Australia has long had a reputation for its natural beauty, stunning landscape and endless beaches, but the land down under is far more than just a pretty face.
It also boasts one of the best English language programs in the world, drawing students from across the globe each and every year to study English and immerse themselves in an English-speaking culture.
Quality education
Australia prides itself on its English education program, which is formally known as ELICOS.
An abbreviation for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students, ELICOS courses meet strict standards and are designed to help students achieve specific learning outcomes.
Educational providers who offer these courses must be accredited, and the range of courses is designed to cater to students of varying proficiency levels.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn conversational English or an intermediate English speaker seeking to master English for a specific professional purpose, Australia has an English language course to suit.
Immersive learning
Studying English in Australia isn’t just about learning the language in the classroom, it’s also about immersing yourself in the culture of an English speaking country.
In Australia, overseas students are surrounded by spoken and written English, day-in, day-out, offering them the opportunity to practise their skills, learn the nuances of the language, and more.
Safe
ELICOS courses are offered at locations around Australia - from cities like Sydney to picturesque regional hubs like the Whitsundays.
Regardless of whether you’re in a city or country town, Australia is renowned as a safe destination for overseas visitors, with a low crime rate and laid back lifestyle.
Diverse culture
Migrants from across the globe have chosen to call Australia home, with the country renowned for its multiculturalism.
For students studying in Australia, that creates a melting pot of influences, dialects and traditions which are all part of an inclusive, accepting and welcoming culture.
Travel opportunities
For many overseas students, it’s the sheer excitement of exploring Australia that is the true drawcard.
Studying English in Australia allows you to travel, discover different destinations and experience the wonder of the world’s largest island - from the coast to the outback and beyond.
Further study opportunities
Learning English in Australia needn’t be the end point, with the country’s world-class education system offering an array of opportunities to engage in further study.
In fact, many students come to Australia to learn English with the aim of continuing their education at Australian schools, TAFEs and universities.
How to select the right English language course for you
Australia offers a wealth of English courses to choose from, and that can make selecting the right course a little overwhelming.
Meanwhile, courses with the same name can vary when it comes to cost and duration, adding to the feeling of confusion. So how do you select the right course for you?
Ultimately, it comes down to the outcome you hope to achieve, and the experience you want to enjoy while studying.
Outcome
What are you looking to achieve by studying English? Are you hoping to improve your conversational English skills or do you need to reach a certain standard in order to work or study in an English speaking country?
Australia offers different courses with different outcomes. Some are short courses combined with activities like sightseeing and recreational pursuits, while others are long, intensive courses that are designed to give you the skill and practice needed to pass specific English exams.
In fact, Australia’s ELICOS English language program offers six different categories of English study:
- General English
- English for Academic Purposes
- English for Specific Purposes
- Exam Preparation
- English for Teaching
- English Study Tours
Experience
What experience are you hoping to enjoy in Australia? Is it a long-term immersion in Australian culture in addition to honing your English skills? Or is it a short trip where you brush up a little on your English?
The experience you seek to enjoy in Australia will have a major impact on the course you select and also the location you choose for your study.
Location
Australia is a big country, with vibrant cities, exciting regional locations, varied landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.
And English courses are offered at locations across the country.
Before you apply for an English course in Australia, take the time to consider where you would like to study, and what you might need access to in terms of accommodation, support, transport, or work opportunities (if applicable).
The research accordingly, looking up potential accommodation, local amenities, transport, etc.
Reputation
There are hundreds of education providers across Australia who offer English language courses to overseas students, ranging from universities to dedicated English language schools.
Each of these educational facilities must be accredited with courses that meet strict national standards.
That said, you should research the reputation of your prospective education provider and the content of the course prior to accepting any offer of enrolment.
This research might include looking up reviews and testimonials of students who have previously attended the facility, along with general research about the area the school is located in.
Duration
English courses vary in length, with short courses lasting as little as two weeks, while longer, more intensive English study can span up to 118 weeks at a major university.
How long do you intend to study for? And how will you support yourself if the study lasts for an extended period.
It’s also important to note, the length of study will impact the type of Visa you require to legally visit and stay in Australia.
For example:
- Students on Visitor Visas cannot study for longer than 13 weeks
- Students on Working Holiday Visas cannot study for more than 17 weeks
- Students on Student Visas can study a course for up to five years, but must complete at least 20 hours of study a week, or risk breaching their visa requirements.
Learn more about the different Visa types.
Cost
English courses in Australia can vary a lot when it comes to the price, with short courses costing as little as a couple of thousand dollars while longer English courses can set you back tens of thousands of dollars.
There are also costs beyond just the course, including course materials, accommodation costs and living expenses. Meanwhile, having enough funds to support yourself during your study is often a requirement of your Visa condition.
The Australian Government has a handy cost of living calendar here.
