ELICOS Meaning and How Does it Help in Your Study Abroad Journey to Australia

Did you know that enrollment at ELICOS English language schools in Australia surged to a staggering 161,591 students in 2023? That is a remarkable 103.6% increase from 2022 and a 3.3% rise from 2019.

The ELICOS courses are designed to help international students improve their English proficiency, providing a crucial foundation for academic success in Australia.

Explore the blog to learn how ELICOS plays a significant role in preparing you for further studies and enhancing your overall study-abroad experience in Australia.

What is ELICOS?

ELICOS stands for 'English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students' in Australia. These courses are tailored for international students who come to Australia to immerse themselves in the English language and culture.

ELICOS courses are specifically designed for students needing English language preparation before starting their formal studies in Australia.

Although there are various other English language programs available, the Australian government offers a special ELICOS student visa for those enrolled in particular courses.

Why Study ELICOS Courses?

Before we deep dive and understand the types of ELICOS courses, let’s see what are the benefits of learning the course, so that you are aware of its full potential

1. Global Recognition: ELICOS is a qualification recognized worldwide, helping you gain admission to universities across the globe, including the one you aspire to join.

2. Effective English Learning: ELICOS courses are designed to help you learn English effectively, especially if it's your 2nd language.

3. Flexible Study Pace: One of the main benefits of ELICOS is its flexibility. You can choose the duration of your course, ranging from 1 week to 20 weeks, allowing you to study at your own pace.

4. Work and Study Opportunity: Enrolling in a long-term ELICOS course makes you eligible for the ELICOS Visa (Subclass 570), which allows you to work and study in Australia. The average weekly wage of around $740.80 can help cover your course fees.

5. Networking and Connections: Studying ELICOS in Australia offers a great opportunity to meet new people and make connections. This not only helps you adapt to a new country but also allows you to interact with people who share similar goals.

Types of ELICOS Courses

To help you determine which ELICOS course in Australia is best suited for you, we have outlined the different types available. Each course has distinct objectives, so go ahead and compare them to your needs to ensure your time and resources are well spent.

1. General English (GE): Focuses on communicative skills, catering to all levels from beginner (A1 on CEFR) to advanced (C1 on CEFR).

Read About CEFR Levels: A Complete Guide to Your Language Proficiency

2. English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Further Studies (EFS): Enhances spoken and written English skills necessary for academic contexts.

3. Exam Preparation Course: Aim to develop general skills and knowledge, provide exam orientation, and offer practice sessions for various English proficiency tests.

4. English for Special Purposes (ESP): Specializes in English for specific fields such as Business, Hospitality, and Health Professionals, with a strong emphasis on both spoken and written English.

5. English for Teaching: Includes courses like Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and English for Teaching Children (EfTC).

6. Study Tour: Combines general English development with activities related to sports, culture, social events, or tourism.

After deciding to go ahead, the next step would be to choose an ELICOS provider. There are many, but you should choose one that is an approved ESOS provider and is listed on CRICOS. There are many other key elements, let’s take a look at them

1. Accredited Training: Research reviews and teaching staff to gain insight into the course curriculum. Ensure the institute providing ELICOS courses is registered with CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) to verify its legitimacy.

2. Location: Choose a university in a region that suits your lifestyle and preferences, whether it's the bustling city life of Sydney or the relaxed atmosphere of Brisbane.

3. Cost: Compare tuition fees, financial assistance, and scholarships available. Look for institutions offering scholarships for which you may be eligible, as some are specific to students from certain countries or regions.

4. International Student Support: Select an institution that provides complete support for international students, including accommodation advice, student welfare services, and post-graduate employment opportunities.

Learn about Post Study Work Visa Australia: All You Need to Know in this blog

Eligibility Requirements for Pursuing ELICOS Course in Australia

There are specific entry requirements for students wishing to study ELICOS in Australia, including taking a placement assessment test at the start of the course.

1. Placement Assessment: Students must take a placement test at the beginning of the course to determine their English language proficiency.

The following are the accepted tests:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic)
• CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced)
• OET (Occupational English Test)

2. Course Placement: Your test score will determine which type of ELICOS course you can enroll in. For example, students with an IELTS score of 4.5 or lower typically join a General English course, while an IELTS score of 5.0 or above is often required for English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

3. Course Progression: Some institutions allow students to use their General English course certification to continue their studies in EAP.

4. Additional Testing: For the General English course, students usually take a placement test that covers reading, writing, grammar, and speaking to accurately place them at the appropriate proficiency level.

ELICOS Course Duration and Fees

International students can choose courses lasting from 1 week to 1 year. However, the ELICOS course duration varies and it is important to ascertain the applicant's level of understanding of English to get an approximate duration.

• ELICOS courses in Australia last between 5 to 10 weeks.
• The type of visa influences the course duration:
  • Tourist visas allow a maximum study period of 13 weeks
  • Courses longer than 13 weeks require Australian work permits and visas
• Student visas require a minimum of 20 hours of study per week and adherence to other visa conditions.

ELICOS Course Fees

The ELICOS fees in Australia are as follows: A 10-week course generally costs around AU$ 2,000, while a 30-week course averages AU$ 5,800.

It is advisable to compare a course's duration, outcomes, and structure with its tuition fees and cost of living in Australia to ensure that it is a valuable investment of both your time and money.

Unlocking Your Path to Success with GetGIS

Embarking on your study abroad journey in Australia with ELICOS sets the stage for academic triumph. As you delve into the meaning and significance of ELICOS, you uncover a world of opportunities that pave the way for academic excellence and personal growth.

With our comprehensive assistance at GetGIS, navigating the complexities of relocating to Australia becomes seamless. From ELICOS enrollment to settling into your new academic environment, we provide end-to-end support to ensure your success every step of the way. Book Your Free Consultation