Studying English in Australia

Is Australia a good place to study English?

Yes — Australia is one of the world’s most popular destinations to learn English. It combines high-quality, government-accredited English schools with the ability to work part-time, a safe and multicultural lifestyle, and easy access to beaches and the outdoors. On a student visa you can study full-time and work up to 48 hours per fortnight, so you build English skills and Australian experience at the same time.

How much does it cost to study English in Australia?

English course tuition in Australia typically costs between AUD 270 and AUD 450 per week, depending on the school, the course intensity and how many weeks you book. On top of tuition, budget for living costs — the Australian government’s reference figure is AUD 29,710 per year (about AUD 570 per week) for a single student. Booking a longer course usually reduces the weekly tuition rate.

Do I need a visa to study English in Australia?

It depends how long you want to study. Courses of up to 12 weeks can often be done on a visitor (tourist) visa. To study full-time for longer, you need a Student visa (subclass 500), which lets you study 20+ hours per week and work part-time. Working Holiday visa holders can also study English for up to 17 weeks. A school must be CRICOS-registered to enrol student-visa holders.

Can I work while studying English in Australia?

Yes. On a Student visa (subclass 500) you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is running, and unlimited hours during official course breaks. (A proposed increase to 60 hours per fortnight was discussed in 2026 but is not yet law.) Popular student jobs are in hospitality, retail and customer service. A visitor visa does not allow work, so students who want to work choose a student visa.

How much money do I need for an Australian student visa?

As of 2026 you must show living costs of AUD 29,710 for 12 months (less for shorter courses), plus your first year of tuition fees and a return airfare. This is part of the Genuine Student (GS) assessment that replaced the old GTE. Funds usually need a consistent 3–6 month history, and any large recent deposits must be explained. Always confirm the current figures with the Department of Home Affairs.

What English level do I need to start an English course in Australia?

You can start at any level, from complete beginner to advanced. General English courses accept all levels and place you using a free assessment test in your first days. You only need an IELTS or equivalent score for specific goals — such as entering an exam-preparation, academic (EAP) or university-pathway course, where a minimum of around IELTS 5.0–5.5 is typical.

How long can I study English in Australia?

On a Student visa there is no fixed maximum — your visa is granted for the length of your enrolled course plus a short period afterwards, and many students study for 12 to 48 weeks. On a visitor visa you can study up to 12 weeks, and on a Working Holiday visa up to 17 weeks. Enrolling for more weeks upfront usually lowers your weekly tuition rate.

Is it better to study English in Australia, the UK, or Canada?

All three are excellent, accredited destinations, so the best choice depends on your priorities. Australia stands out for its warm climate and beach lifestyle, generous part-time work rights (48 hours per fortnight), and a summer that runs opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. The UK offers proximity to Europe and Canada proximity to the US. For students who want to combine learning English with working and an outdoor lifestyle, Australia is often the top choice.

Can I study English on a Working Holiday visa in Australia?

Yes. Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa holders can study for up to 17 weeks (about four months). This is a popular way to improve your English at the start of your stay before travelling or working around Australia. If you want to study longer, you would apply for a Student visa instead.

Studying English in Sydney

Is Sydney a good place to learn English?

Sydney is one of the best cities in the world to learn English. As Australia’s largest and most international city, it offers a wide choice of accredited English schools, an enormous English-speaking environment for daily practice, iconic beaches and harbour scenery, and plenty of part-time work in hospitality and retail. Its multicultural population means students from every background feel at home.

How much does it cost to live in Sydney as a student?

Most students budget around AUD 500–700 per week for living costs in Sydney, covering accommodation, food, transport and social life. Accommodation is the biggest item: homestay with an Australian family is typically AUD 350–450 per week including some meals, while a room in a shared apartment ranges from about AUD 250–450 per week. The official student-visa living-cost figure is AUD 29,710 per year.

What’s the best area to live in Sydney as a student?

Popular student areas include the CBD and Haymarket (central and walkable to schools and transport), the Inner West suburbs such as Newtown and Glebe (lively and student-friendly), and beach areas like Bondi and Coogee (great lifestyle, a little further out). Living near a train line or close to the city centre saves both time and transport costs, which is why many students choose central Sydney.

How much does an English course in Sydney cost?

