Language schools in Sydney, Australia

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, has a large concentration of English language colleges, most of them in the central business district (CBD) within walking distance of the main train stations. It is also a very international place to learn: according to Study Australia, 30% of the state's residents were born overseas and more than 275 languages are spoken in New South Wales. Students come for a few weeks of General English, for exam preparation or for an academic English course before university.

English courses for international students in Australia are called ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). Courses for student visa holders are accredited by the Australian Government, and ELICOS students have the same protections as other international students.

What the schools offer

Our directory lists nine language schools in Sydney. Most offer General English, IELTS preparation and English for Academic Purposes (EAP); some add Cambridge or PTE exam preparation or programmes for younger students. Examples:

• Universal English College (UEC), established in 1988 on Clarence Street, starts General English, IELTS and High School Preparation every Monday; its Academic English Program and Cambridge courses have set start dates. For most of its pathway courses, students who complete its Academic English Program at level 2 or 3 can move on to one of more than 50 partner institutions without an IELTS or TOEFL test.
• Boston Institute teaches General English from A1 to C1 for up to 60 weeks, starting every Monday, for students aged 18 and over, and also prepares students for the PTE exam.
• Sydney Metropolitan English Institute (SMEI) teaches General English in five levels and EAP in three, face to face for 20 hours a week, with at most 18 students in a class.
• Alpha English Academy offers General English, IELTS preparation, EAP and an under-18 programme in the CBD.

Southern English College teaches General English and EAP in the CBD, Pacific English Institute has campuses on Pitt Street and in Auburn, and UK English College is in Parramatta, in western Sydney. Academy of English and Holmes Institute complete our list.

Costs and accommodation

Most schools charge per week, with lower weekly prices for longer courses. At UEC, for example, General English, IELTS or Cambridge preparation costs AUD 420 a week for 1 to 3 weeks, AUD 400 for 4 to 19 weeks, AUD 390 for 20 to 29 weeks and AUD 380 for 30 weeks or more (2026 fees), plus a non-refundable application fee of AUD 250.

Schools can arrange housing. UEC lists a homestay single room with half board at AUD 420 a week for students aged 18 and over, plus a placement fee of AUD 380, and a single room in a LINK2 student residence at AUD 510 a week (AUD 390 for a twin room). A one-way airport transfer costs AUD 220. Adult Opal fares on Sydney's public transport are capped at AUD 50 a week.

Visas and practical tips

• A visitor visa allows short courses of less than three months; for longer study you need a Student visa (subclass 500), which covers ELICOS courses
• From 1 July 2026 the student visa application fee is from AUD 2,500 unless you are exempt, and student visa holders need health cover (OSHC); at UEC, single cover for 3 months costs AUD 163
• Student visa holders may work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session
• If you plan to go on to university, choose an EAP course with a recognised pathway rather than General English only

Frequently asked questions

How much does an English course in Sydney cost?

It depends on the school and the length of the course. At Universal English College, General English costs between AUD 380 and AUD 420 a week in 2026, plus an application fee of AUD 250.

Can I study English in Sydney on a visitor visa?

Yes, for short courses of less than three months, according to Study Australia. Longer courses require a student visa.

When can I start?

Many schools start General English every Monday. Academic English and Cambridge courses usually have set start dates.

Can an English course lead to university without IELTS?

Some can. UEC states that graduates of its Academic English Program at level 2 or 3 can enter more than 50 partner institutions without an IELTS or TOEFL test, depending on the course.