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English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELES) - ELICOS

CRICOS code (International applicants): 070617J

 On-campus
Start:Semester 1 (February)
Semester 2 (July)
Semester 3 (November)
Campus:Toowoomba 
Fees:International full fee paying place
Fee exempt places
Standard duration:Minimum of 5 weeks to a maximum of 32 weeks 
Program articulation:

To: ; English for Academic Purposes

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Contact us

Future Australian and New Zealand students  Future International students  Current students 

Freecall (within Australia): 1800 269 500
Phone (from outside Australia): +61 7 4631 5315
Email: study@usq.edu.au  

Phone: +61 7 4631 5543
Email: international@usq.edu.au 

Freecall (within Australia): 1800 007 252
Phone (from outside Australia): +61 7 4631 2285
Email usq.support@usq.edu.au 

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Program aims

The aim of this program is to provide language preparation for tertiary study based on the personal and intellectual transition required by individual students to succeed in higher education in the Australian context. It aims to develop linguistic and academic English skills to prepare students for university education. It provides this transition for students not fully prepared academically or requiring a higher level of English for tertiary study. The program will offer a pathway to EAP1 in the EAP program.

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Australian Qualifications Framework

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a single national, comprehensive system of qualifications offered by higher education institutions (including universities), vocational education and training institutions and secondary schools. Each AQF qualification has a set of descriptors which define the type and complexity of knowledge, skills and application of knowledge and skills that a graduate who has been awarded that qualification has attained, and the typical volume of learning associated with that qualification type.

This program is at AQF Qualification Level 03.

The full set of levels criteria and qualification type descriptors can be found by visiting .

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Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

  • Resident status: students on international student visas OR students from non-English speaking backgrounds resident in Australia.

  • Minimum academic requirements: completion of senior secondary schooling in the home country OR Year 12 in an Australian High School.


English Language entry requirements

Placement in the program is determined by results of an English language placement test. Students will be placed in an appropriate level Elementary to Intermediate according to results on the placement test.

Level  (IELTS) Entry  (IELTS) Exit 
Elementary  3.5  4.0 
Pre-Intermediate  4.0  4.5 
Intermediate  4.5  5.0 

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Program fees

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. Students are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the .

Fee exempt places

All domestic students are offered a fee-free place provided they meet the citizenship and residency requirements as follows:

  • Australian citizens

  • holders of a Permanent Humanitarian Visa (and resident in Australia)

  • holders of a Permanent Resident Visa (and resident in Australia)

  • New Zealand citizens (resident in Australia).


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Program structure

Students enrol in ELICOS levels based on results of a recognised English language test or the USQ placement test. The program has 3 levels which students undertake successively. Progress to the next level is predicated upon success in examination and assignments.

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Program completion requirements

To successfully complete the program and be recommended for the EAP program students must successfully complete Intermediate level and/ or demonstrate an English language proficiency level equivalent to IELTS 5, with no band score below 4.5. Students may demonstrate equivalency by obtaining prescribed levels in other recognised language tests such as IELTS, Pearson or TOEFL.

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Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 32 weeks to complete the program.

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Core courses

Each level of ELICOS is designed to improve English language proficiency. The outcome of this element is measured using a progress exam. Another key element is the development of learner independence and other academic skills. The outcome of this element is measured through classroom activities and assignments.

Recommended enrolment pattern

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Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

The program is delivered across all semesters up to five times per year. Students can enter the program at Week 1 or Week 6. Students’ entry points depend on their proven, pre-existing level of English proficiency.