General English (ELICOS) courses at the Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, and Intermediate levels are structured English language programs designed specifically for non-native speakers who wish to improve their communication skills for everyday life, work, travel, and further study in Australia. Delivered under the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) framework and regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), these programs are offered by registered language colleges, private English schools, and specialist ELICOS providers across all major Australian cities. Each level typically spans 10–12 weeks of full-time face-to-face study, with around 20 classroom hours per week plus recommended self-study time, and students progress through levels upon achieving satisfactory assessment results.

The courses focus on the four core macro-skills — listening, speaking, reading, and writing — along with supporting areas such as grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, all taught in real-world, interactive contexts that reflect life in Australian society. Students learn language used in everyday situations such as shopping, banking, healthcare, community participation, and workplace communication. The programs are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ranging from CEFR A1–A2 at Elementary level through to CEFR B1–B2 at Intermediate level, allowing internationally recognised benchmarking of language achievement.

Employers and institutions that benefit from General English graduates include ELICOS language colleges, community language centres, TAFE institutes, adult migrant education programs, settlement services, volunteer literacy organisations, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community organisations. Graduates who continue their studies after General English often enter vocational (VET) programs, English for Academic Purposes (EAP) pathways, or university preparation courses, making General English a critical gateway qualification within Australia's international education ecosystem.

General English ELICOS courses are specifically structured to accommodate a wide range of English proficiency levels, and entry requirements are therefore based on English language assessment rather than prior academic qualifications. Students wishing to enrol at the Elementary level typically need to demonstrate a minimum level of basic English exposure — most providers require at least elementary-level proficiency and do not accept complete beginners (zero English) unless the program explicitly includes a Beginner/Starter level. Applicants are usually required to complete an English placement test, such as the Oxford Placement Test or a provider's own written and oral assessment, prior to or upon enrolment to ensure they are placed in the most appropriate class level.

For students who have previously studied English formally, results from recognised English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic may also be submitted to assist with accurate level placement. Indicative entry benchmarks include CEFR A1–A2 (equivalent to IELTS 0–3) for Elementary level, CEFR A2–B1 (IELTS 3.0–4.0) for Pre-Intermediate, and CEFR B1–B1+ (IELTS 4.0–4.5) for Intermediate entry. Academic education requirements are minimal — there are no formal education level prerequisites specified in the ELICOS training framework, making these courses accessible to a very broad range of learners regardless of their schooling background.

International students studying in Australia must hold an appropriate student visa (Subclass 500) that permits ELICOS study, or another visa type that allows for study without restrictions. Students must generally be at least 16–18 years of age at the time of course commencement (age requirements vary by provider). Some providers may conduct a short oral interview as part of the enrolment process to assess spoken English and identify any special learning needs. For domestic learners — including Australian permanent residents and citizens — no visa requirements apply, and enrolment is simply based on the placement test outcome.