General English (CRICOS 116866H) – Australian Harvard International College

Course Overview

General English (CRICOS course code 116866H) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Australian Harvard International College Pty Ltd over 1 year 4 months (~70 weeks). The course is classified under field of education 091501 (ELICOS) and is conducted entirely in English. This program is ideal for students who wish to build foundational English skills for everyday communication, travel, or as a stepping stone to further academic study. Australian Harvard International College (AHIC) is a private CRICOS-registered provider (03449J) based in Sydney. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are drawn from the official CRICOS register, ensuring that students can trust the accuracy and legitimacy of the information. The course does not include a work component, but students on a Student visa may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks.

What You'll Study

This General English course falls under the field of Language and Literature (0915) and specifically ELICOS. Students typically develop skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with a focus on practical communication. While the exact syllabus is set by the provider, graduates of General English programs at this level are generally able to engage in everyday conversations, understand main points of clear standard input, and produce simple connected text on familiar topics. The course may also introduce aspects of Australian culture and study skills to help international students adapt. It is important to note that this course is not a formal academic qualification (Non AQF Award) but serves as a foundation for further study or employment. For specific learning outcomes, prospective students should contact Australian Harvard International College directly.

Duration and Study Mode

The General English course at Australian Harvard International College runs for 1 year 4 months, equivalent to 70 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification program with no dual or combined awards. The course is delivered on a full-time basis, which is a standard requirement for Student visa holders. Surry Hills, Sydney, offers a dynamic environment for study, with numerous libraries, cafés, and study spaces nearby. Sydney is home to over 300 CRICOS-registered providers, giving students ample opportunities to explore further education options. The duration is designed to provide sufficient exposure for significant language improvement, but can vary based on individual progress and provider policies.

Fees (Indicative)

The indicative tuition fee for General English (116866H) is A$22,800 for the full 70-week duration, as per the CRICOS register. Non-tuition fees (including enrollment, materials, and administration) are estimated at A$1,150, bringing the estimated total to A$23,950. Please note that these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For a single student, OSHC can cost around A$600–$700 per year. Living costs in Sydney are approximately A$500–$700 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Always verify current fees with Australian Harvard International College before applying, as fees are subject to change. HeadStart Academy displays indicative fees sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.

Entry Requirements (General Guidance)

English language requirements for General English courses vary by provider. Typically, students need an IELTS score of 5.5 to 7.0 overall, depending on the course level and provider policies. For this Non AQF Award, no prior formal academic qualifications are expected, but students must demonstrate a basic level of English proficiency to benefit from the program. Some providers may require a placement test on arrival. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable as this is an entry-level language course. Always check with Australian Harvard International College for the most current entry requirements. For specific English language test scores or alternative evidence (e.g., TOEFL, PTE), contact the provider directly.

Work Component

This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It is important to balance work and study, as attendance and academic progress are required to maintain visa compliance. For more details on student work rights, see the Department of Home Affairs website.

Delivery Locations

This course is delivered at: Level 1, 84-86 Mary St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010. Surry Hills is an inner-city suburb of Sydney, known for its vibrant café culture and proximity to the CBD. The campus is well-served by public transport, including trains from Central Station (a 10-minute walk) and numerous bus routes. Sydney is Australia's largest city and a major study destination, with over 1,200 CRICOS-registered providers across all education sectors. Students can enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle with easy access to beaches, parks, and cultural attractions. Indicative weekly living costs in Sydney range from A$500–$700, including rent, groceries, and transport.

Student Visa Information

To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: being enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (this one is), meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, having Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, travel, and dependents' expenses. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. For detailed visa guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs website or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.

How to Apply

Applying for General English at Australian Harvard International College is straightforward. Follow these three steps:

1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered – Australian Harvard International College is (CRICOS 03449J).

2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Australian Harvard International College via their website (http://www.ahic.edu.au), submit your application with required documents (e.g., passport, English test results), and meet any deadlines. The college will assess your eligibility and may conduct a placement test.

3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Include proof of OSHC and financial capacity. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent.

Ready to start your English language journey? Explore General English at Australian Harvard International College and take the first step towards studying in Australia.

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