English for Tertiary Studies (ETS) — also widely known as English for Academic Purposes (EAP) — is an intensive, advanced English language course specifically designed to prepare international students for academic study at Australian universities, TAFEs, VET colleges, and other higher education institutions. Unlike general English programs that focus on everyday conversation, ETS teaches the academic and critical-thinking skills required to succeed in Australian higher education, including academic writing, formal research methods, critical reading, listening comprehension, and structured oral communication. The course bridges the gap between a student's current English proficiency and the language demands of tertiary-level study in Australia.

The course is delivered by CRICOS-registered language schools, university-affiliated colleges, TAFE institutes, and private English language providers (ELICOS providers) across all major Australian cities. It is typically structured in levels — from upper-intermediate to advanced — and can run anywhere from 10 to 30 weeks, depending on the student's starting proficiency and their target degree. Employers and higher education institutions that benefit from ETS-trained students include universities, TAFE colleges, professional training organisations, corporate language training providers, migration services, and government adult education programmes. Graduates of ETS qualifications may also pursue careers as English language teachers, academic support coordinators, curriculum developers, and education administrators within the flourishing Australian international education sector.

Admission to English for Tertiary Studies programs in Australia is primarily based on demonstrated English language proficiency at an intermediate to upper-intermediate level. Most providers require students to sit a placement test upon enrolment, or to demonstrate an IELTS score of around 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent in PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge English) before beginning upper-level ETS or EAP study. Some providers accept completion of a lower-level General English or Pre-Intermediate English course in lieu of a formal test result. Students with no prior formal test score may still enrol at a lower EAP level, progressing through the course levels systematically until they reach the required proficiency for their target tertiary institution.

Academic background requirements are minimal — most courses require only that students have completed the equivalent of Year 10 or Year 11 secondary schooling in their home country. There are generally no prerequisites in specific academic subjects. The minimum age for enrolment is typically 18 years, though some providers accept students from 16 years of age. International students must hold a valid Australian student visa (subclass 500) to study full-time in an ETS course at a CRICOS-registered provider. Domestic students, including permanent residents and citizens who are adult learners or those re-entering study, may be able to access ETS or EAP courses through TAFE or community education organisations, sometimes with government funding support.

For those seeking university direct entry through ETS, successful completion of the relevant ETS level (typically EAP Level 2 or higher) at a CRICOS-accredited provider that is a partner of the target university can exempt students from the requirement to sit an external English proficiency test such as IELTS or PTE. Providers must be registered with the National English Language Teaching Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) to offer ELICOS courses, ensuring nationally consistent quality standards.