ELICOS at Austra College
Build your confidence in English for everyday life, social connections and further study. Our General English course develops your listening, speaking, reading and writing through practical classroom activities, with six levels from Beginner to Advanced.
Study in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide or Perth.
Tuition is AUD $300 per week, plus a $40 weekly resource fee and a $400 one-time application fee.
Course at a glance
| Course detail | Information |
| Course name | General English |
| CRICOS Course Code | 121349J |
| Dual qualification | No |
| Study locations | Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth |
| Delivery mode | Face-to-face classroom learning |
| Course levels | Six levels from Beginner to Advanced |
| Structured teaching | 60 weeks across all six levels; 10 weeks per level |
| Break periods | 10 weeks |
| Weekly contact hours | 20 hours face-to-face |
| Independent study | Minimum 5 hours per week |
| Total scheduled contact hours | 1,200 hours across all six levels |
| Minimum age | 18 years |
About the course
ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. At Austra College, General English helps you practise the language used when living, studying and interacting in an English-speaking environment. Lessons bring the four core language skills together with
grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
You will be placed in a level suited to your English proficiency. As you progress, you will work with more challenging language and practise expressing your ideas in a wider range of situations.
What you will learn What you will learn
Speaking and pronunciation
Practice introducing yourself, asking questions, sharing opinions, and participating in conversations. Develop clearer pronunciation through speaking activities and feedback.
Listening
Build your understanding of spoken English through conversations, recordings and classroom activities, progressing to more complex content at higher levels.
Reading
Develop strategies to understand everyday information and longer texts. Practice identifying main ideas, finding details and interpreting meaning.
Writing
Build from simple sentences and personal messages to connected, structured texts. Practice organising your ideas and using grammar and vocabulary appropriately.
Six levels of English
Each level is designed to be completed over 10 teaching weeks. The placement descriptions below follow our course entry framework. Your placement test and interview help identify the appropriate starting level.
| Level | Placement guide | Duration |
| Beginner | Little or no exposure to English | 10 weeks |
| Elementary | CEFR A1 — basic understanding of English | 10 weeks |
| Pre-Intermediate | CEFR A2 — foundational English skills | 10 weeks |
| Intermediate | CEFR B1 — everyday conversations and familiar topics | 10 weeks |
| Upper-Intermediate | CEFR B2 — complex communication and discussions | 10 weeks |
| Advanced | CEFR C1 — high fluency and comprehension | 10 weeks |
How you will study
You will attend 20 hours of face-to-face classes each week and complete a minimum of 5 hours of independent study. The full curriculum contains 60 weekly units of study, supported by Headway coursebooks, workbooks and supplementary learning materials.
Lessons combine teacher-led instruction with discussions, role-plays, oral presentations, individual tasks and group activities. Audio-visual resources, web-based research and authentic everyday materials give you opportunities to use English in practical contexts.
Entry requirements
You must be 18 years of age or older to enrol. No formal educational qualifications are required, although most students are expected to have completed Year 10 or equivalent. Placement is based on English proficiency rather than previous academic achievement.
Upon arrival, you will complete an English placement test and an individual interview. The curriculum specifies the Oxford Placement Test. Where applicable, recognised English test results, including IELTS, Cambridge, PTE or TOEFL, may also inform placement decisions.
Assessment and progression
Your teachers will monitor your progress through written and spoken activities, regular mini-tests and individual feedback. Mini-tests take place in Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of each level, with mid-term and end-of-term assessments in Weeks 5 and 10.
The course specifies a minimum pass requirement of 50% in the mid-term and end-of-term assessments for progression. Teachers record your results and provide targeted feedback and additional support where needed. After completing all enrolled levels, you will receive a certificate highlighting your achievements.
Support while you study
Our teaching approach takes into account different learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and learning needs. Support is provided for students experiencing difficulties.
Individual feedback
Adapted Activities
Focused Group Work
Additional Assistance
Progress and attendance are reviewed during each term. Students are expected to maintain at least 80% attendance and participate in required assessments. Students at risk of falling behind receive support through the college’s intervention process.
Course fees
| Fee type | Amount in AUD |
| One-time application fee | $400 |
| Weekly course fee | $300 |
| Weekly resource fee | $40 |
The weekly resource fee is additional to tuition. Contact our admissions team for your enrolment fee details and payment information.
Further study options
General English can help you develop language skills for further English study, including English for Academic Purposes, vocational education and training, or higher education. Entry to any further course depends on meeting that course’s admission and English language requirements. Completion does not guarantee admission or employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can study General English
2. Do I need to be confident in English before starting
3. How long is the course
The complete six-level curriculum contains 60 structured teaching weeks, with 10 teaching weeks per level. The course structure also lists 10 weeks of breaks. Your enrolment documentation will set out your study dates and enrolled levels.
4. Where can I study
5. What does the weekly fee include
6. Is this a dual qualification
No. General English is offered as a single course. Its CRICOS Course Code is 121349J.
7. When can I start
Enquire about General English
Tell us about your English learning goals and preferred study location. Our admissions team can help with course information, upcoming intakes and your application.
