People from all over the world come to Melbourne and Victoria to improve their English language skills. There are many great reasons to study English in Australia:
- advance your career
- experience new cultures
- meet new friends
- prepare for further study in Australia.
View transcript
[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?
ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. These courses are created especially for international students to help improve:
- speaking
- writing
- reading
- listening.
Why choose ELICOS in Victoria?
ELICOS courses are specifically designed to help international students improve their English for study, work, or daily life in Australia. Choosing ELICOS in Victoria gives you access to:
- High-quality, approved courses: Providers are registered on the ESOS framework (Education Services for Overseas Students), ensuring compliance with Australian standards and visa requirements.
- Pathways to further study: Completing an ELICOS course can help you meet the English language requirements needed to enter undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at Australian universities or colleges.
- Supportive learning environments: Victoria’s ELICOS providers focus on helping students from diverse backgrounds succeed, whether you’re improving basic English or preparing for tertiary education.
How to study English in Australia?
Hold a valid student visa
Depending on your goals, you may need to hold a student visa to study English in Australia. For the latest information and requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Take an English placement test
Before enrolling in an English language course, many providers will ask you to take an English placement test. This test helps assess your current proficiency and ensures you’re matched to the right level and course.
Depending on your test results, you could be placed into:
- General English: For building everyday communication skills.
- English for Academic Purposes (EAP): For students preparing for tertiary studies.
Placement tests ensure that your learning journey is tailored to your ability and goals.
Types of ELICOS courses in Australia
Once you’ve completed your placement test, you’ll have access to the following ELICOS courses:
General English
General English courses focus on everyday situations and basic communication skills. They’re ideal for building confidence and improving your ability to interact in daily life.
- Who is it for? Students with IELTS 4.5 or below (or equivalent).
- Levels offered: Elementary to Advanced (depending on your skills).
- Duration: 2–60 weeks (varies by proficiency level and provider).
These programs can also help you to improve cross-cultural communication and adapt to life in a new country.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
EAP courses are designed for students aiming to study at a university or private college in Australia.
- Who is it for? Students with IELTS 5.0 or higher (or equivalent).
- Duration: 10–50 weeks, depending on your starting level and goals.
In this course you will gain the English skills needed for academic success, including:
- academic writing (essays, research papers, referencing)
- academic speaking (presentations, discussions)
- understanding Australian academic culture.
Where can you study ELICOS in Victoria?
Whether you prefer the buzz of Melbourne city or the relaxed lifestyle of smaller cities like Geelong, Ballarat, or Bendigo, there are English programs across Victoria to help you achieve your goals.
Universities and TAFEs
Many universities and TAFEs (Technical and Further Education institutions) provide ELICOS courses, often linked to further study. If you’re aiming to start a degree, check if your university offers an ELICOS pathway program. These pathways allow you to enrol directly in an undergraduate or postgraduate course after completing your English course.
Specialist English Language Colleges
Victoria is home to dedicated English language schools that focus specifically on teaching English as a second language. These programs can cater to all levels of proficiency and specific English needs.
Find the right English language course for you
Search and compare all the study options available in Victoria:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an ELICOS course?
ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. These programs help international students improve their English skills for studies, work, or daily life.
Do ELICOS courses prepare me for university?
Yes! Many ELICOS programs, such as English for Academic Purposes (EAP), are designed to prepare you for success at Australian universities and colleges.
What tests do I need to enrol in an English language course?
Most ELICOS providers require you to take an English placement test to match your skill level with the right course.
Can I study English in Melbourne if I don’t have a visa?
International students typically need a student visa to enrol in ELICOS courses for more than 12 weeks. Visit the Department of Home Affairs to learn about visa requirements.
Where can I find approved ELICOS providers in Victoria?
ELICOS programs can only be provided by approved organisations. To offer ELICOS programs, an institution must be a registered ESOS (Education Services for Overseas Students) provider.
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.
Are there English course options outside Melbourne?
Yes! You can study English in smaller cities such as Geelong, Ballarat, or Bendigo, where you’ll find welcoming communities and affordable living options.
How do I start my search for an English language course?
Use the Study Melbourne Course Finder to explore courses, compare options, and find the program that suits you best.
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