English for Tertiary Studies in Adelaide: Your Pathway to University Success

Studying at an Australian university is a dream for thousands of international students. But before you can begin a degree, you’ll need more than just enthusiasm, you’ll need the right level of English for lectures, essays, tutorials, and group work.

That’s where English for Tertiary Studies (ETS) comes in. Designed to help international students bridge the gap between general English and academic success, ETS courses in Adelaide offer a direct pathway to university and TAFE study.

Whether you’re planning to study business, engineering, or healthcare, improving your academic English will make your transition smoother and far more rewarding.

What Is English for Tertiary Studies (ETS)?

English for Tertiary Studies (ETS) is an advanced English course that prepares international students for study at universities, TAFEs, and colleges in Australia. Unlike General English programmes that focus on everyday communication, ETS teaches the academic and critical-thinking skills required to succeed in higher education.

You’ll learn how to:

Write academic essays and reports
Understand lectures and note-taking techniques
Participate confidently in tutorials and presentations
Analyse and discuss academic readings
Use referencing and citation systems correctly

It’s not just about language, it’s about learning how to think, research, and communicate the way Australian universities expect.

Why Study ETS in Adelaide?

Adelaide has become one of Australia’s most popular destinations for international students seeking quality education in a relaxed, affordable environment.

Here’s why Adelaide stands out:

A Leading Education Hub

Adelaide is home to world-class universities such as the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and the University of South Australia. Many English colleges, including the South Australian College of English (SACE), maintain strong partnerships with these institutions, allowing students to progress directly into degrees after completing ETS.

Lower Cost of Living

Living expenses in Adelaide are significantly lower than in Sydney or Melbourne. Students enjoy affordable housing, free public transport within the city centre, and a welcoming community.

Supportive Academic Environment

With its smaller class sizes and friendly academic culture, Adelaide offers an ideal environment for students who need time to adapt to English-medium study.

Who Should Take the English for Tertiary Studies Course?

The ETS course is designed for:

International students who already have intermediate to advanced English and want to study at an Australian university or TAFE.
Students with conditional offers from universities that require proof of English proficiency.
Learners transitioning from General English or EAP courses to academic study.

If you’re aiming to meet entry requirements without taking an IELTS or PTE test, ETS may be the perfect pathway.

How the ETS Course Works?

At SACE Adelaide, the English for Tertiary Studies programme is delivered as an intensive, full-time course.

Course Structure

Students typically study for 10 to 30 weeks, depending on their starting English level and target university requirements. The programme includes:

Academic writing and essay structure
Reading and summarising academic articles
Listening and note-taking for lectres
Seminar discussions and oral presentations
Research and referencing techniques (APA / Harvard style)
Time management and study skills

Assessment

Instead of a single exam, ETS uses continuous assessment, meaning you’re evaluated throughout the course on writing assignments, presentations, and class participation.

If you meet the required academic English standard by the end of the programme, you can progress directly into your chosen tertiary programme at partner institutions.

ETS vs. IELTS/PTE: Which Is Better for You?

Many students wonder whether to prepare for IELTS/PTE or complete English for Tertiary Studies.

Here’s the difference:

Feature	IELTS/PTE	English for Tertiary Studies (ETS)
Purpose	English proficiency test for visa/university entry	Academic English preparation for university success
Assessment Type	One-day standardised test	Continuous classroom assessment
Focus	Test-specific strategies	Real-world academic skills
Outcome	IELTS/PTE score	Direct university or TAFE entry (partner institutions)

If you’re aiming to enrol in a specific university and want to skip standardised testing, the ETS pathway can be faster and more practical.

Why Choose SACE for English for Tertiary Studies?

For over 30 years, the South Australian College of English (SACE) has been helping students transition from English language learning to academic study.

Here’s what makes the SACE ETS programme stand out:

1. Direct University Pathways

SACE has formal agreements with major universities and TAFEs, including:

University of South Australia (UniSA)
Flinders University
TAFE SA

Successful completion of SACE’s ETS programme can grant you direct entry to these institutions, eliminating the need for a separate IELTS or PTE test.

2. Experienced Academic Teachers

All ETS instructors are TESOL-qualified with extensive experience in tertiary education preparation. They understand how universities assess academic work and train you to meet those standards.

3. Personalised Support

SACE offers small class sizes, one-on-one feedback sessions, and academic counselling to ensure every student achieves their target English level and feels confident before starting university.

4. Flexible Intakes and Duration

Courses start almost every Monday, so you can begin when it suits your visa and study plan. Whether you need 10 weeks or 30 weeks, the programme can be tailored to your pace.

5. Flexible Intakes and Duration

From airport pickup to homestay placement, SACE supports you every step of the way. You’ll join a diverse, friendly community of international students focused on similar academic goals.

Admission Requirements

To join the English for Tertiary Studies programme, you’ll typically need:

Minimum age: 17 years
Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate English (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent)
Intention to study at an Australian university or TAFE

Placement tests are conducted before course commencement to ensure you enter the right level.

Fees and Study Options

ETS tuition fees generally range from AUD $440 – $480 per week, depending on course duration and intensity.

You can study full-time (20+ hours per week) under a student visa (subclass 500) or choose shorter enrolments on a visitor or working holiday visa if eligible.

Pathway Opportunities After ETS

Completing the ETS course at SACE can unlock several opportunities:

Direct university entry without needing IELTS/PTE
TAFE and vocational programme access
Stronger academic performance once enrolled
Improved research, writing, and teamwork skills valuable for any discipline

Many former SACE students now study or work across Australia, using their ETS foundation to excel in business, IT, engineering, and healthcare programmes.

Student Experience: Learning Beyond the Classroom

At SACE, learning isn’t limited to textbooks. Students participate in workshops, excursions, and cultural exchange activities that help them use English naturally. Weekend activities may include university campus visits, museum tours, and volunteering events, all designed to help you practise academic and social English in real settings.

How to Apply?

Choose your start date and study duration
Submit your application online or through an authorised agent
Attach documents: passport, previous English results (if available), and intended university programme
Receive your offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Apply for your student visa and prepare to start your study journey in Adelaide

FAQs

Q1: What’s the difference between English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Tertiary Studies (ETS)?
EAP focuses broadly on academic English skills, while ETS is a more advanced, university-specific programme that can lead to direct entry into partner institutions.
Q2: Can I enter university without IELTS if I complete ETS?
Yes. If you successfully complete SACE’s ETS course, partner universities such as UniSA or Flinders University may accept it as proof of English proficiency.
Q3: How long does it take to finish the ETS programme?
Depending on your English level, you may study between 10 and 30 weeks full-time.
Q4: What is the minimum English requirement to start ETS?
Generally, you need an IELTS 5.0 equivalent or a SACE placement test score showing upper-intermediate proficiency.
Q5: Can I work part-time while studying ETS?
Yes. Student visa holders are allowed to work part-time during study periods, which helps offset living costs while gaining real-world English practice.

Final Thoughts

The English for Tertiary Studies (ETS) course is more than just language preparation, it’s a launchpad for your academic success in Australia. By studying in Adelaide at the South Australian College of English, you’ll gain the language, confidence, and academic skills needed to thrive in university life and beyond.

If you’re ready to begin your Australian study journey, explore the ETS course at SACE, your trusted pathway to higher education success.