General English: Starter (CRICOS course code 119464B) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Platinum Institute Pty Ltd over 10 weeks. This ELICOS program is designed for students who want to build foundational English language skills for everyday communication, study, or work. As a CRICOS-registered course (119464B), it meets Australian standards for international student enrolment. Platinum Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04409J) is a private college located in the heart of Melbourne, offering this course at its Flinders Street campus. If you are an international student planning to study in Australia, this page provides all the essential details: fees, duration, entry requirements, delivery locations, and visa guidance. All information is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
This course falls under the field of Society and Culture (09), specifically Language and Literature (0915) and ELICOS (091501). At this Non AQF Award level, students typically develop basic English skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing for everyday contexts. Graduates often progress to higher-level English courses or vocational study. The curriculum focuses on practical communication, building vocabulary and grammar for real-world situations such as ordering food, asking for directions, and participating in simple conversations. As an ELICOS program, it is designed for students whose first language is not English and who need to improve their proficiency for further study or personal development.
General English: Starter is scheduled for 10 weeks (10 weeks on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English, and it is offered as a single qualification (no dual or foundation study component). Classes are typically held on campus at the delivery location in Melbourne. Full-time study is expected to meet student visa requirements. For more details on study modes, contact Platinum Institute Pty Ltd directly.
The indicative tuition fee for General English: Starter is A$4,000, with non-tuition fees of A$800, bringing the estimated total to A$4,800. These fees 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, and the visa application charge. For current fees, always confirm directly with Platinum Institute Pty Ltd via their website at www.platinuminstitute.com.au. The table below summarises indicative costs.
English language requirements vary by provider — for this course, Platinum Institute Pty Ltd typically requires IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. Prior qualifications: No specific prior academic qualifications are required for this entry-level English course. Foundation or pathway options: Refer to the provider for preparation programs. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for their student visa.
This course has no mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work is not part of the curriculum but can help with living costs and gaining local experience.
General English: Starter is delivered at Level 10, 474 Flinders Street Melbourne 3000, in the state of Victoria (VIC). Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city with a vibrant international student community of over 150,000. The campus is near Flinders Street Station, providing excellent public transport access via trains, trams, and buses. Victoria has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$350–500 per week for rent, groceries, and transport, though individual circumstances vary.
International students enrolling in General English: Starter must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Platinum Institute, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay, sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, travel), and meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Dependants may have work rights too. This is general guidance only. For personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses.
Melbourne is known for its cultural diversity, high-quality education institutions, and strong student support services. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, Melbourne alone hosts hundreds of English language schools. The city offers a safe environment, excellent public transport, and numerous social activities for international students. However, consider the cost of living, climate, and distance from home. This ELICOS course is ideal if you prefer a central city campus and want to immerse yourself in an English-speaking environment while exploring one of the world's most liveable cities.
Follow these three steps to enrol: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers – filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and city (Melbourne) on HeadStart Academy. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution – check entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines on Platinum Institute's website. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. For visa help, consult a registered migration agent.
Ready to take the first step? Apply directly to Platinum Institute Pty Ltd and start your English journey in Melbourne.
General English: Starter is a CRICOS-registered programme at Platinum Institute 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.