Contact us
- Future Student team
- T: +61 2 9850 7346
- E: study@mq.edu.au
Dates and fees
See key dates and fee information for our English programs
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Study an award-winning English language program
Offered at the Macquarie University College, our internationally-recognised programs draw on over 30 years' experience to help you improve your English skills for success in study, work and life.
Located at the heart of the vibrant Macquarie University campus, our programs are delivered by passionate teachers and staff who are focused on delivering on the university’s commitment to international student success and support.
Why study with us
Learn from leaders in English language training
Our teaching staff are leaders in the field and are adept at motivating students. They are highly engaged in their ongoing professional development and are deeply committed to:
- participating in Macquarie University College's peer teaching observation program
- reading and discussing scholarly work to follow best practice and embrace innovative teaching ideas
- conducting research with the Macquarie University Linguistics Department
- undertaking Action Research
- publishing books and journal articles
- presenting at national and international conferences (over 50 recent presentations and webinars for fellow teachers).
Accreditation and industry recognition
Accredited by peak bodies
We are accredited by the Australian government, are an active member of English Australia and University English Centres Australia (UECA), and have a quality endorsement from the National ELT Accreditation Scheme (NEAS).
Industry recognised programs
Macquarie University College is a leader in the English language teaching sector and has won many national industry awards:
- English Australia Award for Outstanding Contribution to ELICOS in 2020 and 2021
- NEAS Premium Product Endorsement for Foundation Direct Entry and Diploma Direct Entry Programs 2020
- IELTS/English Australia Award for Academic Leadership 2017
- ETS TOEFL/English Australia Award for Innovation 2015
- Pearson/English Australia Award for Contribution to Professional Practice 2015
- ETS/TOEFL Award for Innovation (Highly Commended) 2015
- Pearson/English Australia Award for Contribution to Professional Practice 2012.
Benefits beyond the classroom
Benefit from our Learning hub
Your opportunities to improve your English don't end in the classroom. Our dedicated Learning Hub is generally open from 10.00am–4.00pm Monday to Friday, and is very popular with our students. You can choose to study here before or after class to use our online resources and books, do your homework or research a class project.
You can also attend free workshops and study groups to develop your speaking, writing, academic skills, grammar and pronunciation, and to check in with our support staff for advice. We deliver about 200 workshops and study groups each year to support your English development.
Build your English skills outside the classroom
Take part in a range of free or low-cost social activities that we organise especially for you. By taking part in our social activities program, you can practise your English, make friends, learn new skills and enjoy your time in Australia. The more you practise English, the more your communication skills within Australian society will improve.
Student advisers
At Macquarie University College there is always someone to help you. We care about our students and understand the importance of student wellbeing.
You can talk to one of our dedicated Student Advisers about your studies, your goals, our policies, or about life in Australia. They are qualified and experienced in not only advising students but also classroom teaching.
Our team of student advisers also deliver a comprehensive orientation program at the commencement of your program to ensure you are set up for success.
Our English programs
Strong English language skills will positively impact your personal growth, academic success and career opportunities.
Finding your English pathway
Your ideal program will depend on your current English skills, and also the goal of your study with us. This may be:
- to move into a Macquarie Foundation program (pathway to Bachelor degree)
- to move into a Diploma program (pathway to Bachelor degree)
- to move into a Macquarie University undergraduate or postgraduate degree
- to improve your English skills with no further university study.
General English
General English builds basic language skills, either as a stand-alone program or as preparation for an Academic English program. Depending on your English level you may require none, some or all of the below units.
- G1, G2, G3 and G4 (10 weeks)
- G5 (5 weeks)
Academic English
Academic English builds language skills required in university study. Depending on your English level, you may a) progress to these units via General English units, b) enter Academic English units directly, or c) not require Academic English units.
- A1, A2, A3 and A4 (5 weeks)
- A1 for Foundation (5 weeks)
- A1 for Diploma (5 weeks)
- A2 for Diploma (5 weeks)
Direct Entry programs
Direct Entry programs prepare you to move straight into a Macquarie University degree or pathway program (Foundation or Diploma). You may meet the requirements to begin your chosen Direct Entry program immediately, or you may need to study General and/or Academic English units in order to meet the required level.
- Foundation Direct Entry (10 weeks) - Progress via 'A1 for Foundation' unit.
- Diploma Direct Entry (10 weeks) - Progress via 'A2 for Diploma' unit.
- Direct Entry to Undergraduate or Postgraduate Degree (10 weeks) - Progress via 'A4' unit.
- Intensive Preparation program (5 weeks) - Enter this unit directly if you have almost met the English requirements for your chosen Undergraduate or Postgraduate degree.
How many weeks of English you will need
Depending on your English level and your goals, you can study:
- Academic English for five to 20 weeks
- General English for five to 50 weeks.
There are nine possible start dates throughout the year.
The following table provides estimates of how many weeks of study it would take to reach different overall IELTS scores, based on your current overall IELTS score.
Current overall score | Weeks to reach 5.5 | Weeks to reach 6.0 | Weeks to reach 6.5 | Weeks to reach 7.0 | Weeks to reach 7.5 |
| 30–40 | 40–50 | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ |
| 20–30 | 30–40 | 40–50 | 50+ | 50+ |
| 10–20 | 20–30 | 30–40 | 40–50 | 50+ |
| 1–10 | 10–20 | 20–30 | 30–40 | 40–50 |
| – | 1–10 | 10–0 | 20–30 | 30–40 |
| – | – | 1–10 | 10–20 | 20–30 |
| – | – | – | 1–10 | 10–20 |