ELICOS, or the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students, is a program designed to help international students improve their English language proficiency to pursue higher education or employment in Australia. These are popular programs, and their demand has risen over the years, with enrollments up 156.7% from September 2022 to September 2023.
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students
Governing Body
Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
Fees
25-week course: AU$460 per week (25,168 INR)
326+ week course: AU$430 per week (23,527 INR)
Mode
Online/On-campus
ELICOS Course Details
Let’s explore some key details of the ELICOS course:
a)Who can apply for ELICOS in Australia?
International students on student visas can apply for ELICOS in Australia if they want to enhance their English language skills before pursuing further academic studies.
b) What does it include?
ELICOS is a comprehensive English language program with a minimum of 20 hours of face-to-face instruction per week. It focuses on developing language skills like listening, speaking, reading, and writing to improve overall proficiency.
c) What is ELICOS course duration?
ELICOS courses in Australia offer flexible durations, ranging from one to 52 weeks, allowing students to study and explore simultaneously.
Types Of ELICOS Courses
ELICOS courses are specifically for international students, requiring either a student or tourist visa, depending on the duration. They cater to individuals who plan to pursue vocational college or university studies and those who want to improve their English skills for employment. ELICOS programs offer different options to meet prospective students' diverse needs and goals. These programs include:
English for Academic Purposes (EAP): EAP is designed for students getting ready for Australian university studies. It focuses on improving both spoken and written English. The course ranges from 5 to 52 weeks in duration.
General English (GE): General English (GE) is a course that focuses on improving everyday English skills, emphasizing real-life communication in various situations. It aims to enhance students' verbal expression and expand their vocabulary. The duration of the course usually ranges from 5 to 20 weeks.
English for Special Purposes (ESP): English for Special Purposes (ESP) is a course that enhances English skills in various business sectors such as hospitality and healthcare. The course lasts from 5 to 20 weeks.
Exam Preparation Course: The Exam Preparation Course is designed to enhance English proficiency and help students prepare for TOEFL and other language exams. The course lasts between 5 to 10 weeks.
Student Assessment In ELICOS Courses
The evaluation of students in ELICOS courses follows strict guidelines and steps to ensure the best chances for success. Providers must outline assessment policies clearly, including formative and summative evaluations. The assessments are intended to be valid, reliable, fair, flexible, and directly connected to the criteria. Special attention is given to evaluating students under 18 years old, with transparent and regular reporting on results and progress to both the students and their parents or guardians. Continuous improvement processes exist, involving adjustments based on feedback, monitoring appropriateness for student groups, and regular reviews of the learning outcomes achieved.
ELICOS Courses Accreditation
Accrediting ELICOS courses involves a rigorous procedure governed by the regulations stated in the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act). These courses must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). To obtain registration, providers are required to undergo evaluation by the ESOS agency to ensure compliance with the ESOS Act, related regulations, and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018. Additionally, providers must adhere to the ELICOS Standards 2018, which establish specific quality criteria that go beyond what is outlined in the National Code. This accreditation ensures that ELICOS courses maintain the highest standards for international students seeking English language education in Australia.
FAQs
What is ELICOS?
ELICOS programs improve their English skills. The English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students are designed to enhance non-native speakers' proficiency in the language. The language courses offer opportunities for students from abroad to develop their English abilities through focused study.
What are the mandatory requirements for ELICOS course applications?
When applying for a course, certain crucial details must be provided to the governing ESOS agency. These include the name of the course being sought, the anticipated duration, its core purpose or objectives, any entry requirements for prospective students, how the course will be structured from start to finish, and any other pertinent information specified by the agency overseeing international education in the source country.
Are there provisions for younger students in ELICOS courses?
There are guidelines regarding younger students in English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) programs. The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 establishes the regulatory framework for ELICOS courses to ensure compliance with national standards. This includes provisions for underage learners. The Act outlines protections for minor students studying in Australia on student visas.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!