This course is the best preparation for students wishing to study in English at an Australian university or business college. Whether you want to gain entry to your course via one of ELC’s direct entry agreements or by taking the IELTS examination, this program will ensure you are ready to succeed.

Why English for Academic Purposes (EAP)?
- Prepare for your further studies in English at university or college in Australia
- Balance of English for communication, studies and examination skills
- Flexibility to prepare for IELTS or take our direct entry pathway
- Excellent IELTS results for ELC students
Levels Offered
- Intermediate - Advanced (IELTS 5.0-6.5+)
Course Length
- 2 – 40 weeks
- A minimum of 10 weeks is required to complete a full level (e.g. Academic English 1)
Start Dates
- Any Monday
- Day courses
Class Size
- Maximum 16 (average 12) (Premium course includes 1:1 lessons)
The Course
The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course combines a thorough program of language study with preparation for the demands of academic study including understanding lectures, doing research, writing assignments and taking part in tutorials. it is suitable for students preparing for the IELTS exam but also beyond this to the real demands of academic study in Australia.
Entry and exit requirements and levels
Levels | IELTS Entry score | IELTS Exit score | |
AE 1a 10 weeks |
Intermediate – Strong Intermediate | 5.0 | 5.5 |
AE1b 10 weeks |
Strong Intermediate – Upper Intermediate | 5.5 | 6.0 |
AE 2a 10 weeks |
Upper Intermediate – Pre-advanced | 6.0 | 6.5 |
AE 2b 10 weeks |
Pre-advanced - Advanced | 6.5 | 7.0 |
Academic Pathways
All of our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) students are planning to study at universities or other higher education colleges in Australia or elsewhere. Some may need to show an IELTS score to gain entry to their chosen course; others may be on one of ELC’s pathway programs and not require an IELTS score. Our Academic English course is tailored to meet the needs of students in both situations.
Find out more information about our pathway partners
English for Academic Purposes | |
Direct Entry StreamCompulsory AssessmentWritten assignments, academic presentations, progress and final test. |
IELTS StreamNon-compulsory Assessment.IELTS reading, writing, listening and speaking exam preparation. |
Direct EntryStudents may enter one of our partner institutions with a successful Academic English course result. |
IELTS ExamStudents take the IELTS test to enter their chosen higher education institution. |
Direct Entry Stream
Compulsory Assessment
Written assignments, academic presentations, progress and final test.
Direct Entry
Students may enter one of our partner institutions with a successful Academic English course result.
IELTS Stream
Non-compulsory Assessment.
IELTS reading, writing, listening and speaking exam preparation.
IELTS Exam
Students take the IELTS test to enter their chosen higher education institution.
Direct Entry Students

Students must successfully complete a minimum of 10 weeks of class work and assignments to be awarded an EAP certificate and gain direct entry into one of the business colleges or universities that ELC has agreements with. However, if students’ plans change, the course prepares them well to take the IELTS test and enrol at any institution they like!
IELTS Students

Students following the IELTS stream of Academic English will develop knowledge of the IELTS exam and test taking skills, and improve their academic skills, so when they start a course at a business college or university they will have all the skills they need to perform well in their studies. IELTS stream students also take our IELTS Exam preparation classes in the afternoons.
Inclusions:

You will have weekly individual sessions with the Academic English coordinators who will create and manage your personal study plan, tailor the course to your needs, and give you feedback on your progress or advice on your future studies. Students working towards direct entry can get extra personal assistance with their essay writing and research skills, while students preparing for the IELTS test can also use these tutorials to practise their speaking test interviews.
Course types
This is our popular full-time day course, which allows you to improve your academic English skills and prepare for study and exams. It combines a focused academic morning class with the chance to choose from our range of Special Focus Modules in the afternoons. On Fridays you can get further focused exam practice for IELTS or attend study skills workshops as well as a range of other options.
15hrs
Academic English
5hrs
Special Focus Modules
5hrs
English Extras
2hrs
Bonus Class
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
8:30-9:45am | Weekly progress tests | Tutorial speaking skills | Academic listening skills with IELTS | Academic writing skills With IELTS | English Extras : Conversation - 90 minutes |
Break | Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
10:30-11:45am | Topic introduction Reading & vocabulary | Grammar review | Presentations | Topic-based vocabulary | English Extras : Pronunciation - 90 minutes |
Break | Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
12:15-1:30pm | Academic reading skills With IELTS | Intensive Speaking | Essay writing skills | Essay writing skills | English Extra : Exam Skills - 120 minutes |
Break | Break | Break | Break | Break | |
2:15-3:30pm | Special Focus Module | Special Focus Module | Special Focus Module | Special Focus Module | |
Break | Break | Break | Break | Break | |
4:00-5:00pm | Conversation Class | Conversation Class |
Prepare for further studies and qualify for direct entry with our partner colleges and universities with the flexibility of studying in the evening.
16hrs
Academic English
4hrs
Special Focus Modules
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.00-5.00pm | Study centre available | Study centre available | Study centre available | Study centre available | Study centre available |
5.00-7.00pm | Weekly progress test | Tutorial speaking skills | Special Focus Module | Academic listening skills | Academic writing skills |
7.00-7.20pm | Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
7.20-9.20pm | Natural English & extended speaking | Listening & speaking | Reading | Vocabulary | English Extra |
This option is ideal if you need to prepare very intensively and need individual support in specific skills or language areas. It combines group study with one-to-one lessons designed to fulfil your specific needs.
15hrs
Academic English
5hrs
One to One Lesson
5hrs
English Extras
2hrs
Bonus Class
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
8:30-9:45pm | Weekly progress tests | Tutorial speaking skills | Academic listening skills | Academic writing skills | English Extras : Speak out - 90 minutes |
Break | Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
10:30-11:45pm | Topic introduction Reading & vocabulary | Grammar review | Presentations | Topic-based vocabulary | English Extras : Soft Skills - 90 minutes |
Break | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
12:15-1:30pm | Essay writting | Presentations | Academic writing skills | Tutorial speaking skills | English Extra : Exam Skills - 120 minutes |
Break | Break | Break | Break | Break | |
2:15-3:30pm | 1:1 lesson | 1:1 lesson | 1:1 lesson | 1:1 lesson | |
Break | Break | Break | |||
4:00-5:00pm | Conversation Class | Conversation Class |
Choose Special Focus Modules which provide you with further practice in the academic skills you need.
- IELTS Testbuster
- Grammar
- Business English
- Writing skills
- English for Further Studies
A range of academic workshops are also offered in our free English Extras program.