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English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) is Australia's official framework for English language programs designed specifically for international students. These are intensive, structured programs requiring a minimum of 20 face-to-face classroom hours per week, covering all four language macro-skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The ELICOS framework encompasses several distinct course types — General English (GE), English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English for Specific Purposes (ESP), and Exam Preparation courses (targeting IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Cambridge English) — each tailored to a different learning purpose and proficiency goal. Courses can range in duration from as few as 2 weeks to up to 52 weeks, making the framework highly flexible for students at any stage of their English language journey.
ELICOS is designed for international students who wish to improve their English for living, studying, or working in Australia. This includes students who need to meet English proficiency entry requirements for Australian universities or TAFE institutes, professionals seeking language skills for their career, and individuals looking to communicate more confidently in everyday Australian life. All ELICOS providers must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring quality and consistency across the sector. Students enrolled in these programs under a student visa (subclass 500) are required to study full-time and maintain a minimum attendance rate of 80%.
Employers of ELICOS-trained educators and TESOL professionals span a wide range of sectors in Australia, including private English language colleges, university language centres, TAFE institutes, registered training organisations (RTOs), community education providers, the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, government settlement services, and international schools. As Australia continues to attract hundreds of thousands of international students annually, the demand for qualified ELICOS teachers, curriculum developers, and academic managers remains strong across all major cities.
Australia is one of the world's premier destinations for English language study, and the ELICOS sector plays a central role in the nation's international education industry. With over 141,000 applicants recorded by the Australian Education and Skills Department in 2024 alone, demand for quality English language instruction shows no signs of slowing. For those pursuing a career as an ELICOS or TESOL educator, this represents a stable and growing employment market, with roles available nationally — from major metropolitan English language schools in Sydney and Melbourne to TAFE colleges, university pathway programs, and government-funded settlement programs. The field also offers significant career diversity, ranging from classroom teaching to curriculum design, academic management, and international education consulting.
For students undertaking ELICOS as a stepping stone to further study or work in Australia, the value is equally compelling. Completing an ELICOS program — particularly English for Academic Purposes — can satisfy English proficiency entry requirements for Australian universities and vocational courses, bypassing the need for a separate IELTS or PTE exam. For aspiring ELICOS teachers, the skills gap in qualified TESOL-trained educators remains significant, particularly in regional areas and in government-funded programs like the Adult Migrant English Program. Graduates with recognised TESOL qualifications and ELICOS teaching experience are well positioned to access full-time, part-time, and casual roles across a dynamic and internationally connected sector.
ELICOS courses in Australia are broadly accessible, with entry requirements varying depending on the course type and provider. For General English (GE) courses, there are typically no formal academic entry requirements — applicants are not required to hold prior qualifications or demonstrate a specific English level before enrolment. Upon enrolment, students sit a placement test that covers reading, writing, grammar, and speaking in order to be placed at the appropriate proficiency level, which may range from beginner (A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR) through to advanced. Most providers require students to be at least 16 to 18 years of age at the time of enrolment, depending on the institution.
For English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs, entry requirements are more structured. Students typically need to demonstrate an IELTS overall band score of approximately 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent PTE/TOEFL score), or have successfully completed a General English course at upper-intermediate level. Some institutions accept completion of internal placement or diagnostic testing in lieu of an external English proficiency test. Students planning to study in Australia for more than three months must hold a valid student visa (subclass 500), and must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses, have adequate health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover, OSHC), and satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.
For those pursuing qualifications to teach ELICOS (i.e., as an ELICOS or TESOL teacher), additional requirements apply. Employers typically expect candidates to hold at least a bachelor's degree in any discipline, plus a recognised TESOL or CELTA certificate that includes a minimum of six hours of supervised teaching practice. More senior or specialist teaching roles may require a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, or Master's degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or Education. Some government-funded programs (such as AMEP or SEE) may require a Cert IV in TESOL or Adult Education in addition to degree-level qualifications.
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
Graduates with TESOL qualifications and ELICOS teaching experience can access a broad and diverse range of career opportunities across Australia's thriving international education, adult education, and settlement services sectors. Roles are available across private English language colleges, university language centres, TAFE institutes, and government-funded community programs such as the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and Skills for Education and Employment (SEE). Beyond classroom teaching, career progression pathways extend into academic leadership, curriculum development, international student support, education consulting, and policy advisory roles, making ELICOS a versatile foundation for a long-term career in education.
Entry Level
Graduate / Junior Teacher
Casual ELICOS Teacher, ESL Tutor, Junior English Language Teacher, Language Support Assistant
Early Career
Teacher / Coordinator
ELICOS Teacher (Full-Time), EAP Teacher, TESOL Teacher, English Program Coordinator, IELTS Preparation Teacher
Mid-Level
Senior Teacher / Specialist
Senior ELICOS Teacher, EAL/D Specialist Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Academic Advisor, Corporate Language Trainer, Quality Assurance Officer
Senior Level
Head Teacher / Academic Manager
Head Teacher (English Language), Academic Manager, Director of Studies, Adult Education Curriculum Officer, Program Manager (AMEP / SEE)
Leadership
Director / Principal
College Principal, Director of English Language Programs, Head of International Education, Education Policy Advisor, Regional Academic Director
Salaries for ELICOS and TESOL professionals in Australia vary based on role, level of experience, employer type, and location.
Melbourne
Melbourne is one of Australia's largest hubs for ELICOS providers, hosting dozens of accredited English language colleges and university pathway centres across the CBD and inner suburbs. The city's highly multicultural population, vibrant student culture, and strong demand from international students across Asia, Latin America, and Europe make it an ideal location to both study and teach ELICOS, with consistent year-round employment opportunities for qualified educators.
Sydney
As Australia's most internationally connected city and largest international student destination, Sydney offers the greatest concentration of ELICOS colleges, university language centres, and corporate English training providers in the country. Top earners in the ELICOS teaching sector are frequently based in Sydney, where demand is highest and a wide range of casual, part-time, and full-time teaching roles are available across all proficiency levels.
Brisbane
Brisbane has experienced significant growth in its international education sector in recent years, driven by major infrastructure investment and the city's appeal to students from Southeast Asia and the Pacific. ELICOS providers are well established across the CBD and suburban campuses, and with Queensland's growing reputation as a study destination, demand for qualified ELICOS teachers continues to rise, particularly ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
Perth
Perth is home to a growing ELICOS market, particularly attracting students from Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam due to its geographic proximity to the region. The city offers a relaxed lifestyle alongside access to CRICOS-registered English language colleges and university pathway programs, making it an appealing location for both ELICOS students and educators seeking opportunities in Western Australia.
Adelaide
Adelaide offers a more affordable cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne, making it an attractive city for international students undertaking ELICOS programs before transitioning into university study. Several ELICOS providers operate across the city with links to South Australian universities, and ELICOS teacher roles are regularly advertised in both the private college and TAFE sectors.
Canberra
Canberra's status as Australia's capital city and home to major universities and government institutions creates demand for professional English language instruction, particularly through programs like AMEP and workplace English training. ELICOS educators in Canberra benefit from access to competitive salary agreements, including some of the highest starting pay scales for teachers in Australia, in line with the ACT's well-funded public education sector.
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
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