Why study in Australia?
Australia is a great place to learn English. The people are friendly, it has a world-class education system and the English language schools set high professional standards for both teaching and student services. Australia is a safe and prosperous country with scenic coastlines, bold desert landscapes, vibrant cities and varied climate types, from tropical to alpine. Several of Australia's capital cities regularly rank among the world's 'most liveable' cities.
The advantage of taking an English language course in Australia is that you have endless opportunities to practice speaking, reading and writing English.
High quality standards
Australia is proud of the reputation and quality of its English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). The National English language training Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) maintains the high standard of Australia's ELICOS courses.
Stringent registration processes for English Lanaguage Providers
Students coming to Australia on a student visa to study English language courses are required to study full-time. Providers must be CRICOS registered to offer courses to international students. Further information on CRICOS legislation and registered providers can be found here. There are generally no set course entrance requirements for English language study but you should always check with your chosen education provider. Students can work up to 20 hours per week whilst on a student visa providing they have Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) approval.
Tourists and visitors to Australia can also participate in ELICOS study during their stay as long as the course is fewer than 12 weeks long. Specifically designed courses combining study and tourist activities are available for student visitors and are commonly known as Study-Tours.
All prospective ELICOS providers must register with NEAS before they can offer ELICOS courses. NEAS also monitors ELICOS providers to ensure that they continue to provide a high standard of education. NEAS looks at classroom sizes, teaching materials, and the support services available for international students. Full details of the accreditation process and of registered providers can be found at NEAS Australia.
English proficiency tests
There are a number of tests in Australia designed to assess the English language ability of international students wishing to gain entry to courses in Australia. The main ones are:
Occupational English Test (OET)
The OET tests the English language proficiency of overseas-qualified medical and health professionals wishing to undertake training programs or examinations in order to gain professional recognition and practice in Australia. Further details can be found on the OET website
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The IELTS includes speaking, listening, reading and writing modules and is offered in two test formats: 'academic', and 'general training'. All test candidates take the same speaking and listening modules, but candidates have the option of either academic or general training in the reading and writing modules.
Academic modules are aimed at students wishing to study at university level. This test is recognised by universities, employers, professional bodies, and immigration authorities around the world. Further details can be found on the IELTS website.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The TOEFL test measures the ability of candidates to understand and use English to the level that it is spoken, written, and heard in a university setting. This test is widely recognised around the world. Further details can be found on the TOEFL website.
Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
The Cambridge ESOL exams assess English language proficiency for admission to university and other courses. The exams are recognised around the world by universities, employers and national education authorities. Further details can be found on the Cambridge ESOL website.
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