English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Overview

This English Language Pathways course gives you the academic English skills you need to pathway into a course at RMIT University or other learning institutes.

Our students come from across the world to learn from passionate educators who have played an integral part of our 50 year history. Our programs use a hybrid of face-to-face, online learning and diverse assessments tasks to set our students up for English excellence in study, work and life.

About English Language Pathways

The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course (course CRICOS Code 076733A) is delivered by RMIT UP (CRICOS Provider No. 01912G). It consists of six levels from Elementary to Advanced Plus. Each level uses both classroom based learning and online learning.

This English Language Pathways course gives you the academic English skills you need to prepare you for success at university by teaching you academic language and using materials relevant to academic coursework. You will also learn university level study skills.

Successful completion can give you direct entry to university without the need to take a formal English test.

One of the unique features of our courses is that we teach using a task-centred approach, which provides you with opportunities to practise what you learn in the real world. To get the most out of your experience, you need to actively participate in class and we encourage you to develop and express your own ideas and opinions.

Our courses:

promote the development of your language and academic skills
teach the skills you need to successfully study at university
contain materials relevant to academic coursework and professional goals
create opportunities to enrich your international experience.

Students in China

Visit the RMIT China site for information about the English Language course in Chinese.

Visit RMIT China

Course overview

6 academic levels

Elementary - Advanced Plus (see course details)

10 week delivery

Each level delivered over 10 weeks (2 x 5 week modules)

20 hours per week

20 hours of scheduled classes per week (plus independent learning)

Small class sizes

For improved learning, average 15 per class, maximum 18

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is an accredited English Language Pathway course delivered by RMIT UP (CRICOS: 076733A).

Hear from our RMIT international students

My future: Maria Eduarda Araujo De Carvalho

Hear from RMIT UP graduate regarding her experience at the Melbourne Centre and when her English studies are taking her.

My experience at RMIT UP

Hear from OHMPPS scholarship recipient, Tony about his experience at RMIT UP.

Why study English with us?

Over 50 years’ experience

Teaching academic English

Centrally located

Within the Melbourne CBD

Tailored academic support

For students on all academic levels

English Bursaries available

The following bursary discounts may be available for eligible English students studying at RMIT:

Details

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Classes are held from Monday to Friday in two x two hour shifts scheduled between 8.00am and 5.30pm.

To assist our growing learning community in Australia, we offer classes in two ‘shifts’. Which shift you will study in will be dependent on your English level and class.

	Session 1	Break	Session 2
Shift 1	8:20am - 10:20am	10:20am - 10:50am	10:50am - 12:50pm
Shift 2	1:00pm - 3:00pm	3:00pm - 3:30pm	3:30pm - 5:30pm

For every four hours in the classroom, we recommend you do at least one hour of independent study every day.

Each level of study consists of 200 hours, which takes 10 weeks full time to complete. Each level is delivered over two 5-week modules.

We have start dates for new students every five weeks.

Enrolment opens two weeks prior to the start of each module.

You can access your timetable via Canvas. All class times are listed in Melbourne time.

2024 Important Dates

Module	Orientation	Course start date	Course end date
7	Fri 23/08/24	Mon 26/08/24	Thurs 26/09/24 (*TBC)
8	Fri 04/10/24	Mon 07/10/24	Fri 08/11/24
9	Fri 08/11/24	Mon 11/11/24	Fri 13/12/24

2025 Important Dates

Module	Orientation	Course start date	Course end date
1	Fri 03/01/25	Mon 06/01/25	Fri 07/02/25
2	Fri 07/02/25	Mon 10/02/25	Fri 14/03/25
3	Fri 14/03/25	Mon 17/03/25	Thurs 17/04/25
4	Thurs 24/04/25	Mon 28/04/25	Fri 30/05/25
5	Fri 30/05/25	Mon 02/06/25	Fri 04/07/25
6	Fri 18/07/25	Mon 21/07/25	Fri 22/08/25
7	Fri 22/08/25	Mon 25/08/25	Thurs 25/09/25 (*TBC)
8	Fri 03/10/25	Mon 06/10/25	Fri 07/11/25
9	Fri 07/11/25	Mon 10/11/25	Fri 12/12/25

**Once you apply to study at RMIT, you will be sent a letter of offer. After you have accepted the offer and paid for your course, you will be issued with a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE). You will then be contacted on the enrolment date to complete the enrolment process.

