Learning English

English language courses in Victoria, Australia will give you the confidence to study, live and work almost anywhere in the world.

Our student programs are strengthened by a range of services to support students from language backgrounds other than English.

When you enrol in a Victorian Government school, you can get extra language support through:

• intensive English language classes before you start mainstream classes, and / or
• a comprehensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program when you’re at school.

Please note the information on this page only applies if you are attending a Victorian Government school as a standard international student.  International students that enrol via the Temporary or Study Abroad programs do not need to take extra english language classes in Victoria before they start mainstream school.  Students that enrol via the Dependent program can also start mainstream school straight away and the school will assess if any extra language classes are needed.  To find out which program is relevant to you please visit our application process section.

Get a head start learning English in Australia with intensive language classes

English language skills will help you succeed in entering a quality high school and university education. Get ahead with lessons with our Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in our English Language Programs.

An intensive program means you can focus on improving your English language skills in a short period of time. You’ll practise speaking, listening, reading and writing using English texts so you’re prepared for the mainstream classes.

Students who meet our minimum English preferences will reach proficiency to start their mainstream classes after 20 weeks of intensive English language classes.

Students study ESL in a range of subjects including:

• mathematics
• science
• history
• geography
• current affairs.

Once in your mainstream studies you will be doing ESL as one of your subjects and you will also have access to a range of additional language support in the school to ensure your academic success. Melbourne offers many options for excursions that will help you understand the English language and Australian culture.

It’s also a chance to make better friends and settle into Australia, especially if you’re in an on-site centre at your new school. You’ll get a head start on meeting students and getting to know your school.

Begin at one of our English Language Centres

It’s easy to find an English Language Centre (ELC) close to your Victorian Government school:

• 34 of our schools host an in-school English language program
• 9 English Language Schools are located within easy travelling distance.

If you enrol in one of our student programs, your ELC will be chosen by your host school based on where you’ll be living and going to school.

Your Letter of Offer will tell you about your ELC. The International Student Coordinator from your school will be in close contact to help you while you are undertaking your English language studies.

Classes are small at an ELC, ranging from two students up to 15. Multicultural Education Aides provide additional support for the classroom and individuals.

ELCs are equipped with fully networked computers. Audio-visual equipment includes a listening post, tapes and CDs, TV, DVD and video. A range of computer programs are used to help you learn English, including Powerpoint, and Word.

Ongoing support with English as a Second Language Programs in schools

Once you start mainstream classes, your school will continue to teach you ESL through:

• the formal curriculum, which offers a specialised ESL subject
• tutoring, homework clubs, lunchtime and after-school English programs.

Schools with many ESL students have specialist ESL programs to meet the needs of these students across all mainstream classes and subjects.

Specialist advice with Multicultural Education Aides

Multicultural Education Aides support ESL programs in different ways. They’re employed by many schools to help individuals, or small groups of students in the classroom. They also help school staff to:

• communicate with families from language backgrounds other than English
• understand different cultural backgrounds and experiences
• develop teaching materials.