One-line direct answer
ELICOS is an intensive English programme offered by Australian universities and CRICOS-registered providers that packages directly into a bachelor or master’s degree; costs AUD 400–600 per week (roughly MYR 1,160–1,740) and runs 10–30 weeks depending on your starting level, with completion typically waiving IELTS entry requirements.
What is ELICOS?
ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. It is a preparatory English programme designed specifically for international students who do not yet meet the English language entry requirements of their chosen university degree.
Unlike standalone English-language courses offered by private language schools, ELICOS is regulated by Australia’s education regulator, the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), and providers must be registered with CRICOS (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency). This means the course is officially recognised and linked to university admission.
Most major Australian universities offer ELICOS directly through their own English Language Centre, while others partner with independent CRICOS-registered providers like Kaplan, INTO, or ONCAMPUS. The course is designed to develop academic English skills—essay writing, research reading, speaking in seminars, listening to lectures—rather than general conversational English.
How ELICOS feeds into your degree
ELICOS is typically offered as a packaged admission pathway. This works as follows:
- You apply directly to the university with your IELTS score (or equivalent) and academic results (Malaysian CGPA, SPM/STPM grades, foundation scores).
- If your English is slightly below the required threshold, the university offers a conditional admission that packages an ELICOS course with your bachelor or master’s degree.
- You complete ELICOS at the university campus (usually 10–30 weeks, depending on your entry level).
- Upon successful completion of ELICOS at the required standard, you automatically enrol in your degree without needing to retake IELTS.
For example, a Malaysian SPM student applying to a Go8 university for a bachelor degree might have:
- Academic entry: CGPA 3.5 (meets requirement)
- English entry: IELTS 5.5 (falls short of required 6.5)
- Conditional offer: 20-week ELICOS + Bachelor
Many universities allow you to defer your bachelor start date to allow time for ELICOS, or they run ELICOS concurrently with reduced-load degree study.
ELICOS duration and levels
ELICOS courses are typically offered in three durations, depending on your current English level:
| Duration | IELTS equivalent entry | Typical starting level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 weeks | IELTS 6.0–6.5 | Upper-Intermediate | Students close to university requirement |
| 20 weeks | IELTS 5.0–6.0 | Intermediate | Most Malaysian students (SPM/STPM) |
| 30 weeks | IELTS 4.5–5.0 | Lower-Intermediate | Students with minimal English test scores |
The level is determined by your IELTS score, MUET band, or a diagnostic test administered by the university. Some universities also accept Malaysian SPM or STPM English grades as a basis for placement.
Cost and timeline
Cost (as of 2025):
- Typical ELICOS tuition: AUD 400–600 per week
- 10-week course: AUD 4,000–6,000 (roughly MYR 11,600–17,400)
- 20-week course: AUD 8,000–12,000 (roughly MYR 23,200–34,800)
- 30-week course: AUD 12,000–18,000 (roughly MYR 34,800–52,200)
These fees are in addition to your degree tuition and do not include accommodation, meals, or living expenses.
Timeline:
ELICOS courses typically start in February, May, July, and November, aligning with Australian university intake periods. A 20-week course starting in July would finish by early November, allowing you to begin your degree in the February intake of the following year.
CRICOS providers and examples
The following universities and registered providers offer ELICOS as packaged pathways:
- University of Melbourne — University of Melbourne Foundation Studies, Monash University College
- UNSW Sydney — UNSW Pathway College
- University of Sydney — University of Sydney Pathway Programme
- Kaplan — Partnerships across multiple universities including Macquarie, RMIT, QUT
- INTO — Partnerships with regional universities
- ONCAMPUS — Partnerships across various institutions
All of these are CRICOS-registered and their completion fulfils English entry requirements for the packaged degree.
IELTS waiver and progression requirements
The key benefit of ELICOS is the IELTS waiver upon successful completion. You do not need to retake IELTS if you achieve the required standard in ELICOS.
Progression requirements vary by provider and level, but typically:
- Attendance ≥80%
- Final assessment (essay, speaking, listening tasks) at or above the required standard
- No supplementary examination or resit needed
Some universities set a specific grade threshold (e.g., “Credit or above” in ELICOS assessments), while others use a pass/fail model. Check your conditional offer letter for the exact progression criteria.
If you do not meet the ELICOS progression standard, most universities allow one resit or extension, but this delays your degree start date.
If you’re coming from SPM, STPM, or UEC
SPM students: If your SPM English grade is A or A-, you may qualify directly for IELTS waiver at some universities without ELICOS. However, most SPM students sit IELTS 5.5–6.0 and enrol in a 20-week ELICOS pathway. Your SPM English grade alone does not qualify as formal English proficiency evidence under Australian regulations.
STPM students: STPM does not include a formal English assessment, so STPM students typically sit IELTS and may enrol in ELICOS if their score is 5.5–6.0. If you are strong in English, you may skip ELICOS and proceed directly to your degree with an IELTS 6.5 score.
UEC students: A grade A in UEC English Language may qualify you for an IELTS waiver or reduced ELICOS (e.g., 10-week option) at some universities. Confirm with your chosen institution, as policies vary.
Malaysian Foundation / Diploma: If you completed an English module in your foundation or diploma with Distinction or Credit, many universities waive IELTS and ELICOS entirely. This is the fastest route to degree entry if you hold a recognised pathway qualification.
Common questions
Q: Is ELICOS the same as taking IELTS preparation at a private school?
A: No. ELICOS is an accredited, university-linked programme that, upon completion, waives IELTS. Private IELTS-prep courses do not carry this waiver and are shorter (typically 4–8 weeks). ELICOS is more rigorous and longer but directly feeds into your degree.
Q: Can I take ELICOS online from Malaysia before arriving in Australia?
A: Some universities offer online ELICOS options, but most require on-campus attendance. Check with your university. If attendance is required, you must be in Australia during the ELICOS period.
Q: If I take ELICOS, do I still need a student visa?
A: Yes. ELICOS is part of your packaged degree, so you apply for a student visa that covers both ELICOS and your bachelor/master. The Subclass 500 visa covers the entire enrolment.
Q: What happens if I fail ELICOS?
A: Most universities allow one resit or an extension. If you do not meet the standard after resit, you may be asked to retake IELTS and re-apply, or your offer may be cancelled. This is rare if you engage seriously with the course.
Q: Is ELICOS cheaper than sitting IELTS multiple times?
A: Often yes. IELTS costs RM 980 per attempt; if you sit IELTS twice and then take ELICOS, the total is higher than taking ELICOS directly. If you sit IELTS once and achieve the required band, you avoid ELICOS cost. The decision depends on your confidence in IELTS.
Q: Can I work while taking ELICOS?
A: Your student visa allows part-time work (20 hours per week during semester, unlimited during breaks) once you arrive in Australia. However, ELICOS is intensive and demanding; balancing work and study is challenging in the first semester.
Sources
- University of Melbourne — foundation.unimelb.edu.au — ELICOS and pathway programmes
- UNSW Pathway College — unswpathway.unsw.edu.au — English language courses
- Department of Education — www.aqf.gov.au — Australian Qualifications Framework and CRICOS registered courses
- Kaplan — kaplan.com.au — English pathway options