ELICOS Courses in Australia: CRICOS Guide for International Students 2026
ELICOS courses are English language programs for international students who want to study, work toward academic entry, or improve their English before starting another course in Australia.
In the CRICOS database, ELICOS courses are usually listed as Non AQF Award programs. They are not the same as a diploma, bachelor degree, or master degree. Instead, they are English language courses designed for overseas students.
For international students, the key point is simple: if you plan to study English in Australia on a student visa, your course should be CRICOS registered.
What Is ELICOS?
ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students.
These courses are designed specifically for international students. They may help students improve general English, prepare for academic study, prepare for IELTS or Cambridge exams, or meet the English entry requirements for another course.
Common ELICOS course types include:
- General English
- English for Academic Purposes
- IELTS Preparation
- Cambridge Exam Preparation
- Academic English Preparation
- English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students
In the April 2026 CRICOS course data used for this guide, ELICOS-style English programs appear mostly under the Non AQF Award course level.
Are ELICOS Courses CRICOS Registered?
Yes, many ELICOS courses are CRICOS registered, but students should always check the specific course code before applying.
A provider may offer several English courses, but not every course is necessarily suitable for an international student visa pathway. The important details to check are:
- CRICOS Provider Code
- CRICOS Course Code
- course name
- course duration
- tuition fee
- estimated total course cost
- expired status
In the database used for this article, active English-language and ELICOS-related courses include General English, English for Academic Purposes, IELTS Preparation, Cambridge preparation, and other intensive English programs.
Examples of ELICOS Courses in the CRICOS Database
Below are real examples from the April 2026 CRICOS course dataset. The examples use different providers and different cities where the city is visible from the institution name.
| City / Area | Provider | Provider Code | Course Code | Course Name | Duration | Estimated Total Cost |
| Sydney | Holmes Colleges Sydney Pty Ltd | 00040C | 009526G | General English (Beginner to Advanced) (1 to 48 weeks) | 48 weeks | $15,860 |
| Melbourne | Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd | 00067C | 000785F | General English Program (1-40 weeks) | 40 weeks | $17,190 |
| Brisbane | ILSC (Brisbane) Pty Ltd | 02137M | 0101685 | English for Academic Purposes Program | 49 weeks | $18,720 |
| Perth | Perth College Of Business and Technology Pty Ltd | 03425F | 098010K | General English (Beginner to Intermediate) | 42 weeks | $13,100 |
| Adelaide | SA Adelaide Language Centre Ltd | 00094M | 017804B | General English | 40 weeks | $11,800 |
| Gold Coast | Gold Coast Learning Centre Pty Ltd | 03371B | 073772G | General English | 52 weeks | $10,560 |
| Cairns | Cairns College of English Pty Ltd | 02558J | 072892G | General English (1-50 weeks) | 58 weeks | $16,000 |
| Canberra | University of Canberra | 00212K | 059330F | English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students | 52 weeks | $24,750 |
These examples show how broad the ELICOS market is. Some courses are short exam-preparation programs, while others run for 40, 50, or more weeks.
General English Courses
General English is usually the most flexible ELICOS option. It is designed for students who want to improve everyday English skills: speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and confidence.
Examples from the CRICOS database include:
| Provider | Course Code | Course Name | Duration | Estimated Total Cost |
| Holmes Colleges Sydney Pty Ltd | 009526G | General English (Beginner to Advanced) (1 to 48 weeks) | 48 weeks | $15,860 |
| Holmes Commercial Colleges (Melbourne) Ltd | 000785F | General English Program (1-40 weeks) | 40 weeks | $17,190 |
| SA Adelaide Language Centre Ltd | 017804B | General English | 40 weeks | $11,800 |
| Gold Coast Learning Centre Pty Ltd | 073772G | General English | 52 weeks | $10,560 |
General English can be useful for students who are not yet ready for academic English, IELTS preparation, or a diploma or degree pathway.
English for Academic Purposes
English for Academic Purposes, often called EAP, is usually aimed at students who want to continue into higher education, VET, or another formal academic course.
EAP courses focus more on academic reading, essay writing, presentations, note-taking, research skills, and formal communication.
Examples from the database include:
| Provider | City / Area | Course Code | Course Name | Duration | Estimated Total Cost |
| ILSC (Brisbane) Pty Ltd | Brisbane | 0101685 | English for Academic Purposes Program | 49 weeks | $18,720 |
| Perth College Of Business and Technology Pty Ltd | Perth | 108436H | English for Academic Purposes | 26 weeks | $7,700 |
| SA Adelaide Language Centre Ltd | Adelaide | 017392F | English for Academic Purposes | 20 weeks | $5,900 |
| Charles Darwin University (CDU) | Darwin / NT | 112342B | English for Academic Purposes 3 | 15 weeks | $5,700 |
For students who want to move into a diploma, bachelor degree, or master degree, EAP can be more relevant than standard General English.
IELTS and Cambridge Preparation Courses
Some ELICOS providers offer specific exam-preparation courses. These are usually better suited for students who already have a target exam in mind.
