Course in Initial EAL
Overview
Lay the foundation for English proficiency with the Course in Initial EAL (English as an Additional Language). Embark on a journey to develop essential English language, literacy, and numeracy skills, opening doors to further English language education, training, and community engagement. This course is designed for pre-literate students with severely interrupted or no previous learning experiences. Master basic handwriting, including the alphabet and numbers, and engage in familiar spoken exchanges. This course will help you advance your English language skills.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Drop-in application week | Monday 3 - Friday 7 February
Need a hand applying? For one week, we're inviting applicants to drop into our Future Student HQ without an appointment to access free, on-the-spot help.
Skills you’ll learn
- Recognise the letters of the alphabet.
- Basic numeracy skills.
- Engage in informal spoken interactions.
Admissions
Applicants are required to attend an interview where their learning goals and current language, literacy and numeracy skills will be assessed to ensure that the program best meets their needs.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
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.
-
Course in EAL
-
Certificate I in EAL
Course structure
To be eligible for the course in Initial EAL, learners must successfully complete a total of 6 units.
Indicative nominal course hours: 445
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Recognise letters of the alphabet and their sounds in extremely familiar words
Core unit |
VU23489 |
|
Use extremely familiar strategies to participate in learning
Core unit |
VU23490 |
|
Recognise and copy extremely familiar words
Core unit |
VU23491 |
|
Participate in extremely familiar spoken exchanges
Core unit |
VU23492 |
|
Recognise, copy and use numbers and money from 1 to 50
Core unit |
VU23493 |
|
Recognise and use extremely familiar digital devices
Core unit |
VU23575 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$4,820
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$1,660
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
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.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
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.
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 30 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.