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Improve your English

Study at the only government-owned English Language Centre (ELC) in South Australia

TAFE SA’s ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program is specifically tailored for international students.  Courses can be studied as stand alone (English only) or packaged with one of our TAFE SA award courses or university courses in Adelaide.   Courses are available for students on a variety of visas, such as student visa, tourist visa, working holiday visa and a range of other temporary visas.

ELICOS courses comprise 2 course types: General English and Academic English and will develop your English skills for:

  • study at TAFE SA or university
  • English language tests (such as IELTS, PTE etc)
  • future employment
  • fun and travel

Learning English with TAFE SA

Ruth, Boxia, Julia and Gurjot all studied English for Academic Purposes and they share their experiences on how they became self-confident and successful in the classroom.

Listen to our students explain why they recommend TAFE SA as the first choice for people who want to learn English.

Choosing the right course

With a few English language courses to choose from, selecting the best one for your needs can be confusing. Enquire now for help with ELICOS courses.

Courses for International Students

Course NameIntake YearCRICOS CodeTAFE SA Code
General English 402025064265ABR00001
English for Academic Purposes 202025064266MBR00003
English for Academic Purposes Advanced2025086001KBR00006

Short courses for international students

If you are an international student, you can undertake short courses to assist with your English language and academic success in your course, whether you are a TAFE SA student or studying with another provider.   They can be studied at the same time as your course as they are part-time, usually 2.5 hours per week, in the evening. 

English as a Second Language Short Courses

Course Name   Duration
Advanced English Speaking and Listening 8 weeks Part Time
Advanced English Writing and Grammar 8 weeks Part Time

Why study English with us?

  • Highly qualified, experienced and friendly staff
  • Affordable fees
  • Conveniently located in the heart of Adelaide
  • Small classes and individual attention from highly qualified teachers
  • The only government-owned English Language Centre in South Australia
  • Flexible start times
  • Clear pathways to TAFE SA and universities in Adelaide
  • Opportunities to sit in on TAFE SA classes
  • Access to the TAFE SA library with extensive English language and online resources

Local University acceptance of TAFE SA English programs

The table below demonstrates the EAP 20 or EAP Advanced result required for the various English proficiency entry requirements of the universities.  The grade result = its equivalence to the IELTS scoring.

English for Academic Purposes 
English for Academic Purposes 20 (EAP 20)English for Academic Purposes Advanced (EAP Advanced)
University of AdelaideCredit = IELTS 6.0 overallPass = IELTS 6.5
University of South AustraliaCredit = IELTS 6.0 overallPass = IELTS 6.5
Flinders UniversityCredit = IELTS 6.0 overall, 6.0 in all bandsPass = IELTS 6.5 overall 6.0 in all bands, Credit = IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all bands

TAFE SA English Courses
IELTS Score

Recommended Course

Weeks

Have Need 
2.5 - 4.0 >4.5>General English10 - 30
5.0 >6.0>EAP 2020
5.5 >6.0>EAP 20 or EAP Advanced (Part 1)10
5.5 >6.5>EAP Advanced (Part 1 and Part 2)20
6.0 >6.5>EAP Advanced (Part 2)10
6.0 >7.0>EAP Advanced (Part 1 and Part 2)20
6.5 >7.0>EAP Advanced (Part 2)10

Meet Our Graduate Akarapong Cheewaphanyaroj (Sam) 

Sam begun his journey in Adelaide with a 10-month ELICOS course at TAFE SA. He then continued his studies in hospitality at Le Cordon Bleu, focusing on Restaurant and Catering Management. After graduation, he gained valuable experience working for various businesses and restaurants. 

Now, Sam is the proud owner of Cutboy Knife, a thriving business with two stores in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Cutboy Knife specialises in selling cooking knives and kitchen equipment, offering services such as knife sharpening, engraving, and woodworks for knife covers, handles, and boxes. 

Reflecting on his education, Sam shares, "TAFE SA is well-respected in the hospitality industry and offered a great pathway to university through its English program. Everything I learnt from there, including accounting, marketing, and management, I use in my business every day. It is the core success of my business." 

For international students considering their next study option, Sam advises, "If you want to be a part of the hospitality world, Adelaide is the place to be. It's rich in food culture and a beautiful, multicultural city. I see a lot of potential there and wish to return for business in the future." 

Join us in celebrating Sam's inspiring journey and success! 

Akarapong Cheewaphanyaroj
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