Looking for an ELICOS program to improve your English? EF Foundation English is a 14-week Non AQF Award delivered by EF International Language Schools Pty Ltd. This page provides comprehensive information on fees, entry requirements, locations, and how to apply. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, so you can trust their quality. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students.
EF Foundation English (CRICOS course code 078895M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by EF International Language Schools Pty Ltd over 14 weeks. This ELICOS program (Field of Education 091501) focuses on building foundational English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course is designed for international students who need to improve their English proficiency for further study or personal development. EF International Language Schools (CRICOS provider code 01070M) is a private institution with a strong reputation for language education. As a CRICOS-registered provider, it meets Australian Government standards for delivering courses to overseas students. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced teachers, and a supportive learning environment. The course does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but provides a strong basis for progression to higher-level English courses or vocational programs.
As an ELICOS course in the field of Language and Literature (091501), EF Foundation English covers the fundamental aspects of English language learning. Students develop skills in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational fluency. The curriculum typically includes practical exercises in everyday communication, academic English preparation, and cultural awareness. Graduates of this level are expected to achieve a basic to intermediate command of English, enabling them to handle routine social and work situations. While the specific syllabus is set by EF International Language Schools, the CRICOS register classifies this course under Non AQF Award, meaning it does not align with the Australian Qualifications Framework but still meets quality standards for international students.
The course duration is 14 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and the course is offered as a single qualification (no dual qualification). Study mode is typically full-time, with face-to-face classes at the provider's campuses. Students are expected to attend regular sessions and participate in interactive learning activities. The 14-week structure allows for intensive language development, making it suitable for students who need rapid improvement before pursuing further studies. EF International Language Schools may offer multiple intake dates throughout the year.
The indicative tuition fee for EF Foundation English is A$2,750, with no non-tuition fees listed, giving an estimated total of A$2,750. Please note: these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with EF International Language Schools at www.ef.com. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges. For a single student, OSHC costs approximately A$500–$700 per year, and living costs in Australia average around A$21,000 per year (varies by city). Use HeadStart Academy's free resources to estimate your total budget.
English language requirements vary by provider. For EF Foundation English, typical entry expectations include an IELTS score of 5.5–7.0 overall, depending on the course level. Alternatively, providers may accept equivalent test scores such as TOEFL or PTE, or offer internal placement tests. Students should have completed schooling equivalent to Australian Year 11 or 12, as this course is at a non-AQF level. No foundation studies component is attached. For specific requirements, contact EF International Language Schools directly. All international students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for their student visa application.
This course has no mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake work placements as part of the program. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This allows students to gain part-time work experience and supplement their living costs while studying.
EF Foundation English is delivered at three campuses: 164 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane QLD; 20 Queen Street, Perth WA 6000; and 53 Balfour Street, Chippendale NSW 2008. South Brisbane is part of Brisbane's cultural precinct, with easy access to public transport and a vibrant student community. Brisbane has over 300 CRICOS-registered providers and a lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne. Perth offers a sunny coastal lifestyle with over 200 registered providers; weekly rent averages A$300–$450. Chippendale is near Sydney's CBD and major universities, with higher living costs around A$400–$600 per week for rent. Each campus provides modern facilities and a multicultural environment. Choose a location that suits your lifestyle and budget.
International students enrolling in EF Foundation English need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time, work part-time (48 hours per fortnight during term), and travel in and out of Australia. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement assesses your intention to stay temporarily. You'll also need to demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. HeadStart Academy provides student visa guidance for all course levels, but we are not registered migration agents. For personal visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Applying for EF Foundation English at EF International Language Schools is straightforward. Follow these three steps: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers by filtering courses by level, field, and city. HeadStart Academy's database covers 26,433 courses across all states. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution. Check entry requirements, arrange English language tests, and note application deadlines. EF International Language Schools accepts applications online via www.ef.com. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Your CoE is required for the visa application. Remember that ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, safeguarding your tuition fees and education quality.
Choosing where to study ELICOS depends on your preferences for climate, cost, and lifestyle. Brisbane offers a warm climate and affordable living; the South Brisbane campus is close to the Queensland Art Gallery and South Bank Parklands. Perth is known for its beaches and outdoor lifestyle; the campus on Queen Street is in the city centre near Elizabeth Quay. Sydney's Chippendale campus is in a lively area near the University of Technology Sydney and Central Station. Each city has a strong international student community and excellent public transport. Consider weekly living costs: Brisbane A$250–$400, Perth A$300–$450, Sydney A$400–$600 for rent. Groceries and transport add about A$150–$250 per week. Use HeadStart Academy's city guides to compare.
1. How much does EF Foundation English cost at EF International Language Schools Pty Ltd? The indicative tuition is A$2,750, with no additional non-tuition fees. This total is sourced from the CRICOS register but may change. Always confirm with the provider.
2. How long is EF Foundation English? The course runs for 14 weeks, as listed on CRICOS. It is a full-time program delivered in English.
3. What are the entry requirements for EF Foundation English? English language requirements vary; typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 or equivalent. You should have completed at least Australian Year 11 or equivalent. Check with EF for specific criteria.
4. Where is EF Foundation English delivered? It is available at EF campuses in South Brisbane QLD, Perth WA, and Chippendale NSW. Each campus offers a unique urban experience.
Ready to improve your English in Australia? Follow the 3-step guide above to apply for EF Foundation English at EF International Language Schools. For more information, explore our detailed provider page or visa resources.
View the full EF International Language Schools Pty Ltd profile →
EF Foundation English is a CRICOS-registered programme at EF International Language Schools Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.