Public holidays

RMIT Melbourne is closed on public holidays. Plan ahead by checking when they take place at the Business Victoria website.

We offer face-to-face English language teaching in the CBD of Melbourne, Australia. This is in accordance with the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act and directives announced by the Australian Government in October 2022 which require international students who hold an Australian student visa to return to study in Australia from 30 June.

RMIT UP is located at:

RMIT Building 85, Level 1, 97-99 Franklin Street.

RMIT UP is located at RMIT’s Melbourne City campus, in the heart of Melbourne. We are conveniently located between Swanston Street and Elizabeth street, just a short walk from Melbourne Central Station.

The campus has easy access to the city’s many trams and train stations including Melbourne Central train station, Elizabeth Street and Swanston Street trams and the new State Library Station, part of the Metro Tunnel project (open in 2025).

Airport pick-ups

RMIT offers a free* service that collects you from the airport and takes you to your pre-arranged accommodation. Please refer to Prepare to arrive webpage for more information.

Otherwise, you can catch a taxi or take the Skybus into the city centre.

*Conditions apply

English Language Pathways levels

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Learn English to communicate in everyday situations.

What you will learn

Practice listening, speaking, reading and writing about the weather, activities, feelings, routines, giving directions and instructions, likes and dislikes.

Delivery

You will work in pairs, small groups and independently to complete class activities and tasks.

Classes are delivered in person and/or online.

Assessments

You must complete all the following assessments to complete Elementary.

Skills	Assessment Task
Grammar and Vocabulary	Online Grammar and Vocabulary tests
Reading	Examination
Listening	Examination
Writing	Examination
Speaking	Speaking and Presentations throughout the course

Learning outcomes

Reading 

Understand simple instructions and directions
Scan for information in short texts
Understand the main points in simple descriptive texts

Listening 

Understand key points in a short description
Identify data such as numbers, dates and prices
Follow short conversations
Understand the main points in informational or news reports

Writing 

Write a series of sentences on a familiar topic
Complete a form with personal information
Write a description

Speaking

Prepare and give a short presentation on a familiar topic
Give directions or instructions
Participate in everyday transactions
Ask and answer simple questions on personal and familiar topics

Learn how to communicate in English about the present, past and future.

What you will learn

Describe objects, places and people. You will learn to make arrangements, suggestions and how to give instructions. You will read different styles of text and practice listening and speaking.

Delivery

You will work in pairs, small groups and independently to complete class activities and tasks.

Classes are delivered in person and/or online.

Assessments

You must complete all the following assessments to complete English Pre-intermediate.

Skill	Assessment Task
Grammar and Vocabulary	Online Grammar and Vocabulary tests
Reading	Examination
Listening	Examination
Writing	Examination
Speaking	Examination

Learning outcomes

Reading 

Follow a sequence of directions or instructions
Scan for important information in texts
Understand the main points and details in simple descriptions, narratives or opinion texts

Listening 

Understand simple announcements, instructions or directions
Follow a short description, opinion or narrative
Follow and identify topic shifts in a short conversation

Writing

Complete a form with personal information
Write a series of rules or instructions
Write a simple narrative or description using structured paragraphs

Speaking

Give a short presentation about a familiar topic
Manage transactional exchanges
Give a sequence of simple directions or instructions
Participate in simple conversations on a personal or familiar topic

Learn grammar and vocabulary to use in study and in everyday life.

