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Test your English level
With over 40 years of experience and recognition as a certified CELTA training centre, the South Australian College of English delivers General English courses that focus on practical, real-life communication. Our courses help students build confidence in everyday conversations as well as more advanced academic and professional discussions.
Our General English programme supports learners from Elementary to Advanced.
English ability is broadly grouped into five recognised levels to guide learning progression, with class placement based on individual proficiency and availability.
Build a solid foundation in everyday English — greetings, basic grammar, and simple conversation for daily life.
Develop essential vocabulary and sentence structures to handle familiar everyday situations with growing confidence.
Communicate clearly on a wide range of topics. Understand the main points of complex texts on familiar subjects.
Express yourself fluently and spontaneously. Handle most academic and professional situations with ease.
Understand virtually everything you read or hear. Express yourself precisely and fluently in all academic and professional contexts.
SACE offers General English classes during the day and evening, giving students flexible study options to suit work, study, or personal schedules.
25 hrs/week
A full-time day programme designed for immersive language learning. Students attend core General English classes, with Special Studies offered on Mondays and Wednesdays.
20 hrs/week
A balanced full-time day programme that focuses on improving speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills for everyday and academic use.
16 hrs/week
Ideal for students balancing work or other commitments alongside study.
Flexible — on demand
Tailored one-to-one lessons available on demand to fast-track your progress.
Your week at SACE is structured to give you meaningful practice across all key language skills, every day.
The day General English course focuses on grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, writing and pronunciation using real-life contexts. For students enrolled in the Intensive or Intensive Plus option, afternoon special studies sessions run twice a week, giving you extra time to explore topics in greater depth.
The evening General English course is designed for students who need flexibility during the day, whether you’re working, on a working holiday visa, or managing other commitments. Classes cover the same core skill areas as the day programme: grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading and writing.
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 11:00 | Intro to Unit Writing | Grammar, Listening &Speaking | Vocabulary, Reading Task | Speaking & Writing Vocabulary | Weekly Revision Test |
| 11:30 – 13:30 | Reading, Speaking | Pronunciation, Vocabulary | Media/Music Listening | Authentic Reading | Weekly Test Speaking |
| 14:00 – 15:30 | Special Studies (25h/wk only) | Special Studies (25h/wk only) | Club SACE Excursion |
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:00 – 19:00 | Intro to theme | Grammar in use | Vocabulary / Speaking | Writing / Reading | Review / Presentations |
| 19:15 – 21:15 | Reading / Speaking | Reading / Writing | Research skills, projects | Media Studies/ Listening | Communication activities |
Every class at SACE builds the four key skills through engaging resources: podcasts, media, guest speakers, and excursions. The SACE “English Only” policy ensures real practice beyond the classroom.
Real-life situations, debates, presentations
Podcasts, media, authentic audio content
Academic texts, comprehension, word-building
Structured writing, grammar in context
Small class sizes mean your teachers know your goals and give you tailored guidance throughout your course.
Regular structured progress tests every four weeks confirm when you are ready to advance, and keep you on track.
Full access to SACE's Adelaide CBD campus facilities, including quiet study areas for self-directed learning.
Professional advice on IELTS and PTE preparation, university pathways via the ETS programme, and direct-entry institutional partnerships.
Official certificate ceremonies and social events mark your milestones and build community among SACE's global student body.
Carefully selected homestays and modern student residences to choose from, with full support from the SACE welfare team for the duration of your stay.
Duration: 1–48 weeks
Levels: Elementary to Advanced
Timetable: Day / Evening
Skills: Communication Skills
25 hours / week
20 hours / weeks
25 hours / week (20 hours of general standard English)
16 hours / week
On demand, flexible hours.
Unsure about your university pathway? Our education advisors are here to support you. Successful completion of our General English course can provide a pathway into our English for Tertiary Studies (ETS) programme. Completing ETS allows eligible students to progress to Australian universities without needing an IELTS test, subject to entry requirements.
Complete the SACE enrolment form and either send it to your local SACE representative or submit it directly to our team in Adelaide. On receipt, we will send you a letter of offer and an invoice for payment of fees.
The minimum age for our General English courses is 13 years. Our Study Tours programme accepts students aged 10 and older.
Yes. All students receive a SACE Certificate at the end of their course, indicating their level of achievement. A progress report is also issued at the end of each four weeks.
Subject to availability, students may request a schedule change. Please speak to our student services team on campus — we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Special Studies are specialised afternoon classes available to students enrolled in 25-hour-per-week programmes (General English Intensive and ETS). They cover Academic Skills and Vocabulary in Context. Special Studies can also be purchased separately by students on 20-hour programmes.
Yes. Once you achieve Intermediate proficiency, you can consult our academic team to move into IELTS Preparation or Cambridge examination courses. SACE monitors student progress every four weeks to identify the right time for this transition.
Students can choose a SACE homestay for authentic cultural immersion with a carefully selected local family, or opt for independent living in a central student hostel located within walking distance of our Adelaide campus.
Under current Australian student visa regulations, eligible students are generally permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. Work entitlements depend on your visa type and individual circumstances. We recommend checking current conditions with the Australian Government’s official immigration website.
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