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Boost Your English and Launch Your Aussie Dream with ELICOS in 2024

Updated on 27 July, 2024

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

Boost Your English and Launch Your Aussie Dream with ELICOS in 2024

ELICOS, or the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students, is a program designed to help international students improve their English language proficiency to pursue higher education or employment in Australia. These are popular programs, and their demand has risen over the years.

Many students find ELICOS to be an essential stepping stone in their journey to study abroad, as it equips them with the necessary language skills to thrive in academic and professional environments. 

The comprehensive curriculum and experienced instructors make ELICOS a preferred choice for those aiming to achieve fluency in English and succeed in their international endeavors.

What is ELICOS

ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) are specialized English language programs offered in Australia. They cater primarily to international students seeking to improve their English proficiency for academic or professional purposes.

ELICOS courses are available at universities, colleges, and private language schools nationwide. They cover a range of levels from beginner to advanced, focusing on language skill development in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. 

These courses are designed to prepare students for further study, exams like IELTS, or integration into the workforce in an English-speaking environment.

ELICOS Australia Highlights 

Here are some highlights of the ELICOS program:

Full Form

English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students

Governing Body

Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) 

Fees

25-week course: AU$460 per week (25,168 INR)

326+ week course: AU$430 per week (23,527 INR)

Mode 

Online/On-campus

Who Can Apply for ELICOS in Australia 

ELICOS courses in Australia are open to all international students who wish to improve their English language skills, thereby making it a significant part of one's study abroad plans. 

Here are the key points about who can apply for ELICOS courses in Australia:

  • International students seeking to improve their  English language skills.
  • Professionals aiming to enhance career opportunities.
  • Individuals preparing for exams like the IELTS.
  • Persons who need to meet Australian visa requirements.

How to Apply for ELICOS

To apply for ELICOS courses in Australia:

1. Research and select a registered ELICOS provider.

2. Visit their official website or contact them directly for application details.

3. Prepare the necessary documents, including proof of English proficiency (if required), academic transcripts, and passport details.

4. Complete the application form provided by the institution.

5. Submit the application along with any required fees.

6. Await confirmation of acceptance and instructions for visa applications (if applicable).

ELICOS Course Details

Let’s explore some key details of the ELICOS course:

What Does it Include

ELICOS is a comprehensive English language program with a minimum of 20 hours of face-to-face instruction per week. It focuses on developing language skills like listening, speaking, reading, and writing to improve overall proficiency.

What is ELICOS Course Duration

ELICOS courses in Australia offer flexible durations, ranging from one to 52 weeks, allowing students to study and explore simultaneously. 

Types of ELICOS Courses

ELICOS courses are specifically for international students, requiring either a student or tourist visa, depending on the duration. They cater to individuals who plan to pursue vocational college or university studies and those who want to improve their English skills for employment. 

ELICOS programs offer different options to meet prospective students' diverse needs and goals. These programs include:

Course Name

Details

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

EAP is designed for students getting ready for Australian university studies. It focuses on improving both spoken and written English. The course ranges from 5 to 52 weeks in duration.

General English (GE):

General English (GE) is a course that focuses on improving everyday English skills, emphasizing real-life communication in various situations. It aims to enhance students' verbal expression and expand their vocabulary. The duration of the course usually ranges from 5 to 20 weeks.

English for Special Purposes (ESP)

English for Special Purposes (ESP) is a course that enhances English skills in various business sectors, such as hospitality and healthcare. The course lasts from 5 to 20 weeks.

Exam Preparation Course

The Exam Preparation Course is designed to enhance English proficiency and help students prepare for TOEFL and other language exams. The course lasts between 5 and 10 weeks.

Read More:
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Why Study ELICOS in Australia

Studying ELICOS in Australia offers high-quality education, diverse course options, and world-class teaching standards. Students benefit from immersive English environments, multicultural experiences, and access to advanced facilities. 

Australia's safe, welcoming atmosphere and vibrant lifestyle enhance learning, while the globally recognized qualifications improve career prospects.

Additionally, ELICOS courses often serve as pathways to further studies in Australian universities, making Australia a strategic choice for international students seeking comprehensive language development and academic progression.

Admission Requirements for ELICOS Courses in Australia

Admission requirements for ELICOS in Australia typically include:

1. Proof of Enrollment: Confirmation of enrollment in an ELICOS course from a recognized provider.

2. Student Visa: A valid student visa (usually subclass 500).

3. English Proficiency: Some providers may require a basic level of English proficiency.

4. Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.

