne. According to the CRICOS register, the course duration is 58 weeks (1 year 1 month), taught entirely in English. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. This program is ideal for students who wish to improve their general English communication skills, whether for everyday use, travel, or as a stepping stone to further vocational or academic studies. With Melbourne being home to over 150,000 international students and numerous English language schools, this course places you in a multicultural environment rich with learning opportunities.
As an ELICOS course, General English focuses on developing core language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students typically engage in communicative activities, grammar and vocabulary building, and pronunciation practice. The curriculum is designed to help learners gain confidence in real-world situations such as social interactions, workplace communication, and academic contexts. While Auscanus Institute of Australia sets its specific syllabus, ELICOS programs commonly follow the Australian English Language Proficiency framework. Graduates are expected to achieve a level of English that enables them to function independently in English-speaking environments. This foundation can also prepare students for the IELTS or Cambridge exams if they choose to pursue further study. The course emphasizes practical language use, with classes often incorporating Australian cultural content to aid immersion.
The General English course runs for 58 weeks (1 year 1 month) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This duration accounts for the intensive nature of language learning. The language of instruction is English, and the course is a single qualification (no dual award). Students attend classes on a full-time basis, which is a requirement for maintaining a Student visa (Subclass 500). While the exact weekly hours may vary, typical ELICOS programs involve 20-25 hours of classroom study per week. The course is delivered on-campus at the Melbourne locations of Auscanus Institute. It does not include a work component, although students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for General English is A$18,560, with non-tuition fees of A$450, bringing the estimated total to A$19,010. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Auscanus Institute of Australia Pty Ltd. Important additional costs not included in this total are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For the most current fee structure, always check the provider's official website at www.auscanus.edu.au. As a guide, living costs in Melbourne are estimated at around A$25,000–A$30,000 per year (including rent, food, and transport). Rent for a shared apartment may range from A$200–A$350 per week, and a weekly food budget could be A$80–A$150. Public transport is accessible via Myki cards, with discounted concession rates for students.
English language requirements for General English courses vary by provider. Typically, ELICOS programs accept students with IELTS scores ranging from 5.5 to 7.0 overall, depending on the level. However, many providers also allow students to take a placement test upon arrival to determine the appropriate class level. Prior academic qualifications are generally not required for a Non AQF Award at this level, though you must have completed secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 11 or 12. Some providers may offer pathway options for students who need additional preparation. For specific entry criteria, contact Auscanus Institute directly. Remember, meeting the course requirements does not guarantee a visa. All international students must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and provide evidence of financial capacity.
This General English course does not include a mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake any work-integrated learning or professional placement as part of the curriculum. However, as an international student on a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled holiday periods. Work rights are subject to compliance with visa conditions. For detailed information on student work rights, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
The course is delivered at two locations in Melbourne, Victoria: Level 6, 55 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (often referred to as the Melbourne Campus), and a second Melbourne Campus. Both are situated in the heart of the city, providing easy access via public transport. Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) is well-connected by trains, trams, and buses. Studying in Melbourne offers you a vibrant city with a large international student community—over 150,000 students from around the world. The cost of living in Melbourne is generally lower than in Sydney, but still substantial. As part of Victoria, Melbourne boasts a diverse culture, world-class food scene, and ample job opportunities for students.
To study General English at Auscanus Institute of Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course (up to 5 years). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the provider, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), and meeting English proficiency standards. From 1 July 2023, the financial capacity threshold is A$29,710 per year for living costs (excluding tuition and OSHC). The visa application charge is currently A$1,600 (as of 2025-26). Student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. Always check the latest visa conditions on the Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent (MARA).
Follow these three steps to apply for General English at Auscanus Institute of Australia:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy's free resources to compare courses and providers. Ensure your chosen institution is CRICOS-registered—like Auscanus Institute of Australia (04062J). 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit www.auscanus.edu.au to check entry requirements, submit your application, and provide English language test results (if required). Deadlines and intake dates vary—contact the provider for details. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Then, apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs, including all supporting documents (GTE, financial evidence, OSHC).
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most livable cities, offering a diverse and welcoming environment for international students. With over 7 universities and numerous private colleges, the city has a strong educational infrastructure. Public transport is excellent, and student discounts on the Myki card make commuting affordable. The cost of living is moderate—expect to pay around A$1,000–A$1,500 per month for shared accommodation, plus groceries and bills. Melbourne's multicultural society means you'll find communities from all over the world, along with a thriving arts and music scene. The city also has a strong job market, with many casual opportunities in hospitality, retail, and administration. However, the competitive study environment requires self-discipline. Consider your lifestyle preferences and career goals before deciding.
Ready to start your General English journey? Explore more courses at headstartacademy.com.au or contact Auscanus Institute of Australia directly.
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General English is a CRICOS-registered programme at Auscanus Institute of Australia 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.