Language Immersion Courses in Australia

English is the language of daily life, work and education in Australia, so its language schools teach almost exclusively one thing: English for people who speak another language. Most students come for one of three reasons: to improve their general English for work or travel, to reach the level an Australian university or vocational college asks for, or to combine a few months of classes with a working holiday.

The sector has its own name. Intensive English courses for international students are called ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). According to Study Australia, the government's study portal, ELICOS students have the same protections as other international students, and a course offered to them is accredited by the Australian Government for study on a student visa.

How English courses in Australia work

Every provider that may enrol students on a student visa, and each of its courses, is listed on CRICOS, the official government register; the register is the place to check a school before paying. Two industry bodies are also common reference points: English Australia, an association that represents more than 120 member colleges, and NEAS, which runs a quality assurance framework for English language centres. Membership or endorsement is voluntary, so a school's own page should say whether it has it.

The main course types are:

• General English, focused on communication, especially speaking and listening
• English for Academic Purposes (EAP), which prepares students for study in English at a school, college or university
• English for Specific Purposes, such as English for business, health or tourism
• Exam preparation for IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC or Cambridge exams
• Junior and school-preparation programmes for students under 18

The schools on this site show the range. Most are city colleges in Sydney and Melbourne, followed by Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and the Gold Coast. Universal English College, in central Sydney since 1988, starts General English, IELTS preparation and its High School Preparation course every Monday. Lexis Noosa, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, combines English with surf lessons in one programme and gives an average class size of 12. Townsville International English School, established in 2007 in tropical North Queensland, is a NEAS Quality Endorsed provider and an official PTE test centre. Avalon College near Geelong is a boarding school for international students aged 10 to 17, who use English all day. RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP) offers pathway programmes into RMIT University in Melbourne.

Visas, entry and insurance

The visa depends on the length of the course. According to Study Australia, a visitor visa allows up to three months of study, which is enough for a 10-week ELICOS course. Holders of a Working Holiday or Work and Holiday visa, available to people aged 18 to 30 or 35 depending on their passport, may study for up to four months, for example English.

Longer courses need the Student visa (subclass 500), which covers ELICOS. Students first enrol and then apply once the school has issued a confirmation of enrolment (CoE). From 1 July 2026 the visa application fee starts at AUD 2,500, and student visa holders may work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session. Students on a student visa must also hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for their whole stay.

Schools place new students in a class that matches their level; Universal English College, for example, offers a level test before enrolment. Proof of English ability is one of the requirements of the Student visa, and the Department of Home Affairs says which level and which evidence apply in each case, so it is worth checking before choosing a course.

Costs

Study Australia notes that tuition fees for international students vary across cities and programmes, so fees are best compared on the schools' own price lists. One example: in 2026 Universal English College in Sydney charges AUD 420 per week for General English, IELTS or Cambridge preparation for 1 to 3 weeks and AUD 380 per week from 30 weeks, plus a non-refundable application fee of AUD 250. Its homestay with half board costs AUD 420 per week for adults. Lexis Noosa lists a single homestay room at AUD 395 per week. Add the visa fee, health cover and course materials when planning a budget.

How to choose a school

• Goal: General English, exam preparation or a pathway to a named university or college
• Location: a large city with more part-time work and transport, or a smaller coastal town with more contact with local English speakers
• Visa: whether the course length fits a visitor, working holiday or student visa
• Registration: CRICOS listing for student-visa courses; NEAS endorsement or English Australia membership if that matters to you
• Class size, timetable (day or evening) and the minimum age
• Accommodation: homestay, residence or shared house, and the placement fees

Frequently asked questions

Can I study English in Australia on a tourist visa?

Yes, for short courses. According to Study Australia, a visitor visa allows up to three months of study, enough for a 10-week ELICOS course. Longer courses need a student visa.

Can I work while studying English in Australia?

Student visa holders may work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session. Working Holiday visa holders may work and study for up to four months.

How much does an English course in Australia cost?

It depends on the school, city and course length. As an example, Universal English College in Sydney charges between AUD 380 and AUD 420 per week for General English in 2026, plus an application fee.

How can I check that a school is registered?

Search the school and its course on CRICOS, the official register of providers and courses for students on student visas.