ELICOS in Australia

English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students

Course overview

ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) is the Australian equivalent of an English language course that is meant for international students looking to improve and develop their English language skills in Australia and other English-speaking countries in the world.

With flexible course durations, ELICOS offers students good flexibility in developing their English skills for higher education and for work.

Types Of ELICOS Programmes

There is a variety of ELICOS programmes you can apply for depending on your needs and end goals. These programmes include:

• English for Academic Purposes (EAP): This program focuses on spoken and written English that students require for further study in an Australian university. The course duration can range from 5 weeks to 52 weeks.

• General English (GE): This program focuses on teaching students English for everyday situations as well as how to communicate with people in real situations in class and for cross-cultural communication. Students will learn how to speak accurately and clearly as well as develop their vocabulary. This course will typically last 5 weeks to 20 weeks.

• English For Special Purposes (ESP): This course instructs students on learning English for business in different contexts. This can be for professions and disciplines in hospitality, health professionals and other businesses. The course duration can last from 5 weeks to 20 weeks.

• Exam Preparation Course: This course focuses on general English skills and instructs students on how to prepare for language exams such as the TOEFL. The course duration can last from 5 weeks to 10 weeks.

The ELICOS courses are meant for international students, hence depending on the course duration, either a student or tourist visa is required.

ELICOS is also meant for international students who are looking to study at a vocational college or university as well as for those that require a higher standard of English in order to work.

Why Study ELICOS In Australia

• Fulfil the language requirement and open opportunities for further education in universities in English-speaking countries.

• Improve your English proficiency with an internationally recognised qualification whose curriculum is regulated and quality is ensured.

• Enjoy the flexibility in your education - you can study and explore Australia at the same time with flexible durations that can last from one week to 52 weeks depending on the type of ELICOS course required.

• You have the flexibility to work and study in Australia with the ELICOS Visa (Subclass 570).

Choosing your ELICOS Provider

Here are some key things to look out for in choosing providers and institutions for your ELICOS provider.

• Accredited Training – Research on reviews and teaching staff can give a good insight into the course curriculum in addition to course descriptions. Institutes that provide ELICOS courses must be registered with the CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students), you can double-check for your institution’s registration.

• Location – Whether it’s the urban cosmopolitanism of Sydney or the more laid-back vibe of Brisbane you prefer, look for a university situated in a region that offers you the best mix of lifestyle and standard of living.

• Cost – While tuition fees shouldn’t vary too much for the same type of course and duration, the kind of financial assistance and scholarships available to you may differ more substantially. Look for an institution that offers scholarships and determine if you are eligible, some scholarships are only awarded to students in certain countries and regions.

• International Student Support – Find an institution that offers well-planned support for international students, as they can advise on essentials such as accommodation, student welfare, and post-graduate employment opportunities.

Admission requirements for ELICOS Courses

Students looking to study ELICOS in Australia will have to take a placement assessment test at the beginning of the course to establish and proof their level of English language. The accepted tests typically include:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System test)

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

• PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic)

• CAE (Academic Cambridge English)

• OET (Occupational English Test)

Depending on your score, you will be allowed to study for a certain type of ELICOS course, for example, the General English course will be mainly for students with an IELTS score of 4.5 or lower while the English For Academic Purposes (EAP) will usually require students to have an IELTS score of 5.0 or above.

Depending on the institution, some colleges will allow students to utilise their General English course certification to continue their English language studies in EAP.

In addition, for the General English course, institutes will usually get students to take a placement test that covers reading, writing and grammar as well as speaking to correctly place them at a level that suits their proficiency.

Ready to kickstart your study abroad journey?

Kickstart your English language education by studying ELICOS in Australia with IDP. We will guide you through your options as well as the necessary application processes for your provider and the required visas. Speak to our international education consultants now for free.