English language program

ANU ELICOS

Start your study journey with our English language program

The UC English Language Program - CRICOS code: 059330F (delivered for ANU English Language Program), offered in partnership with the University of Canberra (UC) and the University of Canberra College (UCC), can now help you meet the ANU English language requirement. Learn more about the benefits, eligibility, program details and more.

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Why is this program a smart pathway to studying at ANU?

  • Arrive in Australia sooner: Meet the ANU English language requirement while practising the language every day with native speakers as you transition to life in Canberra.
  • Boost your English skills for Semester 1, 2026: Learn in a dynamic environment with experienced teachers and international classmates.
  • Transition to ANU: Completing the UC English Language Program is your ticket to meeting the minimum English language requirement for ANU.
  • Package your study: If you’re accepted into the UC English Language Program, you will receive a packaged offer from ANU for your ANU degree program and the 10- or 20- week language program, allowing you to apply for a visa to cover both study options.

Program details

10-week English Program

Name: UC English Language Program

Dates: 10 weeks, 10 November 2025 – 6 February 2026.

Cost:  A$5,200 (A$520 per week)*

Location: ANU Acton Campus

20-week English Program

Name: UC English Language Program

Dates: 20 weeks, 11 August 2025 – 6 February 2026.

Cost:  A$10,400 (A$520 per week)*

Location: University of Canberra Campus (approximately 10 minutes by car from the ANU Acton Campus)

* The listed rates are based on 2025 figures as of the current publication date

Accommodation

ANU guarantees an offer for a place in one of our student residences, supporting you as you settle into life in Canberra and prepare for university study. Living on campus makes it easier to transition into life at ANU after your English language program. Those applying for the 20-week program in August 2025 apply for selected rooms at Davey and Warrumbul Lodge before 31 August 2025 and receive a $1,500 rebate.

Student accommodation may also be available at the University of Canberra. You may also source your own accommodation if you prefer to live off-campus.

Am I eligible for this program?

You are eligible to meet the ANU English language requirement via the UC English Language Program if you:

  • are 18 years old or over
  • intend to commence study at ANU in Semester 1, 2026
  • have a conditional offer from ANU that requires you to meet the English language requirement. If your offer has other conditions, though, you must satisfy these before applying for the UC English Language Program.
  • have already achieved one of the following results in an English test
  • ANU and UC offer different entry requirements to cater to your English level. Entrance requirements for the 10- and 20- week programs vary.

10-week English program requirements

IELTS (Academic), Oneskill Retake An overall score of at least 6.0 with no band less than 5.5
TOEFL (internet-based test)

An overall score of at least 60 with the following minimum scores:

  • writing 18
  • speaking 16
  • reading 8
  • listening 7
Pearson Test of English (Academic) An overall score of at least 50 with no communicative skill below 42
Cambridge C1 Advanced An overall score of at least 169 with no band less than 162

20-week English program requirements

IELTS (Academic), Oneskill Retake An overall score of at least 5.5 with no band less than 5.5
TOEFL (internet-based test)

An overall score of at least 46 with the following minimum scores:

  • writing 18
  • speaking 16
  • reading 8
  • listening 7
Pearson Test of English (Academic) An overall score of at least 42 with no communicative skill below 42
Cambridge C1 Advanced An overall score of at least 162 with no band less than 162

Learn more about satisfying the ANU English Language policy.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply for the UC English Language Program now using the following steps.

Step 1: Apply to ANU

Apply to ANU by the applicable date below. If you’re eligible, ANU will send you an offer conditional on meeting the Australian National University’s English language requirement.

10-week program: Deadline to apply to ANU, 24 August 2025

20-week program: Deadline to apply to ANU, 18 June 2025

Step 2: Apply for the UC English Language Program

Apply for the UC English Language Program, taught by the University of Canberra College, by the applicable date below. You must upload your conditional ANU offer and your latest English test results during the application process.

