A language school in Sydney, Australia, to improve your English
ELC Sydney: an English school at the heart of Australian city life
ELC Sydney is aimed at students who want to learn English in Australia in a large international city, active and very well connected. The school benefits from a central location that lets you experience Sydney to the full, while keeping a clear and reassuring framework for the stay.
A central address for discovering Sydney
Set in the heart of the city, the school gives easy access to transport, to the iconic districts and to local life. This kind of location really changes the experience of a language course: everything feels simpler, smoother and more alive.
Courses
Flexible start dates
Intensive General English
From410,00 AUD/ week
1 to 52 weeks
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at ELC Sydney
ELC's most popular course: fast-paced, open to all levels and customisable with elective and optional classes. It improves everyday communication, with particular attention to speaking, listening and vocabulary.
Studying in the daytime means enjoying school life fully, meeting students from many countries and joining the social activities. Many students use it to build a base before moving to an academic or exam course, and it works for short stays on a visitor or working holiday visa as well as longer study on a student visa.
Flexible start dates
General + Business English
From410,00 AUD/ week
1 to 52 weeks
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at ELC Sydney
A mix of general English and workplace English. Students follow general classes on four days of the week, plus elective classes, and spend Fridays in full days of Business English.
Classmates share similar goals: more formal communication styles, vocabulary for a range of work contexts and stronger professional language.
Flexible start dates
English for Academic Purposes
From410,00 AUD/ week
1 to 52 weeks
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at ELC Sydney
For students aiming at an Australian university or college. The course blends IELTS skills with academic ones, such as research and presentation skills, and is recognised by over thirty institutions in Sydney for direct-entry pathways.
Small classes and a multicultural atmosphere help students practise, and the course is designed so they are ready for lectures and first assignments, not only for an exam.
See the 12 other coursesCollapse the list
Flexible start dates
Semi-Intensive General English
From440,00 AUD/ week
1 to 17 weeks
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at ELC Sydney
A part-time general English option for people visiting Sydney for a short time. Classes run in the morning and early afternoon, Monday to Thursday, leaving the afternoons free for sightseeing or a job search.
It is popular with more mature students and working holiday makers. The school notes that this course does not qualify students for a student visa.
Flexible start dates
Premium English
From985,00 AUD/ week
1 to 52 weeks
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at ELC Sydney
Group general English classes combined with private one-to-one tuition and elective or optional classes. Students tell the school what they need for the private lessons, such as writing, presentations or English for a particular field.
It suits learners who want to progress as fast as possible or who have very specific language needs.
Flexible start dates
Premium English for Academic Purposes
From985,00 AUD/ week
1 to 52 weeks
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at ELC Sydney
Academic English classes combined with private tuition and an elective, most often IELTS, for students preparing for further study at an Australian university or college.
The programme builds note-taking, essay writing, group work and presentation skills and is recognised by many institutions in Sydney. The private lessons are customised to the student's needs, such as writing support.
Flexible start dates
Premium English for Business
From985,00 AUD/ week
1 to 52 weeks
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at ELC Sydney
The most intensive route to workplace English: general English classes, business English classes with a full Friday devoted to them, and private tuition tailored to the student's requests.
It develops overall communication plus specific vocabulary and language for the global workplace.
Fixed dates
Cambridge B2 First (FCE) - Daytime
From500,00 AUD/ week
This course at ELC Sydney
Preparation for the Cambridge B2 First exam in a closed class that starts and finishes together, which keeps motivation high. Teachers are Cambridge-specialists and balance all-round English with exam skills and techniques.
ELC highlights its long record in Cambridge preparation and high pass rates.
Fixed dates
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) - Daytime
From500,00 AUD/ week
This course at ELC Sydney
Preparation for the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam, run on set programme dates in closed classes with Cambridge-specialist teachers who coordinate the course.
The programme combines general language improvement with exam techniques, with elective and optional classes adding to the weekly tuition.
Fixed dates
Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) - Daytime
From505,00 AUD/ week
This course at ELC Sydney
Preparation for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency exam, a level the school says it is the only college in Sydney to offer. Classes are closed groups on set programme dates.