Examples include:
| Provider | Course Code | Course Name | Duration | Estimated Total Cost |
| Holmes Colleges Sydney Pty Ltd | 026586K | Exam Preparation (IELTS) (Upper Intermediate) | 12 weeks | $4,620 |
| ILSC (Brisbane) Pty Ltd | 0101686 | IELTS Mastery Program | 25 weeks | $9,360 |
| Gold Coast Learning Centre Pty Ltd | 073775D | IELTS Examination Preparation | 10 weeks | $3,800 |
| Milner International College of English (WA) Pty Ltd | 074424G | Cambridge Exam Preparation Course | 12 weeks | $5,483 |
| Cairns College of English Pty Ltd | 073934E | Cambridge First Certificate Preparation Course | 16 weeks | $3,995 |
IELTS and Cambridge preparation courses are usually more focused than General English. They may include test structure, exam strategies, timed practice, writing tasks, speaking practice, and mock tests.
How Much Do ELICOS Courses Cost in Australia?
Based on the examples above, ELICOS course costs vary significantly depending on provider, city, course type, and duration.
From the April 2026 CRICOS data used for this guide:
- Short exam-preparation courses can cost around $3,800–$5,500.
- Medium-length EAP courses can cost around $5,700–$9,360.
- Longer General English or intensive English programs can cost around $10,000–$25,000+.
- Some school or university-linked English programs may cost more.
The most useful comparison is not only the total price, but also:
- duration in weeks;
- weekly cost;
- whether non-tuition fees are included;
- whether the course is a pathway into another program;
- whether the provider has the location and timetable the student needs.
How Long Are ELICOS Courses?
ELICOS course duration can vary from a few weeks to more than one year.
In the dataset used for this guide, English-language and ELICOS-style programs include courses with durations such as:
- 10 weeks;
- 12 weeks;
- 15 weeks;
- 20 weeks;
- 25–26 weeks;
- 40 weeks;
- 48–52 weeks;
- 58 weeks;
- 60+ weeks.
For example, Gold Coast Learning Centre lists a General English course with a duration of 52 weeks, while Holmes Colleges Sydney lists a General English course from 1 to 48 weeks. Cairns College of English lists General English from 1 to 50 weeks, with a 58-week duration shown in the CRICOS data.
ELICOS vs VET vs Higher Education
ELICOS is not the same as VET or university study.
| Course Type | Main Purpose | Typical Examples |
| ELICOS | Improve English for overseas students | General English, EAP, IELTS Preparation |
| VET | Practical job-focused training | Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma |
| Higher Education | Academic degree study | Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Doctoral Degree |
A student may start with ELICOS and later continue to a VET course, bachelor degree, or master degree. This depends on the student’s English level, target course, visa plan, provider requirements, and academic background.
How to Check an ELICOS Course in CRICOS
To check an ELICOS course, students should search by:
- CRICOS Course Code;
- course name;
- provider name;
- CRICOS Provider Code.
For example, instead of searching only for “General English in Sydney”, a student can check the exact course code, such as 009526G, and confirm the course details directly.
This is important because many English courses have similar names. “General English” may appear across many providers, but each CRICOS course has its own code, provider, duration, fee structure, and registration status.
Who Should Consider an ELICOS Course?
An ELICOS course may be relevant for students who:
- want to improve English before starting another course;
- need academic English skills;
- want IELTS or Cambridge exam preparation;
- plan to enter VET, university, or pathway study;
- want to study English in Australia as their main course;
- need a CRICOS-registered English course for student visa purposes.
However, students should not choose an ELICOS course only by price. The course should match their current English level, target outcome, city preference, visa plan, and next study step.
Key Takeaways
ELICOS courses are one of the main entry points into Australian education for international students.
The April 2026 CRICOS data shows a wide range of English courses across different providers and cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Cairns, and Canberra.
The most common ELICOS-style options include General English, English for Academic Purposes, IELTS Preparation, and Cambridge Exam Preparation.
Before applying, students should always check the CRICOS Course Code, Provider Code, duration, fees, and expired status.
FAQ
What does ELICOS mean?
ELICOS means English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. These are English language courses designed for international students in Australia.
Are ELICOS courses listed in CRICOS?
Yes, many ELICOS courses are listed in CRICOS. Students should check the exact CRICOS Course Code before applying.
Is ELICOS the same as General English?
Not exactly. General English is one common type of ELICOS course, but ELICOS can also include English for Academic Purposes, IELTS preparation, Cambridge preparation, and other English programs.
Can I use ELICOS before a diploma or university course?
Yes, many students use ELICOS as preparation before starting a diploma, bachelor degree, master degree, or pathway program. The exact pathway depends on the provider and entry requirements.
How much does an ELICOS course cost?
Costs vary widely. In the April 2026 CRICOS data, short exam-preparation courses can cost around $3,800–$5,500, while longer General English or intensive English courses can cost $10,000–$25,000 or more.
How long is an ELICOS course?
ELICOS courses can be short or long. Examples in the CRICOS data range from around 10–12 weeks to 40–60+ weeks, depending on the provider and course type.
What is English for Academic Purposes?
English for Academic Purposes, or EAP, is an English course focused on academic study skills such as essay writing, presentations, research, reading, and formal communication.
What should I check before choosing an ELICOS course?
Check the CRICOS Course Code, provider name, CRICOS Provider Code, course duration, tuition fee, non-tuition fee, estimated total course cost, and whether the course is expired.