Skip to content
Pathways

Academic Communication Skills Program

Academic Communication Skills Program (ACSP)

Entry requirements
Study mode
  • On-campus
Campus
  • Toowoomba
Duration
  • Minimum 10 weeks; maximum 30 weeks
Start
  • Throughout the year (see Apply section)
Note: See Apply section for intake start dates.

Overview

  • If you are from a non-English speaking background, the Academic Communication Skills program may assist you with entry into UniSQ degrees which require an English language requirement of IELTS 6.5 or Pearson PTE A 59 and above, including the Bachelor of Nursing, our Education degrees, postgraduate degrees in Psychology, as well as research degrees.
  • You will learn to communicate clearly and confidently in English, to meet the more complex communication demands of university studies, in both face-to-face and digital environments.
  • Depending on your study and career goals, the program has three levels, each with a duration of 10 weeks, where you will study academic speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  • In addition to the 20 classroom hours, you will also participate in weekly academic workshops to assist you in improving in specific skill areas.
  • For professionals in the community who are required by the board of registration to demonstrate their English language skills through an international English language test, the courses in this program would be appropriate preparation for this test.

Further study

After successfully completing the second level of the Academic Communication Skills program (ACS), you can go on to study your preferred degree at UniSQ (if you meet all other entry requirements).

The Pearson academic English test is the final assessment in ACS2. You must receive an overall 65 to pass this course. If you are planning on applying for a Bachelor of Nursing you will require a 65 in all skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

 

Entry requirements 

Students from non-English speaking backgrounds residing in Australia should meet the following entry requirements:

Minimum academic requirements 

  • An Australian Year 12 high school qualification.
    or
  • Completion of senior secondary schooling in the home country.
    or
  • Completed 'A' levels.

English language requirements

  • For ACS Level 1 study: IELTS 6.0, PTE A 51, or equivalent, in all macro skills.
  • For ACS Level 2 study: IELTS 6.5, PTE A 59, or equivalent, in all macro skills.
  • For ACS Level 3 study: IELTS 7.0, PTE A 65, or equivalent, in all macro skills.

Pathways

To start your studies in ACS you will need an IELTS result of at least 6.0 in the four macro skills, or an equivalent recognised international English test. If your IELTS or Pearson (PTE) result is less than this, you could start your studies in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).  If you have not completed an IELTS or Pearson test, you will need to complete a comprehensive set of tests that will help us ensure you start your studies at the best level for you. 

Degree structure

You will enrol in Academic Communication Skills (ACS) courses and levels based on results of a recognised English language test, such as IELTS or Pearson. The program has 3 levels which you can undertake successively. Progress to the next level is predicated upon your success in exams and assignments. You can exit at the end of any of the courses depending on the level of English required.

ACS Level 1

Courses to be studied Units
1 x Core course 2
Total 2

ACS Level 2

Courses to be studied Units
1 x Core course 2
Total 2

ACS Level 3

Courses to be studied Units
1 x Core course 2
Total 2

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for an example of courses to be studied.  

Fees and scholarships

If you are an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident, you will be eligible for a Commonwealth supported, fee-free place in this program.

If you do not meet the citizenship or residency requirements, you will be required to pay a tuition fee. The cost for a 10-week program is AUD 4080.1

We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change. Students may be required to purchase textbooks and study materials.

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2024. 

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Intakes

Intakes for ACS Level 1

Start date Finish date Campus
5 February 2024 12 April 2024 Toowoomba
24 June 2024 30 August 2024 Toowoomba
30 September 2024 6 December 2024 Toowoomba

Intakes for ACS Level 2

Start date Finish date Campus
15 April 2024 21 June 2024 Toowoomba
30 September 2024 6 December 2024 Toowoomba

Intakes for ACS Level 3

Start date Finish date Campus
30 September 2024 6 December 2024 Toowoomba


Note:
Classes open pending enrolment numbers.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at UniSQ that is relevant to you.

Two men collaborating at a computer workstation in an office environment.

Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide 2024

Talk to us