Study English in Australia: ELICOS Costs, Duration & Benefits Explained
Study English in Australia: ELICOS Costs, Duration & Benefits Explained
Are you looking to take an English course in Australia and study English in Australia?
Students from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt have a wide range of choices, including selecting English courses in Australia and determining the ELICOS Australia cost of that course and meeting the requirements for admission into that course.
This guide provides the information needed to choose between the types of ELICOS programmes offered through ELICOS in Australia, as well as the cost of ELICOS in Australia and other requirements related to ELICOS for a student visa and how it impacts admission into university.
Whether you want to improve your communication skills or improve English skills abroad or meet the university entry requirements Australia, the information contained in this article will give you a better understanding of the options available to you in 2026.
What Is ELICOS in Australia?
The term ELICOS refers to English Intensive Language Courses for international students in Australia.
These are formalized English courses specifically designed for international students in Australia, which are both government regulated (by CRICOS registered institutions) and compliant with Australian Standards.
Why you should consider ELICOS
- They are accepted by many Australian universities as an entry into their courses.
- They have flexible course times (4 weeks – 1 year).
- They have multiple levels of Entry (Beginner to Advanced).
- They emphasize learning practical English and developing academic skills and English language proficiency.
Types of ELICOS
If you want to study abroad English preparation, you will likely take an English language course before beginning your university studies (degree).
Types of ELICOS Being aware of the types of ELICOS programmes will help you determine which course you wish to take, based on your objectives.
1. General English course Australia
This type of program is the preferred choice for many students who want to develop their general ability to communicate in daily life.
- Areas of Focus: Speaking, Listening, Reading & Writing
- Type of Student: Beginners and/or students wishing to develop their ability to speak fluently.
Flexible Length Program English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program Prepares students for university studies Objectives: Academic writing, research skills, and presentation skills Designed for: Students planning to enter university Used as an alternative to IELTS IELTS preparation Australia Program Students prepare to sit for the IELTS with a goal of achieving a specific score(s) Objectives: Exam techniques/strategies, including practice tests, and providing student feedback.
Necessary to be admitted to university or get a visa
2. exam preparation English courses
Examinations such as the TOEFL and Cambridge Exams will be covered in this class.
3. Specific Purpose English Courses
Examples of specific English courses include those geared towards business, healthcare and tourism industries.
How long do ELICOS courses run?
The length of each ELICOS course duration depends on your English proficiency, and what you hope to achieve (from your English course).
Usually they take a mixture of classes as they continue to make progress through these courses.
Qualifying for ELICOS Courses
ELICOS admission requirements use a more lenient policy than universities for determining qualifications for ELICOS entry.
Basic Entry Requirement
- Current passport
- student visa (subclass 500)
- a registered CRICOS course
English Entry Requirement
Most ELICOS classes will not require an IELTS test before your place in the class; instead, students take a placement test English on arrival which will determine their level.
If you wish to enter an ELICOS pathway to further study at a university, you will need to achieve a minimum score of 5.0 — 6.5 on the IELTS examination and meet IELTS score requirements.
- Finishing an EAP program
ELICOS Course Cost in Australia (2026)
In Australia, the price of ELICOS courses (2026):
ELICOS course prices fluctuate depending on where the course is located, which organization is offering the program, and what kind of ELICOS course it is.
The average cost (AUD) for complete ELICOS courses can be summarized in the following table:
Estimated Total Cost
Typical Expenses for a 6 Month Program Students generally pay the following amounts for a six-month program:
- Tuition $6,000–10,000 AUD
- Living Expenses $7,000–12,000
Costs can vary between various locations in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
Best ELICOS Providers in Australia
Selecting the best ELICOS providers Australia is an important step in getting high-quality education.
Key Considerations When Selecting ELICOS Provider
- Confirmation of CRICOS Registration
- Accreditation and Ratings
- Partnerships with Universities
- Student Support Services
A number of organizations are included in the worldwide rankings of various English schools and these organizations would also be classified as internationally recognized English language schools.
Three examples are:
- Language centres located on a university campus
- Global English language schools
- International school programs for learning English overseas
Reasons for Learning English in Australia
Australia is among the leading English-speaking countries in the world for providing international education through the English language for non-native speakers.
- Very good education system.
Additionally, Gulf and Middle Eastern students can find an inclusive community and extensive support.
ELICOS Versus Other International English Academic Programs
Using this comparison can help students decide on a suitable English study program when choosing a study course abroad.
Using ELICOS to Meet university entry requirements Australia
Generally speaking, many students use an ELICOS course to help satisfy university entry requirements Australia.
Example of a Pathway
- Complete a General English Course (12 weeks);
- Complete an EAP Course (10 weeks);
- No need to sit the IELTS test;
- Enter university.
A student can gain confidence in their ability to complete their studies by this pathway, thus relieving exam pressure.
Proficiency in English and IELTS Score Requirements
Universities require proof of English language proficiency to get into their institution.
- IELTS of 6.0 to 7.0
- Completion of the English for Academic Purposes(EAP) Program
The ELICOS programs allow students to learn how to prepare for the above English proficiency standards.
Student Life and Support Services
ELICOS providers have extensive support for international students in Australia.
- Academic Counselling
- Help to find accommodation
- Assistance for getting from the airport to your accommodation
- Extracurricular Activities
Students will be better able to acclimate and learn new languages while studying in another country with the aid of this program.
Updated Insights for 2026
There are many developments happening in the ELICOS sector in 2026.
- Hybrid Learning Programs (Online Classroom/Classroom)
- Computer-Aided Language Assessment
- Faster University Pathway Programs
- Further Growth & Demand for Students from Middle Eastern Countries (i.e. Expats who reside overseas)
All of these changes have made ELICOS more adaptable and available.
Misdemeanors to Avoid
In order to have a successful study abroad experience, avoid the following mistakes:
- Enrolling in unapproved schools
- Neglecting total living expense amounts
- Not verifying visa restrictions
- Signing up for the incorrect course level
A Simple Procedure for Getting Started
- State Your Objective (to enhance your English or attend university)
- Choose Your Class Format (General, EAP, IELTS)
- Evaluate Schools and Costs
- Secure Acceptance to CRICOS Approved School
- Apply for a student visa
- Start your study journey
Conclusion
Students hoping to better their English language skills and gain access to more advanced educational opportunities by studying ELICOS in Australia (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) in Australia will benefit from this decision.
With flexible program options, credible certification, and solid pathways into the university system at many of Australia’s universities, ELICOS represents both an academic and a practical benefit.
Key Takeaways
- ELICOS is ideal for improving English and entering universities.
- Costs range from moderate to high, depending on the city and provider.