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

ELICOS Australia Highlights

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 designed for international students who need 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 to work. Many international students from across the globe apply for English language courses in Australia. As per 2024 statistics from the Australian Education & Skills Department, the maximum number of applicants for ELICOS was 141,323. The following stats depict the total number of applicants for ELICOS in Australia in 2024 from different countries:

ELICOS Course Details

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

Types of ELICOS Courses

The ELICOS courses are not limited to general English and EAP; there are also different goals for which English courses vary. The following table shows a maximum number of possibilities depending on the applicant's goal of pursuing an English language course in Australia:

ELICOS Course Duration

International students can join courses from one to two weeks 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 exceeds 13 weeks, you require a student visa.

Those with a student visa are required to study ELICOS courses in Australia for at least 20 hours per week and fulfil their visa's attendance requirements.

Student Assessment in ELICOS Courses

Students have to take a placement assessment test at the beginning of the course to establish their knowledge of the English language before the commencement of their study. Students pursuing a General English course are assigned a proficiency rating upon completing their studies. The results of the ESP courses are also assessed through general proficiency or competency-based evaluations.

ELICOS Courses Accreditation 

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

How ELICOS Connects to Student Life and Academic Pathways

The purpose of ELICOS is not just to run classroom exercises; it is to ensure international students fit in well, excel, and advance in their academic careers. This is how it supports daily student activities and distant objectives:

1. Boosts English Language Confidence

Universities and other higher education institutions often offer group and ELICOS programs in English for Academic Purposes (EAP). The successful completion of such programs can, in some cases, fulfil the English language entry criteria for diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees, eliminating the need for additional IELTS/TOEFL scores.

2. Pathway to Higher Studies in Australia

Swinburne University of Technology, Alliance College, and the University of Canberra are some of the universities which offer such pathways (Australian Study Options).

2. Work while Studying in Australia

Students enrolled in ELICOS classes who hold valid student visas are eligible to work part-time in Australia for up to 20 hours per week during term time. This not only helps offset living expenses but also provides an opportunity to practice English in real-world settings, such as retail, hospitality, or part-time office jobs, while gaining valuable local experience.

ELICOS plays a pivotal role in enabling international students to navigate Australia's educational and professional landscape. By offering a comprehensive range of English language courses, from general proficiency to academic and specific-purpose programs, ELICOS serves as a vital pathway for those seeking to study, work, or improve their communication skills. The program's flexibility, combined with its academic and career-oriented benefits, makes it a cornerstone for the successful integration and advancement of foreign students in the country.