Learning English in Australia
Studying English in Australia is about much more than memorising words in a classroom. Australian Teaching methods will set you up with skills for life. You will also be able to learn one of the world’s most widely spoken languages in a truly international setting, studying alongside students from different countries and cultures. This will give you essential experience in working with people from different backgrounds and being able to understand different cultural views.
Students studying ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) courses have the same protections as other international students. Learning English in Australia, you can be assured that your course has been designed to meet the requirements of a student visa. It will also be accredited by the Australian Government for study on a student visa.
Australia offers a range of English language courses to suit different student needs. Explore the types of English courses available below:
General English
Your goal: You want to improve your general English proficiency for:
- access to higher-level courses
- everyday use
- travel
- work purposes
- finding casual work in an English-speaking country.
Course description: General English courses focus on communication skills – especially speaking and listening.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Your goal: You want to study in an Australian school, vocational education and training (VET) or TAFE college, or university in the near future.
Course description: EAP prepares you to study courses in English. It helps you learn essential English for higher education or in vocational education settings.
English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
Your goal: You want to learn English needed for a specific work or study purpose. You might be considering an internship or professional placement.
Course description: English for Specific Purposes courses, focuses on practical spoken and written English for specific professional or academic contexts. For example, among the courses available you’ll find English for:
- business
- teaching
- health
- law
- tourism
Exam preparation
Your goal: You want to be prepared to take an English test or exam such as IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC or the Cambridge First Certificate.
Course description: These types of courses will help prepare you for English proficiency exams.
Teaching English
Your goal: You want to teach English to non-native English speakers, and work in schools or other settings in your home country.
Course description: These courses will prepare you to teach English to non-native English speakers. There are many courses available, but the most popular are:
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
- EfTC (English for Teaching Children)
- Cambridge CELTA or DELTA (also known as the Certificate or Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages – previously the Certificate in English
Study tours
Your goal: You want to have a short holiday while you study English, or you want to study English while you take part in work-related training.
Course description: These courses combine General English with sporting, social, tourist, cultural or professional training activities.
The Visitor Visa is designed for tourists and business visitors. It permits completion of short educational courses of less than three months in duration. Find out more about visitor visas here.