What you will learn

You will write structured paragraphs and essays and describe graphs. You will practise reading and listening to news and other texts and you will express your opinions on a range of topics, supporting your ideas with reasons.

Delivery

You will work in pairs, small groups and independently to complete class activities and tasks.

Classes are delivered in person and/or online.

Assessments

You must complete all the following assessments to complete English Intermediate.

Skill	Assessment Task
Grammar and Vocabulary	Online Grammar and Vocabulary Tests
Reading	Examination
Listening	Examination
Writing	Graph Description Examination and Compare/Contrast Essay Examination
Speaking	Examination

Learning outcomes

Reading

Understand the main points, details and conclusions in texts presenting a clear point of view
Follow an extended sequence of clear instructions
Scan to locate information in texts

Listening

Understand instructions and procedures
Follow a talk containing a description, narrative or opinion
Understand the main points in a discussion or interview

Writing

Write a short essay presenting a description or comparison
Write a brief report and describe a simple process
Write a description or narrative based on experiences and feelings

Speaking

Give a prepared presentation to an audience
Give a sequence of instructions or describe a process
Participate in conversations, expressing opinions, attitudes and feelings

Develop and enhance your academic English skills.

What you will learn

You will learn grammar and vocabulary that will help you to understand complex texts. You will practice listening to lectures and writing academic essays and you will also participate in regular group discussions (tutorials) which will develop your speaking and listening skills.

Delivery

You will work in pairs, small groups and independently to complete class activities and tasks.

Classes are delivered in person and/or online.

Assessments

You must complete all the following assessments to complete English Upper-intermediate.

Skill	Assessment Task
Reading	Response and Reflection Online Journal and Examination
Listening	Response and Reflection Online Journal and Examination
Writing	Essay Completion Examination and Essay Examination
Speaking	Tutorials and Group Oral Presentation

Learning outcomes

Reading

Scan to locate relevant information in short articles or reports
Follow the argument in texts presenting a point of view
Understand information presented in a complex graphic
Follow lengthy instructions

Listening

Understand main ideas and specific information in lectures
Follow the main points and details of a discussion or interview
Predict the structure of information presented in a range of listening genres

Writing 

Write a well-structured paragraph
Form paragraphs into a well-structured essay
Write a short report using statistics and graphics
Express views and feelings in reflective writing pieces

Speaking 

Research and give a presentation on an issue
Explain a problem, give details and explore causes and effects
Participate in social and academic discussions, expressing opinions, giving information and sharing feelings

Develop academic skills to prepare for university.

What you will learn

Delivery

You will work in pairs, small groups and independently to complete class activities and tasks.

Classes are delivered in person and/or online.

Assessments

You must complete all the following assessments to complete English Advanced.

Skill	Assessment Task
Reading	Response and Reflection Online Journal and Examination
Listening	Response and Reflection Online Journal and Examination
Writing	Referenced Essay Examination and Critical Response Examination
Speaking	Tutorials and Oral Presentation

Learning outcomes

Reading

Scan long texts and compare information from different sources
Understand referenced arguments, complex instructions and procedures
Understand the main points and details in a range of text types on familiar and unfamiliar topics

Listening

Follow the main points of a complex presentation
Follow the main points in a discussion with multiple speakers
Follow the development of an argument

Writing

Write a cohesive paragraph or essay that incorporates research
Write a short report or case study discussing research results
Reflect on your experiences in writing

Speaking

Give a clear, well-structured presentation
Give a sequence of instructions or describe a process
Participate in social and academic discussions

Develop academic and research skills to prepare you for university in Australia.

What you will learn

You will conduct secondary research and present your findings in a written report and in an oral presentation. You will develop reading and listening skills to help you understand academic articles and lectures.

Delivery

You will work in pairs, small groups and independently to complete class activities and tasks.
Classes are delivered in person and/or online.

Assessments

You must complete all the following assessments to complete English Advanced plus.

