ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students: English courses for international students in Australia. This guide covers the general steps, from visas and work rights to choosing a school, and what to ask before you book.
Why study English in Australia?
In Australia you study English in an English-speaking country, so lessons and daily life both happen in English. ELICOS is the name for English courses for international students. Whether you are preparing for academic study, planning to work abroad or just want to improve your English, decide your goal, budget and dates first, then compare schools.
What are the main course types and lengths?
General English focuses on everyday communication. You can also choose Academic English (EAP) to prepare for university, IELTS/Cambridge test preparation, or English for specific purposes like business. Course lengths and start dates differ by school, so ask each school what it offers for your dates. Which visa fits a course of your length depends on your nationality and plans: confirm it with the school and the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Do I need a student visa?
Whether you need a student visa depends on your nationality, the length of the course and your plans. The student visa for a registered course is the subclass 500. Schools that accept international students issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), a document used in the visa application. The visa conditions are set by the Department of Home Affairs. Visa types, fees, processing times and conditions change, so confirm them with the school and the Australian Department of Home Affairs before you book.
Can I work while studying?
Student visa holders may be allowed to work within limits set by the Australian authorities, and the limits can change. Check the current rules with the Department of Home Affairs before you book, and do not plan to pay for your studies from part-time work. Budget for your stay without relying on a job.
What does it cost to study English in Australia?
This page gives no Australian price figures, because tuition, accommodation and living costs differ by school, city and dates, and change over time. Ask each school for an itemised quote for your dates. It should list tuition, accommodation, meals, enrolment or registration fees, materials, health cover and any other fees, so you can compare schools on the same basis. For living costs (rent, food, transport), use current figures from the school or official sources.
How do I choose an Australian city?
English schools are located in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth and Adelaide. Cities differ in climate, distance, transport, cost of living and the number of schools. Compare them using each school's own information and an itemised quote, and think about where you would live and how you would get to the school.
What is OSHC and do I need it?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance for international students in Australia. Whether you need it, which policy fits and what it covers depend on your visa and the school. Confirm the requirement with the school and the Australian Department of Home Affairs before you book, and read the policy terms to see what is covered and what is not.
How do I choose a quality English school?
With so many options, you need a reliable method:
- Check CRICOS registration: ask for the school's and the course's CRICOS details and check them on the official CRICOS register.
- Look at quality frameworks: ask whether the school is a member of an industry body such as English Australia or holds an endorsement such as NEAS, and verify it on that organisation's website.
- Check teacher qualifications: ask what qualifications the teachers hold.
- Read independent reviews: look at several sources, such as Google Reviews or language-travel forums, and check the date of each review.
- Consider the destination: compare the cities where the schools are located, using each school's own information.
- Ask about support services: ask what academic and welfare support the school offers.
What are the hidden costs to plan for?
Besides tuition and living costs, there can be extra fees:
- Visa application fee, set by the Australian authorities - check the current amount on the official website.
- Health cover (OSHC), if your visa requires it.
- Enrolment or registration fee and any other fees the school lists.
- A placement test, textbooks, a uniform or an orientation fee, if the school charges for them.
- These costs add up - always ask the school for a complete itemised quote.
Is it worth the money compared to other countries?
Compare countries on the same basis: course, room type, meals, fees and number of weeks. We do not state Australian prices here; ask the school for a quote. For the Philippines, our catalogue lists prices per school. For example, 3D Academy in Cebu City: 4 weeks with a room and three meals a day from $899 (six-bed room), registration $100. QQ English in Cebu City: tuition for 4 one-to-one lessons $934, capsule $351 and meals $260 per 4 weeks, package $1,545, registration $150. Registration, local fees, flights and insurance are not included in these prices.
How do I know if a school is right for me?
Ultimately, you have to define your goals - budget, expected outcomes, activities, and lifestyle. Visit the campus if possible, or ask the school to give you a sample timetable and a placement test. Ask about class size and how often you get one-on-one feedback. By weighing these factors, you can make a choice that fits your needs.
Comparing schools on your own is time-consuming. If you choose the Philippines, you can get a free, no-mark-up school match, and I can advise on enrolment - all at the school's own price. Just reach out.