All About English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Australia
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All About English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Australia

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Sep 12, 2024 18:00 IST
ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) is the Australian equivalent of English language courses like EFL (English as a Foreign Language) or ESL (English as a second language). So essentially ELICOS courses are language-related courses and not the name of an institution in Australia. Students who are not from Australia can pursue these English language courses for not just academic purposes but also for skill enhancement.
elicos australia

Admission to English language courses in Australia can be across TAFE Institutes, official ELICOS providers and Australian Universities. The English courses are open to all and only require an IELTS score to determine the level of the applicant for admission. Applications must have CRICOS registration and can be submitted online all year round for admissions by international students who wish to study in Australia

ELICOS Australia Highlights

ELICOS Full Form English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students
ELICOS Regulatory AQSA
EFL & ESL Provided Under VET Institutes / Official ELICOS Providers
Application Fee AUD 500
Application Accepted Online
Application Renewal Fee AUD 7,000 - AUD 8,000
Admission Intake Around the year
Average Tuition Fee AUD 340 per week
Mode of Study Both on-campus and online
Types of Courses General English & English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Who can apply for ELICOS in Australia?

This course is meant for international students. To pursue ELICOS you need either a student visa or a tourist visa, depending on the course duration. The ELICOS framework is meant for international students who have to complete an English program in Australia. Check: Why Study in Australia?

Students who wish to complete English language requirements to study at a vocational college or university, or for those who need to prove English language proficiency in order to work. A lot of international students from across the globe apply for English language courses in Australia. As per 2022 statistics from the Australian Education & Skills Department, the maximum number of applicants for ELICOS was 78%. The following stats depict the total number of applicants per Australian state for ELICOS in Australia in 2022:

  • NSW: 81%
  • QLD: 72%
  • SA: 88%
  • VIC: 81%
  • WA: 70%

(Source: ELICOS commencements, 2021 and 2022. Source: English Australia)

As the above graph shows, a minimum number of applicants which is 1% of them were from Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Turkey. While the second highest number of applications were from students of South Korea that is, 19%.

ELICOS Course Details

There are a variety of topics in ELICOS courses which cover - writing, speaking, reading, grammar, note-making, assignment preparation, pronunciation, research skills, vocabulary, fluency, etc. The course duration varies depending on the applicant's level of understanding of English. The course structure includes everything - assessments, assignments, class tests, interactive projects, presentations, writing tasks, etc. 

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Types of ELICOS Courses

The ELICOS courses are not just restricted to only General English and EAP, there are also different goals for which English courses differ. Following table shows maximum number of possibilities depending on the applicant's goal of pursuing an English language course in Australia:








Goal 

Courses 

To improve English language proficiency 

General English (GE) - focuses on developing English language and communicative skills ranging from beginner level (A1/2 on CEFR) to advanced (C1/C2 on CEFR). 

To work in an English-speaking country 

Same as above 

To study at an Australian college or university 

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Further Studies (EFS) - Focuses on spoken and written English student's need for further study. 

To take language exams like IELTS, TOEFLPTE etc. 

Exam preparation course - Focuses on general skills & knowledge development, exam orientation, and practice. 

To learn the spoken and written English required for a specific context 

English for special purposes (ESP) - Courses like English for Business, English for Hospitality, English for Health Professionals etc. Focuses on spoken and written English students' need for the particular context. 

To teach English in their home country 

English for Teaching - Courses like Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), English for Teaching Children (EfTC) 

To study English for a short time with a group 

Study tour - Combination of general English along with many sporting, cultural social, or tourist activities.  

ELICOS Course Duration

International students can join courses with a duration from one-two week to 52 weeks for general English courses. Other courses are offered for the duration of five or ten weeks. The only catch is that students on tourist visas can’t study for more than 13 weeks; if your course duration is more than 13 weeks you require a student visa.







Those with a student visa are required to study for at least 20 hours per week along with fulfilling the attendance requirements of their visa.

Student Assessment in ELICOS Courses

Students have to take a placement assessment test at the beginning of the course to establish their level of knowledge of the English language before the commencement of their study. Students pursuing a General English course are given a proficiency rating upon completion of their study. Results of the ESP courses are also assessed through general proficiency or competency-based assessment.

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ELICOS Courses Accreditation 

Institutes which provide the ELICOS course to students on study visas must be registered with CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students), which is the national database of all course providers to international students in Australia.

Q:   Is Torrens University good for international students?

A:

Torrens University Australia is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia. It offers a culturally vibrant and comfortable environment for international students. Each year thousands of international students from all over the world come to study at various courses of the university. currently, there are 3932 total students at Torrens University out of which 986 are international students.

