English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
Overview
Want to improve your English language skills and help progress your career?
Our English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) is designed to improve your language skills in everyday conversational situations. We also teach you the language skills needed to study at university.
We offer two types of English language courses: General English and English for Academic Purposes.
When you study an ELICOS course, the content and length of your course will be personalised to your existing English language skills.
Skills you’ll learn
- Broad-ranging linguistic skills
- Active listening skills
- Academic writing skills
- Wide-ranging study skills
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Admissions
Students studying English for Academic Purpose may be eligible to transfer to their chosen Swinburne course, provided they meet the minimum English language entry requirements.
English language requirements
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any English or English as an Additional Language (EAL) or equivalent.
Please note that applicants with a study score of 20–24 in EAL will be required to complete Swinburne's free Skills Plus program as part of their studies.
Evidence of English proficiency is necessary for students wishing to undertake further studies at Swinburne after their English language course.
IELTS or equivalent
| Level | Approximate entry-level |
|---|---|
| Advanced (EAP) | IELTS 5.5 - 6.0 or equivalent |
| Upper-intermediate (EAP) | IELTS 5.5 or equivalent |
| Intermediate | IELTS 5.0 or equivalent |
| Pre-intermediate | IELTS 4.5 or equivalent |
| Elementary | IELTS 3.5 or equivalent |
English placement test
Swinburne reserves the right to conduct a placement test on arrival (or in the first week of your study) to assess all students' level of English. This may affect the duration of your English course if the result shows you need more or fewer weeks than originally offered. This may, in turn, affect timely entry into future courses.
The test measures all skills and will take approximately 1 hour to complete. Based on your results, we will recommend the number of weeks you will need to complete to enter into your chosen course.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
UniLink Bridging Program
-
MathsLink: Methods
-
Swinburne Foundation Program
Course structure
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) at Swinburne offers two types of course: General English and English for Academic Purposes.
Class timetable
There will be morning and afternoon classes Monday to Friday.
Contact hours
25 hours per week (including 5 hours e-learning)
General English (Levels GE1 to GE3)
General English programs are designed to help you improve your overall English language skills. Through a range of communicative activities, you can improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, as well as grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Studying General English at Swinburne offers you the chance to maximise your fluency, confidence and independence in English.
- Fun, communicative, interactive classes
- Maximise fluency, confidence and independence
- Course books and in-house designed, high-quality material
- Practical English skills – based on projects
- Assessment every five weeks
English for Academic Purposes (Levels EAP3 to EAP 5)
English for Academic Purposes aims to develop the English language skills needed to help you succeed at university. The program focuses on:
- preparing assignments
- taking notes and writing
- communicating in multicultural environments
- making presentations
- improving your vocabulary.
Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes programs are designed to prepare you meet the minimum English language entry requirements to enter your chosen Swinburne course, including Foundation Year, vocational education certificates and diplomas, UniLink diplomas, bachelor degrees, master degrees and PhD courses.
At advanced levels of study, classes are separated into undergraduate and postgraduate students. Classes may also be streamed according to students’ chosen discipline of study.
- Exposure to authentic, current and global videos and documentaries
- Access to current and informative written and online texts
- Scientifically supported materials, teaching and learning strategies
- Innovative use of technology
- Assessment every five weeks.
Maximum Academic Credit
Maximum Academic Credit
Students that demonstrate the appropriate English level upon an entrance exam, may receive credit against relevant units.
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2025 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
Future scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.