English Language Courses (ELICOS): A Complete Guide

Australia is one of the most popular study destinations in the world. The country attracts thousands of students from all over the world to study, work and live in different parts of the country.

If you want to learn English in Australia, you can choose from various English courses available at Australian universities. 

One of the most popular is the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). 

1. What Are ELICOS Courses?

ELICOS programs are for students seeking to learn the English language before commencing formal studies in Australia. Although many English courses are available in Australia, the government has officially recognised ELICOS courses. 

These courses focus mainly on listening, speaking, writing and reading English. 

2. Who Is It For?

ELIOS courses are specifically for international students. To pursue ELICOS, students either need to have a student visa or a tourist visa, depending on the duration of the course.

The framework is for overseas students who want to complete an English program in Australia. 

3. Who Offers ELICOS?

Australia is known for the world's best ELICOS and ESL education sectors. Several universities, private colleges, TAFE institutes, secondary schools and specialist English language centres offer ELICOS courses.

Some of the top Australian universities that provide ELICOS courses are:

1. Deakin University

2. University of Canberra  

3. Queensland University of Technology

4. University of Queensland

5. Macquarie University

4. Duration

The general English course duration ranges from 1 - 72 weeks. Other courses take 5 - 10 weeks to complete.

However, students with a visa must study for at least 20 hours per week. This also includes meeting the attendance requirements of their visa. 

5. Accreditation

The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) accredits educational institutions that provide ELICOS courses to students on a student visa.

The education provider must register and list their name on the national database to be allowed to teach overseas students in Australia. 

6. Types of ELICOS Courses

There are four types of ELICOS courses:

General English

• These courses improve general English skills, including reading, writing, speaking and listening. 

English For Academic Purposes

• The EAP (English for Academic Purposes) prepares international students to boost their English proficiency for academic requirements in Australia. This intensive course focuses on vocabulary, writing, grammar, and educational and conversational English. It also includes intercultural communication. 

• EAP also emphasises the development of critical thinking and critical literacy. To enrol in Academic English courses, students need to prove a minimum level of English through a language test.

English For Specific Purposes

• As the name suggests, these courses are for specific purposes. They help students better understand English in particular fields such as tourism, nursing, business and others. The focus is on communication and language requirements in a specific professional field. 

• These courses help international students to prepare for further study at Higher Education or Vocational level. 

Exam Preparation

• These ELICOS courses are for those students who come to Australia either to get an official degree or to prepare for a level exam. They last 10 - 12 weeks, allowing you to prepare for globally recognised tests such as the Cambridge Certificates or IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

International students can enrol in any of these courses at any time of the year. These are intensive English courses for overseas students that help them improve the English proficiency level required for entering a particular course or improve their English in general.

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