General English (Elementary to Advanced)
What is a General English course?
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.
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.
Our highly qualified and experienced TESOL teachers are committed to educating international students in an engaging and supportive manner.
Career opportunities
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
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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.
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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
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
Why study with us?
Torrens University Language Centre Overview
Choose your student type for entry requirements
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Domestic
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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). Contact us for more information.Fees: Domestic students
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Domestic fees
Check the Domestic Course Fee Schedule for the cost of your course.
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FEE-HELPEligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.
Scholarships: Domestic students
How to apply: Domestic students
Get started
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.
Apply
It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 575 803.
Offer
We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.
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
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International fees
Check the International Course Fee Schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.
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Fee payment
Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.
Scholarships: International students
We’re dedicated to supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer TULC regional scholarships.
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Scholarship types
How to Apply: International students
Get started
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.
Apply
It’s easy! You can apply online below or contact our International team on 1300 575 803.
Offer
We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.
Frequently asked questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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