General English (levels 1-6) (CRICOS course code 117136A) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Sage College of Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program is designed for international students who want to improve their general English proficiency across six levels, from beginner to upper-intermediate. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) – Australia's official database of providers and courses approved to enrol international students. As of April 2026, there are 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses, and this course is one of them. Studying General English is an excellent foundation for further academic study or for everyday communication in an English-speaking environment. All students are protected by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which guarantees tuition assurance and refund protections. HeadStart Academy provides this information free of charge – data is sourced directly from the CRICOS register, and we do not charge referral fees or commissions.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
This course falls under the field of Language and Literature (0915), a sub-discipline of Society and Culture. ELICOS programs like General English (levels 1-6) focus on developing practical language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students typically progress through six levels, each building on the previous one. At the early stages, emphasis is on basic vocabulary, grammar, and conversational phrases. Intermediate levels introduce more complex sentence structures, reading comprehension, and writing paragraphs. Advanced levels focus on fluency, pronunciation, academic vocabulary, and preparing students for further study or professional contexts. While the exact curriculum is set by Sage College of Australia, ELICOS courses generally aim to help students achieve a level of English that enables them to communicate effectively in social, academic, and workplace settings. This course does not lead to a formal Australian qualification (Non AQF Award), but it is a stepping stone for many students who later pursue VET or higher education courses at CRICOS-registered providers. HeadStart Academy recommends checking with the provider for detailed syllabus information.
The course duration is 1 year and 6 months, equivalent to approximately 78 weeks as listed on the CRICOS register. All instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification course (no dual qualification) and does not count as foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes on a full-time basis to meet student visa requirements. The course is delivered face-to-face at two campuses in Victoria: Docklands (DOCKLANDS VIC) and Unit 7, 69-73 McLennan Street, MOOROOPNA VIC 3629 (Mooroopna). These locations offer different study environments – Docklands is a central Melbourne suburb with excellent public transport and access to city amenities, while Mooroopna is a regional town near Shepparton, providing a quieter, more affordable living experience. Both campuses are accessible for international students. For visa compliance, students must maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress.
The indicative tuition fee for General English (levels 1-6) is A$21,000 for the full 78-week program. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$800, which may include application fees, materials, and administrative charges. The estimated total course cost is A$21,800. Please note: These fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with Sage College of Australia before applying. The following costs are NOT included in the total: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent, groceries, transport), and the visa application charge for Student visa (Subclass 500). For indicative living costs, on-campus accommodation in Docklands might range from A$200–350 per week, while Mooroopna offers lower rents (around A$150–250 per week). You can find more information about health cover and student visas on our dedicated pages: /visa/oshc-health-cover and /visa/student-visa-subclass-500.
English language requirements vary by provider – typically ELICOS courses require a minimum IELTS score of 5.5–7.0 overall depending on the course level. Since General English (levels 1-6) covers beginner to upper-intermediate, the entry level will depend on your initial placement test. Students with no prior English may start at Level 1, while those with some proficiency can be placed at a higher level. Sage College of Australia will assess your English level upon application. In addition to English proficiency, students must have completed secondary schooling equivalent to Australian Year 10 or 11 (for Level 1 entry). For students who do not meet these requirements, foundation or pathway options may be available – contact the provider directly for details. All students applying for a student visa must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised visa advice.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500) are eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled holiday periods. Work rights are subject to visa conditions – always check your visa grant letter or the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest details. While not part of the curriculum, many students take up part-time work to supplement their income and gain Australian work experience. Typical jobs in Victoria include retail, hospitality, and administration. Remember that work must not interfere with your studies.
General English (levels 1-6) is delivered at two campuses in Victoria: - Docklands (DOCKLANDS VIC) – located in the heart of Melbourne's waterfront precinct, this campus is close to Southern Cross Station and Flagstaff Gardens. Docklands has a high student population and numerous cafes, shops, and student accommodation options. The area is well-served by trams, trains, and buses. - Unit 7, 69-73 McLennan Street, MOOROOPNA VIC 3629 – a regional campus in Mooroopna, a town approximately 180 km north of Melbourne. Mooroopna is near Shepparton and offers a lower cost of living and a quieter study environment. Public transport to campus is available via V/Line trains and local buses. Both locations provide a supportive learning environment with access to student services. Victoria is home to over 100 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a wide range of courses for international students.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study at a CRICOS-registered institution. Key requirements include: - Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Sage College of Australia - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) declaration - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay - Sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel - English language proficiency (if required) Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during course weeks, unlimited during scheduled holidays. Dependants may have different work rights. The visa also includes conditions such as maintaining satisfactory course attendance and not working before the course starts. For detailed information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent. Read more on our Student visa guide: /visa/student-visa-subclass-500.
Follow these three steps to begin your study journey: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy's course search to find General English programs like this one at Sage College of Australia. Compare course levels, durations, fees, and locations. All courses listed are CRICOS-registered. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Submit your application to Sage College of Australia with required documents (transcripts, English test results, passport copy). The provider will assess your English level and issue a Letter of Offer if accepted. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once you accept the offer and pay the deposit, Sage College will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs. Don't forget to arrange OSHC. For visa guidance, see our Student visa page: /visa/student-visa-subclass-500.
Victoria is a popular destination for international students, with over 200,000 enrolled each year. Melbourne, the capital, consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities. When choosing an ELICOS course like General English (levels 1-6), consider the following: - Location: Do you prefer a bustling city campus (Docklands) or a regional setting (Mooroopna)? Living costs vary – weekly rent in Docklands can be A$250–400, while Mooroopna is A$140–250. - Progression pathways: ELICOS can lead to further study at Australian universities or VET providers. Check if Sage College offers packages or articulation agreements. - Teaching quality: Look for providers with strong student support and qualified teachers. Sage College of Australia is CRICOS-registered (04308C) and subject to ESOS protections. - Student visa compliance: Ensure your study load meets visa requirements (20+ hours per week contact). Use HeadStart Academy to explore all CRICOS-registered providers in Victoria: /states/vic.
Ready to start your ELICOS journey? Contact Sage College of Australia directly for the latest fees and intake dates, or explore more courses on HeadStart Academy.
General English (levels 1-6) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sage College 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.