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General English 40 is a 40-week English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) registered under Australia's CRICOS framework and classified within the Society and Culture field of education. It is a non-AQF award program designed to take learners progressively through levels of English proficiency — from Elementary through to Upper Intermediate — giving each student the core linguistic tools they need to communicate confidently in everyday Australian contexts. The course covers the four macro-skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while also building grammar accuracy, vocabulary range, pronunciation, and an understanding of Australian culture and social norms. Students are typically placed at the appropriate entry level via a short pre-course assessment, and they advance through levels upon achieving satisfactory progress. The course is delivered at registered ELICOS providers including language colleges, TAFEs, and private English language schools located across Australia's major cities.
General English 40 is primarily designed for international students and temporary visa holders from non-English speaking backgrounds who wish to build practical English proficiency for personal, social, or professional development. It suits those who need a strong linguistic foundation before progressing to vocational (VET/TAFE) qualifications, university preparation programs such as English for Academic Purposes (EAP), or professional employment in Australia. Employers who value this type of training include language schools, migration services, multicultural community organisations, international education agents, hospitality and tourism businesses, and a wide range of sectors that work with culturally diverse communities. It is also a popular stepping stone for students ultimately aiming at skilled migration pathways.
Australia remains one of the world's most popular destinations for English language learning, attracting tens of thousands of international students to ELICOS programs each year. As Australia's multicultural workforce continues to grow, demand for workers with strong English communication skills is consistently high across virtually every industry sector — from healthcare and hospitality to business and education. Studying a structured General English program in Australia gives students a genuine immersive learning environment, enabling them to practise English in real-world contexts outside the classroom on a daily basis. Completing an upper-intermediate level General English course is also a recognised pathway into VET and higher education study, meaning the course can directly unlock further career and academic opportunities in Australia.
There is a growing skills gap in Australia for workers who can communicate across diverse cultural and linguistic contexts, including in community services, aged care, childcare, tourism, retail, and international business. Achieving strong general English proficiency not only improves employability in these sectors but also fulfils a foundational visa requirement for many student and skilled migration pathways. For those who ultimately aspire to teach English or work in international education, completing multiple levels of General English is an important first step in understanding language acquisition from the learner's perspective — a quality highly valued by employers in the ELICOS sector itself.
General English 40 (ELICOS) is one of the most accessible courses in the Australian education system. There are typically no formal academic entry requirements — students do not need to have completed a particular year level of schooling or hold any prior qualifications. Most providers require students to be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrolment, although some specialist providers offer junior programs for younger learners with parental or guardian consent. All international students must hold an appropriate Australian student visa (subclass 500) that permits enrolment in an ELICOS course, and they must supply a copy of their passport as proof of identity at the time of application.
Rather than academic prerequisites, placement into the appropriate level of General English 40 is determined by a short pre-course language assessment and interview conducted by the provider. This may be done online prior to arrival or in person on the first day of study. Students who are assessed as being at absolute beginner level (below elementary) may not be eligible to enrol in a standard General English program, and will be directed to a more suitable introductory option. Students who have prior English language test results — such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge, or OET — are encouraged to submit these as part of their enrolment process to assist with accurate level placement. There are no work experience, portfolio, or interview requirements for entry into this course.
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
While General English 40 is primarily a language development and pathway course rather than a direct vocational qualification, it opens doors to a wide range of careers by equipping graduates with the English communication skills that Australian employers demand. Many graduates use the course as a stepping stone into further VET or university studies that lead to professional careers in teaching, community services, international business, tourism, healthcare, and more. For those who discover a passion for language education during their study, roles in the English language teaching and international education sector — one of Australia's largest export industries — are a natural and rewarding progression.
Entry Level
Graduate / Assistant
Language Tutor Assistant, International Student Services Assistant, Community Services Support Worker, Hospitality Team Member, Customer Service Representative
Early Career
Officer / Coordinator
ESL/EAL Teacher (with CELTA/TESOL), International Student Coordinator, Migrant Settlement Officer, Language Program Administrator, Education Agent Officer
Mid-Level
Adviser / Specialist
Senior English Language Teacher, ELICOS Academic Coordinator, Multicultural Community Adviser, Corporate Language Training Specialist, International Education Counsellor
Senior Level
Manager / Senior Adviser
Language School Director of Studies, International Student Services Manager, Community Language Program Manager, ELICOS Curriculum Developer, Regional Education Agent Manager
Leadership
Director / Head / Principal
Language College Principal, Director of International Education, Head of ELICOS Programs, National Education Partnership Director, Director of Multicultural Community Services
Salaries for careers that build on General English and English language education skills in Australia vary considerably based on the role, sector, experience level, and state or territory of employment.
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's most culturally diverse city and a major hub for ELICOS providers and language colleges, offering students a rich multicultural environment in which to practise English daily. The city's vibrant international student community, world-class public transport, and thriving arts and culture scene make it an ideal location for immersive English language learning.
Sydney
Sydney is home to the largest concentration of ELICOS providers in Australia, as well as a huge international student population that creates a natural environment for language practice outside the classroom. The city's global connections, iconic cultural landmarks, and diverse professional sectors make it an exciting base for students building English skills as a pathway to further study or work.
Brisbane
Brisbane offers a warm, relaxed lifestyle and a growing international education sector, making it increasingly popular with ELICOS students from across Asia and South America. With affordable living costs compared to Sydney and Melbourne, and a rapidly expanding economy ahead of the 2032 Olympics, Brisbane is an attractive option for students wanting value alongside high-quality language learning.
Perth
Perth's position as Australia's gateway to Asia gives it a unique multicultural character that makes practising English in real-world settings a daily reality for language students. The city's strong connections to the resources, tourism, and international trade sectors offer excellent networking opportunities for those using General English as a stepping stone to vocational or professional careers.
Adelaide
Adelaide is a welcoming and affordable city with a strong ELICOS sector and a well-established multicultural community, particularly suited to students seeking a less hectic environment for focused language study. The city's compact size makes it easy to navigate and engage authentically with Australian culture, while its growing international student community provides ample opportunities for English practice outside the classroom.
Canberra
Canberra, as Australia's national capital, offers a unique setting for English language learners, with access to government institutions, national museums, cultural bodies, and a highly educated professional community. Students in Canberra benefit from a safe, orderly environment with a high standard of living, and the city's strong connections to policy, diplomacy, and community services make it ideal for those heading towards careers in those sectors.
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
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