General English (High School Preparation) (CRICOS course code 117998K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Academy of English Pty Ltd over 20 weeks. This course is designed for international students who need to improve their English language skills to prepare for study in an Australian high school. As an ELICOS program (Field of Education 091501), it focuses on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities within an academic context. Academy of English Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02399M) is a private provider located in Sydney's central business district. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses across Australia, this course is one of many pathways for students aiming to enter mainstream schooling. Studying in Sydney offers access to a vibrant multicultural environment, with over 180,000 international students enrolled in the city. The course carries a CRICOS course code 117998K, which you can verify on the official CRICOS register (cricos.teqsa.gov.au) as at April 2026. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring you receive quality education under the ESOS Act protections.
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General English (High School Preparation) is a Non AQF Award, meaning it does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but provides essential language skills for academic progression. The course is part of the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) category under the field of Society and Culture. It is specifically tailored for students who plan to enroll in Australian secondary schools. Over 20 weeks, learners engage in intensive English instruction that covers everyday communication, academic vocabulary, and cultural understanding. The provider, Academy of English Pty Ltd, operates a dedicated ELICOS campus at 305–307 George Street, Sydney. Sydney is home to over 150 CRICOS-registered providers offering ELICOS and other courses, giving students a wide choice. The course fee of A$9,000 (indicative) includes tuition, while non-tuition fees add A$300. This does not cover Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or visa application charges. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, students are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition assurance and complaint resolution mechanisms.
Although the exact curriculum is set by the provider, General English (High School Preparation) typically covers the four macro-skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with a focus on academic contexts. Students learn to comprehend and produce texts relevant to high school subjects such as mathematics, science, and humanities. Grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation are taught through interactive activities and assessments. The course also emphasizes study skills like note-taking, research, and presentation techniques. Since the field of education is Language and Literature (0915), graduates gain the ability to communicate effectively in English for further study. This level is common for students who have completed intermediate English (e.g., IELTS 5.0 or equivalent) and aim to reach upper-intermediate or advanced levels before entering mainstream classes. The course does not include a work component, so students focus solely on language acquisition. For more detailed syllabus, refer to Academy of English Pty Ltd's website.
The CRICOS register lists the duration as 20 weeks (20 weeks exactly). This is a full-time course delivered entirely in English. Students attend classes on campus at Academy of English (George Street) in Sydney. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The language of instruction is English, and the course is classified as a single qualification. Study mode is typically face-to-face, with possible online components as determined by the provider. International students must maintain full-time enrollment to comply with their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. Sydney's public transport network makes the campus easily accessible via train, bus, and light rail. The course runs for one semester; many providers offer multiple start dates throughout the year. Check with Academy of English for exact intake dates.
Tuition fee: A$9,000 (indicative). Non-tuition fees: A$300 (includes materials, administrative charges). Estimated total: A$9,300. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students and costs approximately A$500–700 per year depending on provider. Living expenses in Sydney are estimated at around A$2,100 per month for rent, groceries, transport, and other costs (source: Department of Home Affairs). The Student visa application charge is currently A$710 (as of 2026). Always confirm current fees with Academy of English Pty Ltd by visiting their website at www.academies.edu.au. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees; this is a free resource for students.
English language requirements vary by provider. For General English (High School Preparation), typical entry level is IELTS 5.0–5.5 or equivalent. However, some providers may require IELTS 5.5 or 6.0 for higher levels. Since this is an ELICOS course, prior academic qualifications are not strictly required, but students must demonstrate the ability to benefit from the program. For students under 18, additional guardian arrangements may be needed. Foundation or pathway options: If your English is below the required level, you may be eligible for a longer ELICOS program. Always check with Academy of English for specific requirements. Note that English test scores are usually valid for 2 years. No prior study in a specific field is necessary. Refer to the provider's website for the most accurate information.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work placement or internship. Students may engage in part-time work subject to visa conditions. Student visa (Subclass 500) holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work must not interfere with study commitments.
The course is delivered at Academy of English (George Street) (ELICOS Operations) in Sydney, NSW. Sydney is Australia's largest city with a thriving international student community. The campus is located in the central business district, close to public transport hubs like Town Hall and Wynyard stations. Sydney offers a high standard of living with diverse cultural experiences. There are over 150 CRICOS-registered providers in Sydney offering various courses. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than other Australian cities; indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment ranges from A$250 to A$450, groceries around A$80–150, and transport approximately A$40–60. Students can enjoy beaches, parks, and a vibrant arts scene. The campus is well-connected via buses, trains, and light rail.
International students who enroll in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Academy of English Pty Ltd. Students can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. OSHC is mandatory; it provides medical and hospital insurance. The visa application fee is A$710 (may change). Dependents may apply for a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) if applicable. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice. All CRICOS courses have ESOS Act protections.
Follow these three steps to enroll in General English (High School Preparation) at Academy of English Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that Academy of English (CRICOS 02399M) offers this course. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Visit www.academies.edu.au to check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application along with required documents (passport, academic transcripts, English test results). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE requirements. For visa help, contact a MARA agent.
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General English (High School Preparation) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Academy of English 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.