English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
Improve your English skills at Swinburne.
Our English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) is designed to help you improve your English language skills in preparation to study or to progress your career.
Swinburne offers two types of English language courses: General English and English for Academic Purposes.
General English is designed to improve your language skills for day-to-day situations. It can also prepare you for further English language studies.
English for Academic Purposes is designed to teach you the language skills needed to study at university. It can help you meet the minimum English language entry requirements for entry to your chosen course at Swinburne.
When you choose ELICOS at Swinburne, the content and length of your course will be personalised to your existing English language skills. Our aim is to help you meet your goals. Course duration is between five and 60 weeks and courses begin every five weeks. ELICOS students have access to self-guided and online learning resources, participate in group projects and excursions, and have access to student clubs.
Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 20% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Duration
5 Week/s (duration ranges 5 to 50 weeks)
Intakes
Colombo (March, July, October)
Hawthorn (January, February, March, May, June, July, August, October, November) - View application and start dates
CRICOS code
0102124
Fees
A$460 (per week for 2023)*
Course information in detail
- Course detail and course structure.
Course description
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) at Swinburne offers two types of course: General English and English for Academic Purposes.
General English, Levels 1–3 (Elementary to Intermediate)
General English prepares you to join our English for Academic Purposes programs. It is designed to improve your overall English language skills for day-to-day situations in an Australian context. Through a range of activities, this program will help you improve your writing, reading, listening, speaking, pronunciation and grammar knowledge.
English for Academic Purposes, Levels 3–5 (Intermediate to Advanced)
English for Academic Purposes is designed to prepare you for direct entry to your chosen course Swinburne University of Technology by helping you meet the minimum English language requirements for the course. The program focuses on academic language, critical thinking and academic literacy skills and aims to enhance your success in your chosen course.
ELICOS courses start every five weeks and range in duration from five to 60 weeks.
e-Learning and the Swinburne College Student Hub
All ELICOS students have access to the Swinburne College Student Hub at Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus. The hub offers many resources to help develop your e-learning, language and research skills.
Independent learning and research skills are an important part of university study. As part of your English language course, you will spend a minimum of five hours each week developing independent e-learning skills.
You will be offered access to free workshops and tutorials at the Swinburne College Student Hub and 24-hour library access to further improve your language skills.
You can complete the e-learning component of your course on our online learning management system, Canvas, from home or anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
Class timetable
There will be morning and afternoon classes Monday to Friday.
Contact hours
25 hours per week (including 5 hours e-learning)
Entry to a Swinburne course
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.Course structure
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
Students that demonstrate the appropriate English level upon an entrance exam, may receive credit against relevant units
Course fees and requirements
- Fees and course prerequisites.
Course fees
Prerequisites
Evidence of English proficiency is necessary for students wishing to undertake further studies at Swinburne after their English language course. Students who do not have evidence of English proficiency can opt to sit an English Placement Test, either at Swinburne or online at any Swinburne Representative office.
| 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 |
How to apply
Find out more
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)