General English (GE) (CRICOS course code 115455B) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Harbourside Institute of Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year 2 months (~60 weeks). This ELICOS program, classified under field 091501 Language and Literature, is designed to improve students' English proficiency for everyday communication, academic study, or professional purposes. Offered at two campuses in Sydney's Ultimo and Pyrmont, the course provides a structured pathway for international students to build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Harbourside Institute is a CRICOS-registered provider (03670D) and all data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Please note: course fees are indicative and subject to change. For visa and migration advice, consult a registered MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs.
This General English course is part of the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) sector, focusing on practical language skills. Students typically engage in modules covering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and communication strategies. While specific syllabi are set by the provider, graduates of Non AQF Award ELICOS programs generally gain the confidence to interact in English in social, academic, and workplace contexts. The course does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but serves as a foundation for further study or employment in English-speaking environments. As an ELICOS course, it supports progression to vocational or higher education programs that have English language entry requirements.
The General English (GE) program runs for 1 year 2 months (~60 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. Instruction is delivered in English only. This is a single qualification course with no dual award or foundation studies component. Study mode is typically full-time, on-campus, allowing students to immerse themselves in an English-speaking environment. The duration is designed to provide thorough language development, with multiple skill-building sessions per week. Students should confirm exact timetables and delivery methods with Harbourside Institute before enrolment.
The indicative tuition fee for General English (GE) at Harbourside Institute of Australia Pty Ltd is A$21,000 for the full program. Non-tuition fees, which may include enrolment administration and materials, are estimated at A$800, bringing the estimated total to A$21,800. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and visa application charges. Always confirm current fees directly with Harbourside Institute by visiting their website at www.harbourside.nsw.edu.au.
English language requirements for General English (GE) vary by provider but typically align with course level expectations. For this Non AQF Award, Harbourside Institute may set its own entry benchmarks, often requiring IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall or equivalent, though lower levels may be accepted for beginner courses. Prior qualifications: students generally need to have completed secondary education in their home country. Foundation or pathway options are not offered with this course; for bridging programs, refer to the provider. Always check exact entry criteria before applying.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions. Work is not a requirement of this course.
Harbourside Institute delivers General English (GE) at two locations in Sydney, New South Wales: Harris Street in Ultimo and Shop 118, 243 Pyrmont Street in Pyrmont. Both campuses are in close proximity to Sydney's central business district, with excellent public transport links via light rail, bus, and train. Ultimo and Pyrmont are vibrant student areas, home to several universities and colleges. Sydney's international student population exceeds 50,000, and the city is served by over 200 CRICOS-registered providers. Living costs in Sydney are among Australia's highest, with indicative weekly rent around A$300–500 for shared accommodation, groceries A$80–150, and transport A$30–50.
To study General English (GE) as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus additional time. Key requirements include: meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, enrolling in a CRICOS-registered course (like this one), maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the length of your stay, and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Visa conditions are subject to change—always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for the latest information.
Applying for General English (GE) at Harbourside Institute of Australia Pty Ltd is straightforward. Follow these three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses. Filter by field (ELICOS), level (Non AQF Award), and location (Sydney). Confirm that Harbourside Institute (CRICOS 03670D) meets your needs.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Harbourside Institute's website at www.harbourside.nsw.edu.au. Submit your application, including evidence of English proficiency and previous qualifications. Check application deadlines and any required supporting documents.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application through the Department of Home Affairs. You will also need to arrange OSHC and demonstrate genuine temporary entrant status.
Sydney is Australia's largest city and a top destination for international students, with a diverse population and world-class education infrastructure. Studying ELICOS here offers exposure to a multicultural English-speaking environment. However, the cost of living is high: budget for weekly rent of A$300–500, groceries A$80–150, and transport A$30–50. The city has extensive public transport including trains, buses, and ferries. Ultimo and Pyrmont, where Harbourside Institute's campuses are located, are inner-city suburbs with easy access to universities, libraries, and student services. With over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and more than 5,000 courses available in NSW, Sydney provides ample opportunity for academic progression. Consider your long-term goals—whether you aim to enter vocational training, university study, or employment—and choose a course that aligns with those plans.
Ready to become a confident English speaker? Start your journey by researching CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy, then apply to Harbourside Institute today.
View the full Harbourside Institute of Australia Pty Ltd profile →
General English (GE) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Harbourside 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.