ELICOS deserves a bigger place in the international education debate
In a year when English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) visa grants in Australia have decreased by nearly 50%, it’s more important than ever to recognise and celebrate the benefits English language pathways contribute to international education.
Every year, more than 150,000 international students come on a student visa to study English in Australia. Many more come to study English on visitor visas as part of a short university or high school group program. Students come to Australia for its high-quality education, multicultural environment, welcoming atmosphere and opportunity to enjoy the Australian culture and lifestyle.
While many English language pathways students stay for a short time only, others pathway into an Australian university and return home after completing their studies, bringing back improved language skills and a broadened international outlook.
The English language education sector holds significant financial clout, with English Australia highlighting that the Australian sector accounts for 15% of global enrolments in an industry valued at USD $11.7 billion. The sector creates a robust pipeline of international students for universities, stimulating economic growth, expanding market diversity and enriching cultural exchange.
Traditionally, Australian universities have relied heavily on China and the sub-continent for the bulk of our international student enrolments.
We learnt tough lessons during and post COVID that if any of these core markets fail, universities are left with a massive shortfall, a loss in revenue and a decline in the number of international student numbers.
At RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP), we’re constantly exploring English language pathway markets traditionally viewed as peripheral. While these markets can be developed into larger numbers, the benefits have a flow-on effect that goes beyond pie charts.
A diverse student cohort at the pathway level creates a rich, engaging environment, where students are more inclined to branch out of their cultural groups, and connect with other students using the language they’ve all come together to learn – English.
If any of these core markets fail, universities are left with a massive shortfall, a loss in revenue and a decline in the number of international student numbers
A respected Colombian influencer, Camila Zuluaga Barrera, who recently visited RMIT UP while her husband studied with us, shared her experiences with her followers on social media.
“Felipe really enjoyed meeting students from so many different cultures – people from all around the world. That was really amazing for us – we don’t get that opportunity in Colombia as often,” she told us.
By the time our students transition to university, not only are their connections broader than their own language and culture – they’re expanding their thinking about their own future and global possibilities.
English language pathway students who go onto further study in Australia are more likely to remain with us throughout their academic journey because they’ve been equipped for success, formed friendships and professional connections, and developed a sense of loyalty. This, in turn, continues to contribute to the local economy and enhance the social fabric of society.
From day one, RMIT UP creates a supportive and inclusive environment for our students, linking them with support services and opportunities to make friends and connections with other students. This was evidenced by our results in the latest Australia-wide English Language Barometer Survey for ELICOS students, where RMIT UP achieved the highest satisfaction rate for face-to-face orientations among 17 Australian English language centres, in a competitive field including 15 university-based centres, seven from the Group of Eight.
English remains the most popular language in the world to learn, driven by its role as the international language of business, technology, and academia.
Let’s support the positive momentum by preserving the balance that makes English language pathways such a successful contributor to both international education and society.
About the author: Jake Heinrich is the CEO of RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP), an international education provider owned by RMIT University, Australia.
Jake has held management and executive positions across a number of markets; China, Vietnam and Australia, in higher education and pathways institutions. He also spent time at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, where he was responsible for a range of international education products.
Jake joined RMIT Vietnam in 2016 as director of the School of English and University Pathways (SEUP) and commenced at RMIT UP in 2018, leading the commercial, operations and finance department before being appointed CEO in September 2021.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Education (TESOL) and a Master of Business Administration, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
Jake is committed to his vision for the international education sector, striving to always offer the best of pedagogy enhanced with a rich and diverse student experience.
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