10-week program: Deadline to apply to UC, 7 September 2025

20-week program: Deadline to apply to UC, 23 June 2025

Step 3: Accept your ANU and University of Canberra College (UCC) offers

Follow the instructions in your offer letters to accept your conditional offer from ANU and UCC by the applicable date listed below. Places in the English language program fill quickly, so accept your offer from UCC as early as possible.

10-week program: Accept both offers by 22 September 2025

20-week program: Accept both offers by 7 July 2025

Step 4: Apply for a student visa

After accepting your offer, you will receive a packaged Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) letter for the period of your UC English Language Program and ANU studies. You will need this COE to apply for a student visa that covers you for the duration of your ANU and UCC studies.

Step 5: Complete the English language program

Complete the UC English Language Program. Upon successful completion, you will receive your final offer from ANU.

Step 6: Start your studies at ANU! 

Commence studying for your ANU degree in Semester 1, 2026.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Learn more about the UC English Language Program by reading our FAQs.

Is this program accredited?

The UC English Language Program is accredited and well-developed. It includes an intervention process and support services to help students’ academic performance.

Is the program also available online?

No, the program is only offered in person.

Where is the program being delivered?

The 10-week program will be delivered at ANU Acton campus.

The 20-week program will be delivered at the University of Canberra campus.

How do I apply for a room in student accommodation?

You can apply online through the ANU accommodation portal. It is free to apply and only takes a few minutes. As part of the process, you can choose three preferred residences. Compare our residences here.

If you’re interested in staying at the University of Canberra, you can apply for UC accommodation here.

If you’re applying as part of your English language program, your accommodation contract will align with your program dates.

Will I automatically progress to studying at ANU if I pass the UC English Language program?

Yes, but only if you have met all the requirements of your conditional ANU offer. When you have met the requirements, ANU will send you a non-conditional or final offer for your records. You will not need to accept this offer.

Can ANU organise the mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for me?

Yes. After you have accepted your conditional offer, you can ask ANU to organise your mandatory health insurance. The insurance will cover the English language program period and the duration of your ANU degree.

Your ANU deposit will cover the cost of your OSHC. Learn more about health insurance in your offer letter.

How many contact hours will I have each week?

You will have two 2-hour daily lessons during the UC English Language Program, separated by a 1-hour lunch break. The total contact hours are 20 per week, plus more time if you need extra support.

How will the program be assessed?

The English language program assessments include assignments and Week 5 and Week 10 exams. The minimum passing grade for each assessment and overall is 50%. For more information, request a copy of the student handbook from the University of Canberra College.

What happens if I fail the English language program?

If you are unable to complete the UC English Language Program successfully, you can either:

  1. Satisfy the conditions in your ANU offer by achieving the requisite score on one of the following English language tests:
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • TOEFL iBT
    • Cambridge C1 Advanced
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
  2. Request to delay your commencement at ANU to a later intake.

Learn more about satisfying the ANU English language policy.

Can I package the UC English Language program with an ANU program commencing in Summer or Winter terms (e.g. Master of Laws)

Unfortunately, it is usually not possible to package the UC English Language program with ANU programs commencing in Summer or Winter terms. This is because the Summer / Winter programs usually have an earlier start date than the standard Semester 1 / Semester 2 start date, so there won’t be time to finish the UC English Language program before commencing at ANU in the Summer / Winter term. For further advice, please contact acceptance@anu.edu.au.

Will I be subject to a Genuine Student (GS) check?

Yes. The Department of Home Affairs has introduced the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, placing increased responsibility on Australian universities to ensure that international applicants have a genuine intention to study in Australia. To meet these requirements, all applicants to The Australian National University (ANU) must be assessed as Genuine Students (GS) before receiving a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

If you receive an offer to study at ANU, your offer letter may state that, before accepting your offer or paying any deposit, you are required to complete the ANU GS Assessment Form and return it to acceptance@anu.edu.au. You may also be contacted later to provide additional documents, such as a personal statement, Curriculum Vitae (CV) or other evidence, to support the assessment of your GS status.

For more information, see here.

UC College is an Australian Government Higher Education (CRICOS) Provider #00212K

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