Quality assurance of English language training
Australia has a highly-regarded national accreditation scheme for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) institutions that sets standards for class sizes, the professional qualifications of teachers, curriculum, teaching methods and materials.
National ELICOS Accreditation Scheme (NEAS)
The National ELICOS Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) is Australia's official English language training accreditation system. It is internationally renowned as world's best practice in the regulation and quality assurance of English language tuition. Under NEAS, private and publicly funded institutions must meet the same rigorous standards. NEAS is a highly-regarded national accreditation scheme for English language teaching centres that sets standards for:
- class sizes;
- the professional qualifications of teachers
- approved curriculum
- teaching methods and materials
- accommodation services provided by the college
- orientation programs on arrival
- organised social and cultural activities; and
- welfare counselling.
The Australian Council of Private Education and Training (ACPET) is the peak association of private providers of higher education and vocational education and training in Australia. It represents over 400 members in dealing with government, the education and training community and has, as its mission, the enhancement of quality, choice, innovation and diversity in Australian education and training for individual, national and global development.
English Australia (EA) represents over 100 member colleges throughout Australia who provide quality English language programs to students from around the world. English Australia member colleges are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for students. The advantages of choosing an English Australia member college include:
- High standards of operation (through membership of the National ELT Accreditation Scheme and the EA Code of Conduct)
- Protection of student tuition fees for all students, regardless of visa type (through membership of the EA Tuition Assurance Scheme)
- Teaching by qualified and experienced teachers
- Extensive program information available to all students
- A wealth of services providing support to students (including orientation programs and social programs)
- Programs are taught using the latest technology
- Learning within a diverse cultural mix
In 2010 over 80% of students taking an English language course in Australia chose to study at an English Australia member college.
Please contact English Australia at easec@englishaustralia.com.au for further information.
Education Services for Overseas Students ESOS
All students on a student visa are covered by the consumer and financial protections of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000.
A brief summary of the ESOS framework is available. (pdf 51 kb or rtf 319 kb)