Learn English in Australia

For many international students from the non-English speaking background, idea of intensive studies in English at Diploma or higher level can be overwhelming. Luckily, there is help for those who struggle with the language a bit or would like some exposure before they start their main course of studies. Australia is proud of the reputation and quality of its English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS).

Who offers ELICOS?
Courses and qualifications
Average tuition costs
Entry requirements
English proficiency tests
View a list of English language institutions
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Who offers ELICOS?

ELICOS courses providers are secondary schools, TAFE institutes, universities, private colleges and specialist English language centres. The primary aim of this course is to equip international students with the necessary skills so they can fully participate in Australian life. Whether you want to meet the English language requirements of your institution or simply develop confidence in your English abilities before beginning your studies, this course is perfect for you. A number of institutions are affiliated with English language schools and will ‘package’ English language preparation courses with vocational or higher education courses.

Courses and qualifications

English language training starts from around AUD$300 per week.

These figures were sourced from the Australian Government’s Study in Australia website in 2015. Please note that ELICOS costs vary significantly depending on the course duration and institution, so it is important to check with the relevant provider.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements will vary depending on the course you choose to study. These requirements can be checked with your selected education provider. You may have to study ELICOS full time before commencing your main course.

Tourists and visitors to Australia can also study English language or participate in ELICOS study during their stay. You can find details of visa requirements on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.

English proficiency tests

There are a number of tests in Australia designed to assess the English language proficiency of international students wishing to gain entry to Australian courses. Five tests are also accepted for Australian student visa applications: the TOEFL test, the IELTS test, the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test, the Occupational English Test (OET) and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic test. See the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website for more information.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The TOEFL test is recognised by institutions in more than 130 countries throughout the world. It examines the ability of candidates to understand and use English to the level that is spoken, written and heard in a tertiary education setting. The test takes two formats: the more common internet-based test (iBT) is administered via the internet, while the paper-based test (PBT) is completed in test centres that do not have internet access. TOEFL iBT test scores (and TOEFL PBT scores from certain countries) can be used to meet the required language component of the Australian student visa applications.

The test is widely offered (available at testing locations in 165 countries) and can be taken on fixed dates more than 50 times a year. You can find further details at www.toeflgoanywhere.org.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The IELTS comes in two test formats: ‘academic’ and ‘general training’. All test candidates take the same speaking and listening modules, but candidates have the option of general training or academic reading and writing modules. Academic modules are aimed at students wishing to study at university level. General training modules emphasise basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context and are suited to candidates wishing to attend secondary school or undertake training programs that are not at degree level, or immigrate. The test is widely recognised by universities, employers, professional bodies and immigration authorities around the world. You can find more details at www.ielts.org.

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)

The Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) exams assess English language proficiency for admission to university and other courses. The exams are recognised around the world by universities, employers and national education authorities. You can find further information at www.cambridgeenglish.org.

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

The PTE is recognised by institutions and governments around the world and is available in various streams: academic, general and young learners. The PTE Academic test is suitable for higher education students and is split into speaking and writing, reading and listening segments. It aims to be fast and flexible, enabling candidates to book 24 hours in advance and have results delivered in five days. You can find further details at http://pearsonpte.com.

Occupational English Test (OET)
The OET tests the English language proficiency of overseas-qualified medical and health professionals wishing to undertake training programs or examinations in order to gain professional recognition and practise in Australia. You can find further details at www.occupationalenglishtest.org.