English courses in Sydney generally cost between AUD 270 and AUD 450 per week. The exact price depends on the course type (general, intensive or exam preparation), the number of weekly hours (usually 20–25) and how many weeks you enrol for. Longer bookings lower the weekly rate, while exam-preparation and premium small-group courses sit at the higher end.

Is Sydney safe for international students?

Yes — Sydney is considered one of the safest large cities in the world for international students. Australia has stable, well-policed cities, healthcare access through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and strong legal protections for international students under the ESOS framework. As in any big city, it’s sensible to take normal precautions at night and in busy areas.

What is the weather like in Sydney for studying?

Sydney has a mild, sunny climate year-round, which makes studying comfortable in any season. Summer (December–February) is warm to hot at 25–30°C and perfect for the beach, while winter (June–August) is mild at 10–18°C and rarely cold. Because Australia’s seasons are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere, many students come to enjoy summer while it’s winter back home.

Can I find part-time work in Sydney as an English student?

Yes. Sydney has a strong student job market in hospitality (cafés and restaurants), retail and customer service. On a Student visa you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your course. Good English, an Australian-style CV and some local networking make a real difference — many English schools, including ELC, offer free job-support services to help you find your first role.

How do I get around Sydney as a student?

Sydney has an extensive public transport network of trains, buses, ferries and light rail, all paid for with a single tap-and-go Opal card. Students living centrally can often walk to school. Transport is affordable, and living near Central Station — Sydney’s main train hub — gives you the easiest access to the whole city and the airport.

Choosing a School & Studying at ELC

How do I choose the best English school in Sydney?

Look for five things: proper accreditation (CRICOS registration plus NEAS/English Australia membership), a genuinely mixed nationality profile so you’re not surrounded by speakers of your own language, small-to-moderate class sizes, qualified TESOL teachers, and strong recent student reviews. A central location and good student-support services — accommodation, work help and social activities — also make a big difference to your experience.

What is the best English language school in Sydney?

Sydney has several reputable, accredited English schools, so the best one depends on your goals. Measured by independent awards, English Language Company (ELC) is Australia’s most awarded English school — a five-time winner of the Study Travel Magazine ‘Star English Language School Southern Hemisphere’ award and the only school in the Southern Hemisphere with lifetime Superstar status. ELC is also the only Cambridge Gold Preparation Centre in Australia and welcomes students from more than 50 nationalities.

What accreditations should a good English school in Australia have?

A reputable English school in Australia should be CRICOS-registered (which legally allows it to enrol international students on student visas), a member of English Australia, and NEAS-accredited for teaching quality. ELC, for example, is CRICOS-registered (Provider Code 02551G), NEAS-accredited through English Australia, and a Cambridge Gold Preparation Centre. Always check a school’s CRICOS code on the official government register before enrolling.

What types of English courses can I study in Sydney?

Common course types include General English (all-round skills at any level), Intensive English (more weekly hours for faster progress), IELTS and Cambridge exam preparation, Business English, and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) for university entry. Schools such as ELC also offer ‘English Plus’ lifestyle courses that combine lessons with surfing, yoga or sightseeing, plus junior programs for ages 12–17.

What is a Cambridge English course and where can I take one in Sydney?

A Cambridge English course prepares you for the internationally recognised Cambridge exams — B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE) — which are lifelong qualifications accepted by employers and universities worldwide. In Sydney, ELC is the only Cambridge Gold Preparation Centre in Australia, with more than 20 years’ experience and around 100 successful candidates each year.

Will an English course help me get into an Australian university?

Yes. Many students take an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course to meet a university’s English entry requirement without sitting IELTS separately. On completing an approved EAP course you can often gain direct entry to partner universities and colleges through a pathway agreement. ELC offers EAP with pathways to a range of Australian universities and vocational colleges.

What accommodation options do English students have in Sydney?

The main options are homestay (living with an Australian host family with meals included — great for practising English), purpose-built student residences (modern and social, with facilities like gyms and study areas), and shared apartments or houses (more independent and often cheaper). ELC offers six accommodation options ranging from homestay to premium residences near the campus, to suit different budgets.

How do I enrol in an English course at ELC in Sydney?

You can enrol online at elc.edu.au, or contact the ELC team by email ([email protected]) or phone (+61 2 9267 5688) for advice on choosing the right course and start date. The team can help with enrolment, accommodation booking, airport pick-up and the documents you need for your visa application. Courses have regular start dates throughout the year.