Skill	Assessment Task
Reading	Response and Reflection Online Journal and Examination
Listening	Response and Reflection Online Journal and Examination
Writing	Research Report and Critical Response Examination
Speaking	Tutorials and Oral Presentations

Learning outcomes

Reading

Understand lengthy, complex texts related to academic or professional contexts
Scan long and complex texts to locate relevant information
Understand complex referenced texts with stated and unstated opinions and points of view

Listening 

Understand complex extended messages and technical information
Follow arguments in complex presentations and documentaries
Follow extended discussions, debates and interviews

Writing 

Write a report that incorporates research 
Write a critical response evaluating multiple texts
Write an annotated bibliography
Write reflectively about the learning process

Speaking

Give a clear, well-structured presentation on a complex topic
Take part in team negotiations
Exchange ideas fluently and in social or academic discussions

Professional recognition and accreditation

RMIT UP English Language Pathways courses Elementary to Advanced is quality endorsed by NEAS.

Find out more

neas.org.au

Entry requirements and admissions

We will place you in a class that matches your most recent IELTS or other recognised English language proficiency test results, which can be no more than 24 months old. See the Pathways table below to see the test results required for different levels.

We may also test you when you arrive to confirm your level of English. If we assess you at a different level than the one provided in your application, you may need to study more or fewer weeks than originally offered. This may affect when you can start the next program you had planned to study.

If you do not have an IELTS score (or English test equivalent) you can sit a placement test at RMIT UP. Contact your RMIT agent or RMIT UP to arrange a placement test.

To apply for the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course you must complete one of the following:

RMIT UP placement test
*RMIT UP placement test results are only valid for 6 months from the test date. Students applying to study English Language Pathways will need to have a valid RMIT UP Placement test result or will be asked to re-sit a test before enrolment or on arrival for the start of class.
IELTS English test
TOEFL iBT English test
PTE English test

Your English language test results will indicate which academic level you will be eligible to enter. (see below)

RMIT UP levels of study	Elementary  (10 weeks)	Pre-Intermediate (10 weeks)	Intermediate  (10 weeks)	Upper-Intermediate  (10 weeks)	Advanced  (10 weeks)	Advanced Plus  (10 weeks)
IELTS	3.5  no band <3.0	4.0  no band <3.5	4.5  no band < 4.0	5.0  no band <4.5	5.5  no band <5.0	6.0  No band  <5.5
TOEFL iBT	28	30	33	40  (Minimum: Listening 3, Reading 3, Speaking 12, Writing 12)	50  (Minimum: Listening 5, Reading 5, Speaking 14, Writing 15)	60  (Minimum: Listening 9, Reading 10, Speaking 16, Writing 19)
PTE	23	30	33	36	42	50
CAE	-	-	-	-	162	169

How to apply

You can apply for an English program at the same time you apply for further study at RMIT.

For example you might apply for English Language Pathways leading to a Bachelor Degree. This is called a 'package' and allows you to apply for a single visa for the full duration of your studies.

Pathway to further study

If you successfully complete an Upper Intermediate, Advanced or Advanced Plus language course, you can pathway straight into many RMIT courses without having to complete a further English language test.

Your current IELTS level	3.5 no band < 3.0	4.0 no band < 3.5	4.5 no band < 4.0	5.0 no band < 4.5	5.5 no band < 5.0	6.0 no band < 5.5
Your current TOEFL iBT level	28	30	33	40 (Minimum of 3 for Listening and Reading; and 12 for Speaking and Writing)	50 (Minimum of 5 for Listening and Reading; 14 for Speaking and 15 for Writing)	60 (Minimum of 9 for Listening, 16 for Speaking, 10 for Reading and 19 for Writing)
Your current PTE level	23	30	33	36	42	50
Your current CAE level	-	-	-	-	162	169
Your recommended English program	Elementary	Pre Intermediate	Intermediate	Upper Intermediate	Advanced	Advanced Plus
Your next possible program	Pre Intermediate	Intermediate	Upper Intermediate	Advanced or RMIT Foundation Studies and Vocational Education programs	Advanced plus or RMIT Associate Degrees	RMIT Higher Education programs

Fees

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	2024
Fee per week of study	AU$520
Enrolment fee	AU$260

*Fees are listed in Australian dollars

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
Some programs incur additional expenses.

