A Business English Course at the Intermediate to Upper Intermediate level is a short, intensive program designed to help non-native English speakers develop the professional communication skills needed to succeed in workplace and corporate environments. Delivered by English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers — including private language colleges, community colleges, TAFE institutes, and university English centres — these courses typically run between 2 and 12 weeks full-time (20–25 hours per week) and align with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B1 to B2 levels. Students learn how the English used in business settings differs significantly from everyday conversational English, building targeted vocabulary and skills across areas such as professional email writing, meeting participation, negotiation, presentations, and customer service communication. Many courses are structured in modules covering Administration and Customer Service, Sales and Marketing, and Management and Human Resources, allowing students to focus on the areas most relevant to their career goals.

This course suits a broad range of learners, including international students planning to study or work in Australia, skilled migrants seeking to upgrade their professional English before entering the Australian job market, and working professionals from non-English-speaking backgrounds who need to operate effectively in English-language workplaces. Upon completion, students may sit internationally recognised examinations such as the Cambridge Business English Certificate (BEC) — available at Preliminary (B1), Vantage (B2), and Higher (C1) levels — or the LCCI English for Business qualification, providing portable credentials valued by Australian and global employers. Typical employers who value Business English competency include multinational corporations, financial services firms, healthcare organisations, government agencies, marketing and communications consultancies, international trade companies, tourism and hospitality businesses, and any organisation operating in Australia's increasingly diverse and global workforce.

Business English courses at the Intermediate to Upper Intermediate level are designed for students who already possess a foundational knowledge of English. The standard minimum entry requirement across Australian providers is an Intermediate level of English proficiency, broadly corresponding to CEFR B1. Many providers specifically target students at Upper Intermediate (CEFR B2), and some require a minimum IELTS score of 5.0 to 5.5 for entry, or an equivalent score in other approved tests such as PTE Academic or TOEFL. Where no external test score is available, students typically complete a placement test on their first day of course, which is used to assign them to the appropriate class level. Students who do not meet the minimum level may be advised to complete a General English course first before progressing to Business English.

There are generally no formal academic prerequisites beyond demonstrating the required English level — no prior business qualifications, work experience or portfolio is required to enrol. Most Australian Business English providers operate rolling weekly intakes (commonly every Monday) and accept students aged 18 and above, with no upper age limit. International students enrolling on a student visa must enrol in a CRICOS-registered course delivered by a provider registered with the National English Language Teaching Accreditation Scheme (NEAS). Domestic students, migrants, and visitors who do not require a student visa may enrol in short Business English courses offered by community colleges and private providers without visa obligations. As a practical guide, students should ideally have completed approximately 80 or more hours of prior English learning experience to gain the most from an Intermediate Business English program.