General English Elementary to Advanced

What is a General English course?

Develop all-round English skills in a welcoming and dynamic environment. This course is designed to introduce you to everything that is required when learning a new language and the core skills to communicate confidently and independently in English (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).

A welcoming environment
This course is designed to introduce students to everything required when learning a new language and the core skills to communicate confidently and independently in English.

Fun, interactive and portable
We have campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, as well as online. You can move from city to city, travelling Australia and improving your English during your studies.

Learn from the best 
Our highly qualified and experienced TESOL teachers are committed to educating international students in an engaging and supportive manner.

Career opportunities

The confidence you gain in communicating in English will improve your employment opportunities both in Australia and globally. From General English, you can progress into English for Academic Purposes courses, which will prepare you for entry into Torrens University Australia degree programs.

Studying English courses for international students

Workload

Each program requires 20 hours of classroom study per week. ELICOS students must attend 80% or more of scheduled contact hours within the study period.

Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided assurance that exceptions will be made to the usual face-to-face learning requirements.

Key language areas

General English 1 (Elementary to Pre-Intermediate)

Speaking

Students will be able to participate in short conversations, ask and answer questions, exchange ideas, tell a story or short description, provide personal information, give and follow simple directions, and express how they feel.

Listening

Students will be able to understand phrases and expressions relating to familiar topics, identify topics of discussion around them, and extract essential information from short recorded passages.

Reading

Students will be able to understand short and simple texts, identify specific information in simple written material, understand basic types of standard routine letters and emails, and locate specific information in lists and isolate the information required.

Writing

The focus for students will be to write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with connectors and everyday matters. Students will be able to start writing personal letters or emails, and basic descriptions of events, past activities and personal experience.

General English 2 (Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate) and General English 3 (Advanced)

Speaking

Students are comfortable speaking and elaborating on different topics. They can ask for clarification and develop presentation skills.

Listening

Students can identify specific information and support ideas from long passages, engaging with various mediums and making critical comments.

Reading

The focus for students will be to locate specific information in a range of literature and evaluate information sources.

Writing

Students will be able to plan and write a discussion piece, understand different writing structures and write objectively.

Industry Accreditation

Learn more about the English language courses offered by TULC and improve your pathway to university and career opportunities in Australia and globally.

Learning outcomes

Confidence in communicating independently in English
Improved reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities
More study and employment opportunities both in Australia and globally

Download Course Guide

We are passionate about providing you with the skills to be ready for life – not just for class or study. Find out what our students had to say about the Torrens University Language Centre.

Torrens University Language Centre Overview

Learn more about the English language courses offered by TULC and improve your pathway to university and career opportunities in Australia and globally.

Choose your student type for entry requirements

Domestic
International

Admissions criteria and pathways: Domestic students

To be eligible for admission, you must satisfy one of the entry requirements below.

Guaranteed pathway

Successful completion of General English 3 (Advanced) guarantees a pathway to English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Fees: Domestic students

Scholarships: Domestic students

We’re dedicated to supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer TULC regional scholarships.

How to apply: Domestic students

Apply online now Make an enquiry

Admissions criteria and pathways: International students

To be eligible for admission, you must satisfy one of the entry requirements below.

Guaranteed pathway

Successful completion of General English 3 (Advanced) guarantees a pathway to English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Fees: International students

Fees for each trimester

Check the International Course Fee Schedule for the cost of your course. Fees for each trimester must be paid before the trimester commences. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended option.

International course fee schedule
How to pay

Course fees can be paid in 3 instalments, each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

International course fee schedule

Scholarships: International students

We’re dedicated to supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer TULC regional scholarships.

Scholarship types
International scholarships

How to Apply: International students

Apply online now Make an enquiry

Frequently asked questions

When can I start my English course?

There are 10 intake dates per year that you can apply for the General English or the English for Academic Purposes courses. For more information, you can download our course guide or email us.
Am I eligible for a discounted price?

Various special prices and promotions are available throughout the year. To find out if you are eligible for any discounts, please contact us.
How many weeks can I study a course?

The maximum course length depends on your visa and current English level. The length of your study program should be chosen according to your needs and goals.

General English (Elementary to Advanced) courses take 1-40 weeks to complete.

English for Academic Purposes (Intermediate to Advanced) take 10-30 weeks to complete.
Do I have to do a placement test?

After registration and orientation, General English students will take the English Placement Test, before being placed in the appropriate class. Students in other courses who have already been tested will be given their textbooks and introduced to their class.
Can I work in Australia while I study?

If you are on a student visa, you are usually allowed to work 40 hours in a two-week period. For more information go to: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500
How much will my English improve?

On average, students studying English courses at Torrens University move from one level to the next in approximately 10 weeks. It varies depending on the student, but if you work hard and speak only English while you are here, you should improve quickly.
Do I need to have health cover or insurance?

It is a student visa condition that you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay in Australia. OSHC will contribute towards medical and hospital expenses that you may incur.
Who can assist me if I have any questions?

Everyone at the Torrens University Language Centre wants your time at the university and in Australia to be a memorable learning experience so we are here to help. Our Student Advisors are always available and can offer assistance with any questions that you may have. These questions can be around course requirements, enrolment changes, your stay in Australia, job placement, student fees, and personal support and counselling.