General English (CRICOS course code 118508C) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Bright Side Education Group Pty Ltd over 1 year 5 months (~72 weeks). This course falls under the field of Education of Society and Culture, specifically Language and Literature (ELICOS). Designed for international students seeking to improve their English language proficiency, this program provides a pathway to further study or career opportunities in Australia. Bright Side Education Group Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04380F) is a private provider located in Melbourne's CBD, offering a supportive learning environment. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring reliability. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international education, including ESOS Act protections. Whether you aim to enhance your English for academic, professional, or personal reasons, this course offers a structured curriculum to achieve your goals.
General English (CRICOS 118508C) is a Non AQF Award program offered by Bright Side Education Group Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (04380F) based in Melbourne, Victoria. The course spans 72 weeks (1 year 5 months) and focuses on developing English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. As part of the ELICOS category (Field of Education 091501), it is designed for non-native speakers to build communicative competence for everyday and academic contexts. The course does not include a work component and is delivered in English only. With an indicative tuition fee of A$25,800 and non-tuition fees of A$850, the estimated total is A$26,650, excluding OSHC, living costs, and visa charges. This course is ideal for students who want to improve their English proficiency before undertaking further study or employment in Australia. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses, and this program is one of the many ELICOS options available to international students.
This General English program covers the core skills of the English language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on practical communication. Students typically engage in activities that build vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and fluency. The curriculum is aligned with the ELICOS standards, preparing learners for real-world interactions in social, academic, and professional settings. While specific syllabi are determined by Bright Side Education Group, general outcomes include improved comprehension of spoken and written English, enhanced ability to express ideas clearly, and increased confidence in using English in diverse contexts. Graduates of this level often progress to higher-level English courses or vocational programs. The course does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but serves as a stepping stone for further education or migration purposes.
The duration of General English is 1 year 5 months (~72 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English, and it is a single qualification course (not a dual qualification). There is no mandatory work component. Students are expected to attend classes full-time, typically with a combination of classroom learning and self-study. The course structure allows for gradual progression through language levels. It is important to note that the study mode may include face-to-face delivery at the Melbourne campus. For specific timetables and start dates, interested students should contact Bright Side Education Group directly. This duration is standard for ELICOS programs of similar scope, providing ample time to achieve significant language improvement.
The indicative tuition fee for General English is A$25,800, with non-tuition fees of A$850, making an estimated total of A$26,650. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by Bright Side Education Group. Please note that fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. As a guide, living costs in Melbourne are approximately A$500–$700 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Always confirm current fees with the provider before applying. Additionally, international students should budget for OSHC (around A$600–$900 per year) and visa fees (currently A$1,600 for a Student visa application). HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource; we do not charge referral fees or commissions.
English language requirements vary by provider, but for General English courses, a typical IELTS score of 5.5–7.0 overall is expected, depending on the course level and the student's prior qualifications. Some providers may accept alternative tests like TOEFL or PTE. Prior qualifications for this level generally include completion of secondary school or equivalent. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable to this course; however, students who complete General English may progress to other programs at Bright Side Education Group. It is essential to check specific entry criteria with the provider, as they may have additional prerequisites such as a minimum age (usually 18) or academic background. For personalised advice, contact Bright Side Education Group directly. Remember that all CRICOS-registered institutions must adhere to ESOS Act protections, ensuring fair treatment of international students.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake any work as part of the program. However, as a holder of a Student visa (Subclass 500), you may be eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It is important to balance work with study, as the primary purpose of the visa is to complete your course. For details on work rights, refer to the Department of Home Affairs.
General English is delivered at Suite 2, Level 12, 190 Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000. This campus is located in Melbourne's central business district, providing easy access to public transport (trains, trams, and buses). Melbourne is a vibrant city with over 250,000 international students and more than 50 CRICOS-registered providers. The city offers a high quality of life, diverse cultural experiences, and a range of accommodation options. Typical weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$250–$400, with groceries costing around A$80–$120. The campus's central location means students can explore the city's cafes, libraries, and study spaces. For more information on studying in Victoria, see our guide to studying in VIC.
International students enrolled in General English will need to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and limited work rights (48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks). To be eligible, you must provide evidence of enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (such as this one), meet the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved provider, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Living costs are set by the Department of Home Affairs at A$21,041 per year for a single student (as of 2024). The visa application charge is currently A$1,600. Additionally, all students are protected by the ESOS Act, which ensures tuition protection and refund policies. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; for visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Follow these three steps to apply for General English at Bright Side Education Group Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use the HeadStart Academy directory to filter courses by level, field, and location. Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (Bright Side Education Group, CRICOS 04380F).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Submit your application to Bright Side Education Group with required documents (e.g., passport, academic transcripts, English test scores). Meet entry requirements and application deadlines as specified by the provider.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, you will receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. For detailed guidance, see our Student visa page.
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city and a top destination for international students, with over 250,000 students from around the world. It boasts a multicultural environment, excellent public transport, and a thriving arts and food scene. For students studying General English, the city offers numerous opportunities to practice English in real-life settings. The cost of living is moderate compared to Sydney, with average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the CBD around A$500 per week, and groceries costing about A$100 per week. There are many CRICOS-registered providers in Melbourne, making it a competitive but supportive study hub. Consider your personal preferences for climate, lifestyle, and budget when choosing a city. Melbourne has a cooler temperate climate with four distinct seasons. If you value urban convenience and cultural diversity, Melbourne is an excellent choice for your ELICOS studies.
Ready to start your English language journey? Explore General English at Bright Side Education Group and apply today.
General English is a CRICOS-registered programme at Bright Side Education Group 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.