Learn English

People from around the world come to Victoria to enhance their English skills, be it to expand their career options, broaden their cultural horizons, meet new people or become eligible to study at an Australian tertiary institution.

Depending on your goals, you may need to hold a valid visa when studying English in Australia, such as a student visa. For the latest visa information, visit the Department of Home Affairs.

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[Inspiring music, visuals of speaker talking to camera followed by shots of library and bookshop]

Speaker 1: One of the barrier I face studying in Melbourne is language barrier.

When I just came here my English was not fluent and not good, but the people I met are very friendly. They encourage me to make more mistakes and to speak more.

I begin to talk more and I'm becoming more outgoing.

If you come here to study in Melbourne, don't worry, because people in Melbourne are very friendly, are very supportive.

[On-screen logo]

Study Melbourne, Australia

[End transcript]

What is ELICOS?

The acronym ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. These programs are specially designed for international students in Australia to help them develop the speaking, writing, reading and listening skills they need to succeed in their studies.

ELICOS courses often provide a direct pathway for students to enter their tertiary studies. For example, after you have concluded the ELICOS course of your choice, you may have the opportunity to move directly into an undergraduate degree.

These courses can only be provided by approved organisations. To offer ELICOS programs, an institution must be a registered ESOS (Education Services for Overseas Students) provider.

When you’re looking for an English language provider, it’s important to choose the right ELICOS course to ensure your studies will meet your visa requirements.

If you want to check whether a program is offered by an approved provider, you can search the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) website.

Types of ELICOS courses in Victoria

When it’s time to choose your ELICOS course, you’ll find there are several options to explore. To enrol in many of these courses, you’ll need to take an English placement test. This will allow you to assess your level of English proficiency and enrol in the appropriate course.

Exam Preparation

Exam preparation courses are designed to prepare you for success in specific English Language tests.

While durations vary between providers, these courses typically take 4-12 weeks to complete.

General English

General English courses are intended to develop the language skills you’ll need in everyday situations and interactions. These programs are best suited for those looking to enhance their overall English skills, cross-cultural communication skills, and confidence in day-to-day settings.

These courses are usually reserved for students with IELTS scores of 4.5 or lower (or an equivalent score from another provider). Many are broken down into subcategories of proficiency, generally ranging from Elementary to Advanced. The level you pursue will depend on your score.

General English courses can take anywhere from 2-60 weeks to complete.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs are designed to be completed before beginning your tertiary studies as they give you the language skills you’ll need to succeed in an academic environment. Course areas often include academic writing (including research and referencing practices), academic speaking (including oral presentation skills) and academic culture.

EAP courses are generally reserved for students with IELTS scores of 5.0 or higher (or an equivalent score from another provider).

When it comes to the duration of EAP courses, they typically last 10-50 weeks.

Where to study ELICOS in Victoria

There are several ELICOS providers in Victoria, offering the previously mentioned courses.

Many universities and TAFEs offer approved English language courses. If you’re getting ready to start your degree, it could be helpful to check with your educational institution to see if it offers ELICOS pathway programs (i.e. English courses that allow you to directly begin your tertiary studies upon completion).

There are also several specialist institutions around the state that focus solely on teaching English as a foreign language.

Plus, with providers located across the state, you’ll have the option to study in Melbourne or regional Victoria.