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Academic Communication Skills Program (ACSP) -

CRICOS code (International applicants): 102584M

You are currently viewing the 2023 Handbook. For study in 2024, please refer to the .

 On-campus
Start:Semester 1 (February)
Semester 2 (July)
Semester 3 (November)
Campus:Toowoomba 
Fees:International full fee paying place
Commonwealth supported fee exempt places
Standard duration:On-campus: minimum 10 weeks, maximum 30 weeks 

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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 objectives

On successful completion of the Academic Communication Skills program, students should be able to demonstrate:

  1. Communicate in English with fluency and spontaneity with minimal searching for expressions in integrated academic contexts, at an advanced level.

  2. Comprehend a wide range of demanding, longer English texts and recognize implicit meaning, at an advanced level.

  3. Apply the English language flexibly and effectively for a range of purposes and with a wide range of topics, at an advanced level.

  4. Produce clear, well-structured and detailed integrated text in English on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices, at an advanced level.


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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 residing in Australia.

  • Minimum academic requirements: completion of senior secondary schooling in the home country, or completed Year 12 in an Australian High School or completed 'A' levels, or mature-age entry.


English language entry requirements

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

Level  (IELTS, or equivalent in all macro skills) Entry score  (IELTS, or equivalent) Exit score 
ACS 1  6.0  6.5 
ACS 2  6.5  7.0 
ACS 3  7.0  7.5 

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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, external or online. Students are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the .

Commonwealth supported fee exempt places

Domestic students who meet the below citizenship and residency requirements are eligible for a Commonwealth supported fee exempt place:

  • Australian citizens

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

  • New Zealand citizens (resident in Australia).


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Program structure

Students enrol in the different Academic Communication Skills (ACS) levels based on results of a recognised English language 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

Students wishing to apply for direct entry into undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs must meet the Students failing courses in the Academic Communication Skills Program or not meeting the grades requirement for entry are required to retake the course and seek recommendations from the Program Director regarding a suitable pathway to gain entry to degree studies.

Program articulation

Articulation can occur:

  • From - EAP 2 to ACS 1 to programs

  • From ACS1 to programs

  • From ACS 1 (Requires 70% minimum final grade) to ACS 2.

  • From ACS 2 to ACS 3 or programs

  • From ACS 3 to programs.


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Required time limits

Standard duration of the on-campus program is a minimum of 10 weeks and a maximum of 30 weeks.

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Core courses

Each level of ACS is designed to further advance your academic English language skills and ensure you are prepared to integrate effectively in an Australian academic setting.

Course  Campus 
ACS0001 Advanced Communication Skills One  Springfield, Toowoomba 
ACS0002 Advanced Communication Skills Two  Springfield, Toowoomba 
ACS0003 Advanced Communication Skills Three  Springfield, Toowoomba 

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.

This program is delivered in all semesters up to four times per year. Students’ entry points depend on their proven, pre-existing level of English proficiency.