How do I apply for an English course?

Dream of learning English while immersing yourself in the culture and stunning natural beauty of Australia? Achieving that goal might be easier than you think, with Australia offering a raft of English language study opportunities at locations across the country.

But, as a foreign student, how do you apply, and what do you need to consider? Let’s look at the course selection and application process when it comes to studying English in Australia.

Select your course

From short courses that are focused on conversational English to immersive courses which prepare you for study or the workforce, Australia boasts a range of English language courses to choose from.

In fact, there are six different branches of English courses available under Australia’s highly regarded English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) program.

Selecting the right one for you depends on the outcome you are hoping to achieve. Options include:

General English -  For those looking to improve their conversational and overall English

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) - Suited to people looking to study at an Australian school, TAFE, or university.

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) - For those planning to study or work in English speaking countries in professions such as law, health, business, tourism or teaching.

Exam preparation - Designed to prepare you for English proficiency tests, which might be required to work or study in an English speaking country.

English for Teaching - These courses equip you to teach English to other non-English speakers, whether that’s in your own country or elsewhere.

Study tours - For those looking to incorporate a little English language learning into a cultural or sporting trip to Australia.

Location, location

With so many courses available, it’s a good idea to narrow down your options by considering exactly where you’d like to study and the experience you hope to enjoy while studying.

Depending on the course you’re after, study locations range from major capitals to regional locations.

When weighing up which location you might prefer, don’t forget to factor in things such as transport, work opportunities, accommodation costs and more.

Compare education providers

Once you’ve worked out which course and location suits your needs, conduct a search of the options available.

We have a handy search tool of registered providers here that can help you determine which course might be right for you.

When comparing education providers, consider factors such as cost, reputation, and location, along with practical considerations such as available public transport, accommodation and cultural experiences.

As a safeguard, you should also check the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) to ensure the provider is registered and the course is eligible for international students.

Check the pre-requisites

English language courses sometimes come with pre-requisites, such as existing English language skills.

Be sure to double check your eligibility and the entry conditions prior to applying for any course.

Consider the visa requirements

If you’re an international student looking to study English in Australia, you will require a visa.

The type of visa you need will depend on the primary purpose for your visit to Australia, along with the length of your stay.

You can learn more about visas here, but visas which allow for studying English in Australia include:

• Student visas
• Working holiday visas
• Visitor visas
• Training visas
• Student guardian visas

Make your application

Once you’ve narrowed down your options and found a course that suits your needs, the application process begins.

Each course has a formal application process. You can complete the application yourself, or engage an authorised representative to complete the application on your behalf.

Applications can usually be made online or in writing, and, once submitted, they can take time to assess.

If successful, you will receive an offer letter which should include the cost and conditions of study.

If you are satisfied with the offer and its conditions, you will need to accept it in writing. At this stage you will also be required to pay your deposit.

Once the deposit has been paid and you have accepted your Letter of Offer, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment.

This confirmation will be used as part of the visa application process as proof you are enrolled in an accredited course.

Things to consider

When it comes to applying for an English course in Australia, it’s not just the course and location. There are also other factors to consider, including:

• Course fees: Check the course fees and any other associated costs.
• Start Dates: Find out when the next course starts and ensure it aligns with your plans.
• Visa Requirements: If you are an international student, ensure you have the necessary visa to study in Australia.
• Accommodation and Living Costs: Research accommodation options and the cost of living in the area where you plan to study.
• Health Insurance: Make sure you have adequate health insurance as an international student.

If you’re keen to study English in Australia, but not sure of the options available, you can learn more about the different fields of study here, or search for your dream course using our search tool.