General Academic English (GAE) is an English-language preparation programme at Kaplan International College Adelaide (KICA). It is designed for students who need to improve their English before progressing to English for Academic Purposes and/or a pathway programme leading to Adelaide University.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Designed to improve the English skills needed for academic study in Australia.
• Develops speaking, writing, reading, listening, grammar and vocabulary.
• Helps students communicate more confidently in an English-speaking academic environment.
• Covers academic skills including group and team collaboration, critical and creative thinking, research, academic integrity and presentations.
• KICA assesses students' English before they commence the programme.
• Students receive weekly assessments to monitor their progress.
• Classes have a maximum of 18 students, allowing for individual attention.
• Teaching is provided by qualified and experienced English-language teaching professionals.
• KICA provides student assistance and counselling services.
• Extracurricular activities are available to enhance the student experience outside class.
• The programme can be used as preparation before progressing to English for Academic Purposes and subsequently to an Adelaide University pathway programme, where the applicable entry/progression requirements are met.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

General Academic English focuses on practical and academic English development.

Students work on:

• Speaking
• Writing
• Reading
• Listening
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Academic communication
• Group and team collaboration
• Critical thinking
• Creative thinking
• Research skills
• Academic integrity
• Presentations
• Communication in an English-speaking academic environment.

Disciplines / Specialisations

General Academic English does not have academic specialisations such as Business, IT, Engineering or Science.

It is a general English preparation programme that can support students progressing into different academic fields.

KICA's pathway structure shows progression from English preparation into programmes such as:

• Foundation Studies
• Degree Transfer
• Pre-Master's
• Bachelor's study
• Second-year Bachelor's study
• Master's study, depending on the student's package and admission requirements. 

Programme Highlights

• English-language preparation specifically oriented toward academic study.
• 5- or 10-week study options.
• Intakes available throughout the year.
• Approximately 20 contact hours per week.
• Maximum class size of 18.
• Weekly assessment and progress monitoring.
• Qualified and experienced English-language teaching staff.
• Academic skills development alongside general English.
• Student counselling and support.
• Extracurricular activities.
• CRICOS code 094050A.
• International tuition fee of AUD 500 per week. 

Career Outcomes

General Academic English is not a vocational or professional qualification and does not have a separate occupation-specific career outcome.

Its main outcome is improved English proficiency for academic study and progression to a student's selected pathway or university programme.

KICA states that successful completion helps students obtain the language skills necessary for academic study in Australia and communicate with greater confidence.

Potential longer-term academic and career outcomes depend on the subsequent programme the student enters, such as a Foundation Studies, Degree Transfer, bachelor's or master's programme.

International Student Visa Requirements

General Academic English has CRICOS code 094050A, so it is a registered Australian international-student course.

International students who require a Student visa normally apply for subclass 500. Home Affairs currently states that Student visa applicants must generally:

• be enrolled in an eligible course;
• hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided;
• maintain appropriate Overseas Student Health Cover unless exempt;
• satisfy the Genuine Student requirement;
• meet health requirements;
• meet character requirements;
• comply with applicable financial-capacity requirements if requested; and
• meet English-language requirements where applicable or qualify for an exemption.