Q:   Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?

A:

The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary. 

Q:   Is it worth studying at Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia?

A:

Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (MITA) is largely regarded as one of Australia's top institutions. It has a solid reputation in engineering, business, and science. 

To begin with, Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia provides a world-class education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. You will be able to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful profession.

Second, the university is well-known on a global scale. It has the highest graduate employability rate in Australia. This is due to the great level of education and possibilities provided by the university to its students.

Third, the university boasts a broad and vibrant culture. While learning, you will be able to pursue your hobbies and meet like-minded people. This will aid in the development of your professional chances and the formation of strong relationships that will continue long after you graduate.

Fourth, the institution provides a wide range of facilities and services to make your studies more pleasurable and productive. You will be able to locate

Q:   What are the admissions requirements for Torrens University Australia for international students?

A:

The Torrens University Australia offers hundreds of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. International students need to satisfy and meet both general and course-specific admission requirements to get into the university. The general admission requirements are:

  • A completed higher education equivalent to an Australian university
  • Bachelor’s degree equivalent to an Australian university degree
  • English language proficiency
  • Interviews (may be required)
  • Portfolio (may be required)
  • Letter of references (may be required)

Q:   What are the application deadlines for University of Notre Dame?

A:

The University of Notre Dame Australia opens its applications on May 1 2024 and closes their applications by Sep 30 for the 2024 academic year. These dates allow students apply comfortably as the applications can be given till september. Applicants must remember to submit their application forms within this timeframe to be considered for admission at the University of Notre Dame Australia. 

Level of Study

Application deadlines

Undergraduate

May 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2024 (tentative)

Postgradute

Opened throughout the year

Q:   Why to choose Bond University for MS in Australia rather than University of Queensland?

A:

Bond University and the University of Queensland are both prestigious institutions in Australia, each with its own unique strengths. Bond University is ranked 20th in the Times Higher Education rankings of the Best Small Universities in the World and has been Australia's top university for the educational experience for 17 consecutive years. 

On the other hand, the University of Queensland, located in Brisbane, is one of the leading research and teaching institutions in Australia. The university is ranked in the world's top 100 universities according to several major ranking systems, including QS (50), ARWU (47), and Times Higher Education (53).

Q:   What are the benefits of studying at the University of South Australia in Adelaide?

A:

University of South Australia is one of the leading public universities in Adelaide, Australia. It is not just one of the top universities in Australia, but also a part of the top 500 universities in the world. Listed below are some of the best reasons to study in UniSA:

  • Vast variety of courses and excellence in teaching;
  • Diversity and rich culture;
  • Beautiful campus;
  • Affordable tuition fees;
  • Small class sizes; and
  • Student-centred approach.

Q:   Does Notre Dame offer admissions interviews?

A:

No, the University of Notre Dame doesn’t have any admission interviews. The university strictly only checks the application forms filled by its applicants. However, it is suggested that applicants have a strong SOP, LOR, and grades before applying to the university.  

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Aishwarya Bhatnagar
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Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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Comments

(17)

S

Samir Vohra

a year ago

I have a question regarding ELECOS? I have over all 6 bands in IELTS and 5.5 in writing, I applied in university of New Castel for master so will they provide me an ELECOS? If yes, the duration of ELECOS?

Reply to Samir Vohra

P

Paramjeet Singh

5 years ago

I already applied in murdoch university for bachelor in business of hospitality and tourism management in perth and i got an acceptance of offer letter and i also submit all the necessary documents but i did not get approval to submit the fees. Please help me why this problem is happening

Reply to Paramjeet Singh

H

Harmohan Joshi

5 years ago

Is there any exam for ELICOS?? If there's one then what kind of exam is it?? Would it be as same as IELTS or discipiles just need to attend the classes of ELICOS??

Reply to Harmohan Joshi

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Ranjeet Kaur

5 years ago

Hi,i got overall nd each 6 band in ilets.i want to take admission in master degree in nursing.how long duration of elicose i need

Reply to Ranjeet Kaur

Hi Ranjeet, duration can range from duration from one-two weeks to 52 weeks. Please read the article above, the details are specified.

S

Shanty Kamboj

6 years ago

I got overall 6 band but in listening reading i got 5.5 i have to do elicos but i m confused anyone tell me elicos will be mandatory on two modules which i got 5.5 or all modules please tell me

Reply to Shanty Kamboj

Hi Shanty, you have to check with the university or college you are applying to for ELICOS. They are offered by the universities and colleges on acceptance.