Intensive English Program (IEPR) - ELICOS

CRICOS code (International applicants): 003603D

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Program focus

This program is designed for students who wish to improve their English language skills. It is suitable for students who hope to continue on to university studies, travel in English speaking countries, or simply take a break from their studies at home.

Program aims

The program aims to develop students' English language skills to a level suited to their needs in a stimulating and caring environment. Each course provides a balanced focus on the four macroskills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. The Program also aims to increase students awareness of the host culture and provide them with cross-cultural communication skills and understanding to help them live comfortably in this environment.

Program objectives

To provide international students and NESB (Non-English Speaking Background) Australian citizens and residents whose first language is not English with:

• functional English to enable students to live in an English speaking society and take advantage of the services offered

• conversational English language skills to enable students to communicate with native and non-native speakers of English in the community

• a foundation in more academic English language skills (at the Upper-Intermediate level) to assist students wishing to pursue tertiary studies in Australia to be able to proceed to a university preparation program

• socio-linguistic knowledge to enable students to use the language appropriately

• knowledge of the culture and customs of Australia through classroom work and activities in the community

• assistance or information to help students solve problems they may encounter in the foreign environment.

Admission requirements

There is no minimum educational entrance standard. However, there are English language requirements:

• elementary - little or no English

• level 1 - lower-intermediate

• level 2 - around IELTS 4.5

• level 3 - around IELTS 5.0.

Students without an IELTS score are given the USQ Placement Test before starting classes to determine which level of English is suitable for them.

All applicants should be at least 17 years of age when they start a course.

An International application form must be completed and returned to the International Office before commencing a course.

How to apply

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

International fees

International students pay tuition fees. For details about international student fees, refer to the International Fee Schedule provided by USQ International.

Program structure

ELICOS is offered at 3 levels for 10 or 15 weeks:

• level 1 - Lower-Intermediate

• level 2 - Intermediate

• level 3 - Upper-Intermediate.

In general, students would study 10 or 15 weeks at one level before attempting to progress to the next level. Students studying at Level 3 who wish to proceed to UNIPREP are restricted to certain start dates.

Students can study in ELICOS from 10-45 weeks depending on their level of proficiency at entry and would enrol through the International Office. Courses of less than 10 weeks duration are to be negotiated directly with the ELICOS Program Office.

Program completion requirements

At the end of a course, students must achieve 50 per cent on a Proficiency Test to proceed to the next level.

Students studying on a Student Visa must meet visa requirements in terms of attendance and academic progress. The attendance requirement is based on 25 hours of scheduled classes per week.

Recommended enrolment pattern

Refer to Program Structure.