Key facts
Duration
5 weeks – 45 weeks
Locations
Course overview
If you want to improve your English language skills for your personal development, our General English programs are just right for you. At Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI), we have 8 levels of General English (Beginner to Advanced)
In General English, you will:
- learn English for everyday situations
- communicate with people in the classroom and in real situations on class excursion projects
- learn to speak accurately and clearly
- improve pronunciation and fluency
- extend your vocabulary
- continue to develop cross-cultural communication skills
- use English to help you enjoy living in Melbourne and Australia.
Level: Beginner– Advanced
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Deakin code
- X067B
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 028769J Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
Course structure
In General English you will study for 20 hours per week plus 5 hours of self-study in the Independent Learning Centre (ILC) with a teacher available to guide and support you.
To move from one General English level to the next, you need to pass the main assessment tasks of your current level with an overall score of 55 per cent.
General English Pathways
A General English student is eligible to transfer to the EAP pathway if they pass their General English class at the GE 5 level.
Assessment
Assessment in each course takes a variety of forms, including written research assignments, debates, class projects, class tests and oral presentations.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
2026 INTAKE DATES
| INTAKE | ORIENTATION | START DATE | END DATE |
| 1 | 5 January | 5 January | 6 February |
| 2 | 5 February | 9 February | 13 March |
| 3 | 12 March | 16 March | 17 April |
| 4 | 16 April | 20 April | 22 May |
| 5 | 21 May | 25 May | 26 June |
| 6 | 2 July | 6 July | 7 August |
| 7 | 6 August | 10 August | 11 September |
| 8 | 17 September | 21 September | 23 October |
| 9 | 29 October | 2 November | 4 December |
2027 INTAKE DATES
| INTAKE | ORIENTATION | START DATE | END DATE |
| 1 | 7 January | 11 January | 12 February |
| 2 | 11 February | 15 February | 19 March |
| 3 | 18 March | 22 March | 23 April |
| 4 | 22 April | 27 April (Tuesday) | 28 May |
| 5 | 27 May | 31 May | 2 July |
| 6 | 8 July | 12 July | 13 August |
| 7 | 12 August | 16 August | 17 September |
| 8 | 23 September | 27 September | 29 October |
| 9 | 4 November | 8 November | 10 December |
Entry requirements
There is no academic entry requirement for General English courses. Placement into all DUELI classes is based on the results of the DUELI Placement Test or other approved test.
Learn more about Deakin University's English Language Institute and the wide range of programs available to develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