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Explore scholarships

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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RMIT UP Student Services will contact all new students via email with important information about enrolment and orientation.

Enrolment

Enrolment opens 2 weeks prior to the start of each module. New students will receive an email from Student Services with:

The enrolment form – complete the form to enrol
Information about how to access your RMIT student email and Canvas account

Orientation

Orientation is compulsory for all new English for Academic Purposes students. It takes place on the Friday before the start of each module.

The orientation program covers:

Academic Support: Find out about the assessment and academic support available
Student Experience: Learn about the activities and events at RMIT UP. It’s a great way to meet other students
Wellbeing: Find out how to access confidential support services available to guide you through your studies
Student Services: Learn more about your tuition fees, attendance, and policies/procedures

Need help?

Contact the RMIT UP Student Services team at rmit.up.studentservices@rmit.edu.au

The length of your English Language Pathways program will be determined by your current level of English, the level of English you wish to reach, and how well you progress. English Language Pathways at RMIT UP is delivered in 5-week modules. Each level is delivered over two 5-week modules.

The first step is to take an English language placement test. The test will evaluate your reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities. The results will determine what level you will be placed in.

You can book a free RMIT UP placement test online.

Please contact us for further information.

You can book a free RMIT UP placement test online.

Please contact us for further information.

RMIT UP is an official testing centre for IELTS and PTE.

RMIT UP offers 6 levels of English Language Pathways from Elementary to Advanced Plus.

RMIT UP assesses English Language Pathways students through tasks, quizzes, and final assessments. It is very important that you attend all classes and remain engaged with your course for the best possible outcome.

Please view RMIT UP's policies on assessments for more information.

Please view RMIT UP's policies and procedures.

Information for new students

Everything you need to know for your first few weeks at RMIT including enrolment information, timetables and orientation.

Learn more

Student services

Explore the services, activities and support available to you as a student.

Learn more

Campus tour

Do you want to see where you could be studying? We have put together a virtual campus tour.

Learn more

Get in touch with RMIT UP

Enquire now

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Overview

About English Language Pathways

Students in China

Course overview

6 academic levels

10 week delivery

20 hours per week

Small class sizes

Hear from our RMIT international students

My future: Maria Eduarda Araujo De Carvalho

My experience at RMIT UP

Why study English with us?

Over 50 years’ experience

Centrally located

Tailored academic support

English Bursaries available

Details

Timetable and duration

Important dates

2024 Important Dates

2025 Important Dates

Public holidays

Delivery method

Location

RMIT UP is located at:

Airport pick-ups

English Language Pathways levels

Elementary

What you will learn

Delivery

Assessments

Learning outcomes

Pre-intermediate

What you will learn

Delivery

Assessments

Learning outcomes

Intermediate

What you will learn

Delivery

Assessments

Learning outcomes

Upper-intermediate

What you will learn

Delivery

Assessments

Learning outcomes

Advanced

What you will learn

Delivery

Assessments

Learning outcomes

Advanced plus

What you will learn

Delivery

Assessments

Learning outcomes

Professional recognition and accreditation

Find out more

Entry requirements and admissions

Entry requirements

Application requirements

How to apply

Apply as an international student

Apply through an agent

Permanent resident or Australian Citizen

Pathway to further study

Fees

Fee summary

Other costs

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

Important fee information

Applying for refunds

Scholarships

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do I enrol in my English Language Pathways course and attend orientation?

Enrolment

Orientation