The school describes the three levels together on one page, so this text stays general: Cambridge-specialist teachers, exam techniques and all-round English.
Flexible start dates
Intensive General English - Evening
From350,00 AUD/ week
1 to 52 weeks
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at ELC Sydney
General English for students who prefer to study in the evening and work during the day. It is available at all levels, from elementary to advanced.
Classes start in the evening, right across the road from Central Station, and the course focuses on speaking, listening and vocabulary.
Flexible start dates
IELTS Exam Preparation - Evening
From350,00 AUD/ week
1 to 52 weeks
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at ELC Sydney
Evening IELTS preparation that also improves the language and skills needed for academic study, so students can work during the day.
Students develop strategies for each section of the test and practise with real exam materials and mock tests.
Flexible start dates
English for Academic Purposes - Evening
From350,00 AUD/ week
1 to 52 weeks
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at ELC Sydney
The EAP course in the evening, with lower tuition fees and the flexibility to work in the day. It blends academic skills with IELTS techniques and is recognised by many Sydney universities and colleges for direct entry.
The school is a short walk from Central Station, Sydney's main transport hub.
Fixed dates
Cambridge B2 First (FCE) - Evening
From350,00 AUD/ week
This course at ELC Sydney
Evening preparation for the Cambridge B2 First exam, so students can work during the day. All students start and finish together, which supports motivation and focus.
Progress covers all-round English alongside skills and techniques for exam success.
Fixed dates
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) - Evening
From350,00 AUD/ week
This course at ELC Sydney
Evening preparation for the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam, leading to an internationally recognised qualification while keeping daytime free for work.
The class is a closed group that works together through the programme, building both general English and exam techniques.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Host family
From390,00 AUD/ week
Two options are available depending on age and the level of supervision wanted.
This accommodation at ELC Sydney
Living with a host family extends learning beyond the classroom: students are immersed in English all day and have a private single room, sharing the household facilities with the family.
Breakfast and dinner are provided on weekdays and all meals at weekends. Bed linen and towels are provided, while internet is available as an extra.
Host family for minors405,00 AUD / week Double room · Shared bathroom · Half board
Minimum duration
1 week
Minimum age
18 years
Internet access
Internet access depending on the option
Accommodation
A4S Student Apartments City Centre
From230,00 AUD/ week
Two options are available depending on age and the level of supervision wanted.
This accommodation at ELC Sydney
Shared apartments for students, in twin-share rooms only, arranged with a partner organisation that also meets students at the airport. Apartments are furnished and equipped, but each one differs in size, location and facilities.
The apartment is allocated according to arrival dates and cannot be chosen, so an open mind about flatmates and layout is needed. This option suits independent students who like walking to school and meeting people from other schools.
Standard option330,00 AUD / week Double room · Shared bathroom · Meals not specified
Two options are available depending on age and the level of supervision wanted.
This accommodation at ELC Sydney
A modern residence in Chatswood with a handful of apartments reserved for ELC students. Each student has an ensuite single room and shares the kitchen and lounge with four others.
Facilities include secure access, wifi, a landscaped courtyard with BBQ and security staff, and the residence is on a commute from the school. Towels and linen are provided, and residence staff clean the common areas.
Scape Quay St - ELC Premium Apartment745,00 AUD / week Single room · Private bathroom · Meals not specified
Minimum duration
10 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Internet access
Wifi
Standard option575,00 AUD / week Single room · Private bathroom · Meals not specified
I spontaneously decided to go to this school for one week during my five week language stay from Switzerland. I ended up liking it so much that after this one week I decided to go for another two weeks. Many thanks to the school for their flexibility and making it possible for me to attend ELC again.
I highly recommend ELC, as it's very effective and you can make loads of new friends from all around the world. This was a magnificent experience for me, I think it's really interesting to learn about different cultures and languages around the world. The friends I've made here happen to be one of the best ones now, we're all staying in touch and we've promised to visit each other one day.
If you've chosen anything but package A, you've made the right decision. I'm not saying package A is not good, though it would be a pity not to join the activities. I had package B, which was perfect for me, with all the activities such as visiting the Sydney Tower Eye, the Opera House, laser tagging, and many other things.