5. Health Insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the stay.

6. Academic Records: Copies of previous educational qualifications.

Universities Providing ELICOS Courses in Australia

Here's a table of universities in Australia offering ELICOS courses, including their location, course details, duration, and fees:

Institution Location  Course Details  Duration   

Eynesbury College 

Adelaide

General English, Academic English, and Exam Preparation    

5-10 weeks

AUD 400 per week

The University of Melbourne

Melbourne 

English for Academic Purposes, General English

5-45 weeks

AUD 440-500 per week

The University of Queensland

Brisbane 

General English, English for Academic Purposes, Bridging

5-45 weeks

AUD 440-500 per week

Australian National University

Canberra

English for Academic Purposes

10-40 weeks

AUD 480-550 per week

University of Western Australia

Perth

General English, English for Academic Purposes, IELTS Prep

10-40 weeks

AUD 450-530 per week

* As per university sites

Student Assessment in ELICOS Courses

Evaluation of students in ELICOS courses follows strict guideline­s and steps to ensure the­ best chances for success. Providers must outline assessment policie­s clearly, including formative and summative e­valuations. The assessments are­ intended to be valid, re­liable, fair, flexible, and dire­ctly connected to the crite­ria. 

Special attention is given to e­valuating students under 18 years old, with transpare­nt and regular reporting on results and progre­ss to both the students and their pare­nts or guardians. Continuous improvement processe­s exist, involving adjustments based on fe­edback, monitoring appropriateness for stude­nt groups, and regular reviews of the­ learning outcomes achieve­d.

Read More About Study in Australia:
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ELICOS Courses Accreditation 

Accrediting ELICOS courses involves a rigorous procedure governed by the regulations stated in the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act). These courses must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). 

To obtain registration, providers are required to undergo evaluation by the ESOS agency to ensure compliance with the ESOS Act, related regulations, and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018. Additionally, providers must adhere to the ELICOS Standards 2018, which establish specific quality criteria that go beyond what is outlined in the National Code. 

This accreditation ensures that ELICOS courses maintain the highest standards for international students seeking English language education in Australia.

FAQs on ELICOS Australia

What is ELICOS?

ELICOS programs improve their English skills. The English Language Intensive­ Courses for Overseas Stude­nts are designed to e­nhance non-native speake­rs' proficiency in the language. 

The­ language courses offer opportunitie­s for students from abroad to develop the­ir English abilities through focused study.

What are the mandatory requirements for ELICOS course applications?

When applying for a course­, certain crucial details must be provide­d to the governing ESOS agency. 

The­se include the name­ of the course being sought, the­ anticipated duration, its core purpose or objectives, any entry require­ments for prospective stude­nts, how the course will be structure­d from start to finish, and any other pertinent information spe­cified by the agency ove­rseeing international e­ducation in the source country.

Are there provisions for younger students in ELICOS courses?

There­ are guidelines re­garding younger students in English Language Inte­nsive Courses for Overse­as Students (ELICOS) programs. The Education Service­s for Overseas Students Act 2000 e­stablishes the regulatory frame­work for ELICOS courses to ensure compliance­ with national standards. 

This includes provisions for underage le­arners. The Act outlines prote­ctions for minor students studying in Australia on student visas.

How long are most ELICOS courses?

Most ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) courses in Australia typically range from 5 to 50 weeks, depending on the student's proficiency level and goals.

What is the full name of ELICOS?

ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students.

What is the success rate of the ELICOS visa?

The success rate of the ELICOS visa depends on various factors, such as compliance with visa conditions, completion of courses, and individual circumstances. The success rate typically aligns with the overall success rate of Australian student visas.

How do I become an ELICOS teacher in Australia?

To become an ELICOS teacher in Australia, one generally needs a relevant qualification such as a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate or a degree in education, along with experience in teaching English as a second language.

What is the maximum duration of ELICOS allowed under SSVF?

Under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), the maximum duration for ELICOS courses can vary depending on the registered course provider and the specific circumstances of the student, but generally, it aligns with the length of the principal course of study. 

The general maximum duration is 5 years.

What is the independent ELICOS sector subclass 570 visa?

The Independent ELICOS Sector subclass 570 visa is a specific visa category that allows international students to study in Australia at an independent ELICOS provider to improve their English language skills.

What is the success rate of the Australian Student Visa 2024?

The success rate of Australian student visas can vary annually and depends on factors such as changes in immigration policies, applicant qualifications, and compliance with visa requirements. 

Did you find this article helpful?

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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