English language program
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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.
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: 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 English language program, allowing you to apply for a visa to cover both study options.
UC English Language program details
| Details | 10 week program | 20 week program |
|---|---|---|
| For commencement at ANU in Semester 2 2026 | Start Date: 4th May 2026 End Date: 10th July 2026 | Start Date: 16th February 2026 End Date: 10th July 2026 |
| For commencement at ANU in Semester 1 2027 | Start Date: 16 November 2026 End Date: 5 February 2027 | Start Date: 24 August 2026 End Date: 5 February 2027 |
| Cost | A$5,500 (A$550 per week)* | A$11,000 (A$550 per week)* |
| Location | ANU Acton Campus | University of Canberra Campus |
* The listed rates are based on 2025 figures as of the current publication date.
Accommodation
You can live on campus while you complete the ELICOS program.
You are guaranteed accommodation at one of our residences at ANU. If you choose to live on campus, we will also provide you with support to help you settle into life in Canberra and prepare for university study.
If you successfully complete the ELICOS program and continue your studies at ANU, your accommodation contract will be extended for the rest of the year, consistent with our contract dates.
You can apply for accommodation through the ELICOS pathway on our accommodation portal.
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 or Semester 2
- 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 different programs vary.
| Entry Requirements | 10 week program | 20 week program |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic), Oneskill Retake | An overall score of at least 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 | An overall score of at least 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 |
| TOEFL (internet-based test) |
An overall score of at least 67with the following minimum scores:
|
An overall score of at least 51 with the following minimum score:
|
| Pearson Test of English (Academic) | An overall score of at least 50 with no communicative skill below 42 |
An overall score of at least 42 with the following minimum scores:
|
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | An overall score of at least 169 with no band less than 162 | An overall score of at least 162 with no band less than 162 |
| LanguageCert Academic |
An overall score of 61 with the following minimum scores:
|
An overall score of 54 with the following minimum scores:
|
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: Confirm the key application and offer deadlines for ANU and UC English Language Programs
- 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.
- 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.
- If eligible, you can expect to receive a conditional offer for the UC English Language Program. This offer will be conditional upon meeting the Genuine Student (GS) requirements as assessed by ANU. Please contact acceptance@anu.edu.au for further information.
- Once the GS requirements have been satisfied, you will receive an unconditional offer for the UC English Language Program, and you will be able to accept your offers.
- Follow the instructions in your offer letters to accept your conditional offer from ANU and your unconditional offer from 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 to secure your position and allow sufficient time to apply for your student visa.
| Details | 10 week program | 20 week program | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For commencement at ANU in Semester 1 2027 | Deadline to apply to ANU | 28 August 2026 | 5 June 2026 |
| Deadline to apply for the UC English Language Program | 11 September 2026 | 19 June 2026 | |
| Deadline to accept both ANU and UCC offers | 2 October 2026 | 10 July 2026 | |
| Commence UC English Language Program | 16 November 2026 | 24 August 2026 | |
| For commencement at ANU in Semester 2 2026 | Deadline to apply to ANU | 20 February 2026 | 14 November 2025 |
| Deadline to apply for the UC English Language Program | 6 March 2026 | 28 November 2025 | |
| Deadline to accept both ANU and UCC offers | 20 March 2026 | 19 December 2025 | |
| Commence UC English Language Program | 4 May 2026 | 16 February 2026 |
Step 2: 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 3: Complete the English language program
Complete the UC English Language Program. Upon successful completion, you will receive your final offer from ANU.
Step 4: Start your studies at ANU!
Commence your ANU program the following semester.
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 Bruce campus.
How do I apply to live on campus during the ELICOS program?
Living on campus is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the English language and improve your fluency. You will also get support to help you settle into life in Canberra and prepare for university study.
You can apply for on-campus accommodation at ANU through our accommodation portal.
Please apply through the 2026 ELICOS application pathway.
You will be able to choose your preferred residence when you apply. While we will do our best to offer you a place in your preferred residence, this is not always possible.
Please let us know when you complete your application if you have any medical concerns or other issues you think we should know.
If you have already been accepted into the ELICOS program, you can expect to receive an offer of accommodation from us within two business days.
Please contact our Residential Services team by emailing uni.accom@anu.edu.au if you have any questions or need help submitting your application.
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 exams. 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:
-
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
- 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 for the UC English Language Program, your offer letter will initially be conditional on meeting the GS requirements as assessed by ANU. Please contact acceptance@anu.edu.au for further guidance about whether any additional documentation is required. You may be requested 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.
What is the refund policy for the ELICOS program?
Should you wish to withdraw from the program, or if you are unable to secure a student visa, your eligibility for a refund will be guided by your personal circumstances and the point at which you withdraw.
Refunds will be managed by the respective institutions. For more information, please see the refund policies of ANU and UC.
What is the length of the ELICOS accommodation contract?
Our accommodation contracts for ELICOS students commencing in May are for 12 weeks from 1 May until 25 July 2026. Please let our Residential Services team know if you need to arrive or depart on another date and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
If you successfully complete the ELICOS program and continue your studies at ANU, your accommodation contract will be extended for the rest of the year, consistent with our contract dates.
If you don’t pass the program, your contract will end on 25 July 2026.
Your accommodation is guaranteed for the duration of your study at ANU, unless you breach the Occupancy Agreement.
How do I get help with on-campus accommodation?
Please reach out to our Residential Services team, who will be able to assist you with securing on-campus accommodation at ANU.
You can email uni.accom@anu.edu.au or call +61 2 6125 1100 on Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm Canberra time.
If you are ready to apply, you can make an application through our accommodation portal.
UC College is an Australian Government Higher Education (CRICOS) Provider #00212K