I can't give much information about the homestay experience, since I was staying with friends. However, I'd never heard my friends complain about anything, hence presuming they liked it.
The teachers at this school are lovely, very kind and entertaining. Whenever you don't understand something, you ask them and they give you a proper explanation. Shoutout to Bella, my favorite teacher of all time. You definitely won't get bored in her class.
I can confidently say that choosing to study at ELC was one of the best decisions I made in Australia. I had a previous experience at one of the large English schools, so I have a solid basis for comparison.
ELC is a school where I truly felt that I learned English. The classes are not limited to a traditional classroom setting. For example, on one day of the week, we had lessons in a computer room. These classes were focused on practicing what each student personally needed, which gave us the freedom to work on what was most relevant to us — whether that meant watching a movie, practicing writing, or improving specific skills. It really allowed time for meaningful practice.
I also noticed that the teachers were genuinely interested in each student’s needs and were able to focus on them individually, offering helpful feedback and guidance on how to improve.
The class sizes are small, which makes it easier for teachers to give personal attention. In addition, the accessibility and support from the school staff were impressive. Whenever I needed assistance during my studies, I received quick responses, and everyone was always willing to help.
For these reasons, I truly recommend ELC to anyone who wants to learn English in a supportive environment — a school that genuinely cares about its students and does not treat them as just another number.
I had the best time at ELC Sydney and would absolutely recommend it!
We had such a great class, and it was incredibly easy to meet new people and make friends from all over the world. Besides the regular lessons, we also had different outside activities, which made the whole experience even more fun and exciting.
Our teacher was amazing, and we had so many funny moments during class while still learning a lot. The atmosphere was always relaxed, friendly and motivating, which made going to class something I genuinely looked forward to.
My stay at ELC was already a while ago, but I’m still very close with several of my classmates. We’ve stayed in touch ever since and still meet up regularly somewhere around the world. And our class nights out at Scary Canary will definitely always be one of my favourite memories from Sydney. 😂
ELC was so much more than just a language school for me – it was an unforgettable experience, and I would 100% recommend it!
The ELC teachers are very energetic and helpful.
I was very impressed to know that the teachers were so qualified and experienced, and tried to get the most out of students every single moment. If you decide to learn English at ELC, it will be one of the best choices in your further studies in Australia.
Choosing ELC Sydney to learn English was the best choice of my life. I started with a B1+ level with no confidence in speaking and now, I have B2 level with more confidence. ELC is the best place to study english.
ELC welcomes students from many countries, in a city that is itself very international. This diversity strengthens daily practice of English and gives the stay a more open and more stimulating dimension.
Why choose ELC Sydney?
ELC suits those who want an English school in Sydney that is well located, credible and easy to live with, with real daily contact with the city's energy.
At a glance
Starting price
from AUD 350 per week of classes (Intensive General English - Evening) — Fees for 2027 checked on 18 October 2026
Accommodation
Homestay, single room, breakfast; Apartment, single room, no meals; Student house, double room, no meals; Apartment, double room, no meals
CricosCommonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
Accreditations and labels: English Australia, Cricos, We prepare Cambridge.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a stay at ELC cost?
From AUD 350 per week of classes (Intensive General English - Evening). Budget for 2 weeks: AUD 2,760, about €1,730 (indicative, as of 18 October 2026). Budget for 4 weeks: AUD 4,620, about €2,890 (indicative, as of 18 October 2026). Includes: course: Intensive General English; accommodation: homestay, single room, breakfast; fees (registration, file, accommodation); return transfer (Airport Transfer Sydney (SYD)). Sample start date: 4 January 2027, outside peak season. Fees for 2027 checked on 18 October 2026.
What accommodation does ELC offer?
Accommodation offered: Homestay, single room, breakfast (from AUD 440 per week); Apartment, single room, no meals (from AUD 525 per week); Student house, double room, no meals (from AUD 320 per week); Apartment, double room, no meals (from AUD 390 per week). Fees for 2027 checked on 18 October 2026.
When do courses start at ELC in 2027?
Courses start on Mondays: 52 start dates in 2027, from 4 January 2027 to 27 December 2027.
