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Academic English Preparation Program

Improve your English language level

The Academic English Preparation (AEP) program is a preparational course designed to help you boost your English language abilities to a level with which you can join the University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP). Offered by Study Group, a world-leading international education provider, the program will allow you to progress directly to your foundation program.

Who is this program for?

Our program offerings are aimed at international students who dream of studying abroad in Australia. If you are a prospective university applicant, and you want to study a degree at the University of Sydney, the academic preparation provided by our USFP could be for you.

Students who want to join our excellent academic programs will need to meet our English language entry requirements. If you’re not quite there yet, we can help you – our AEP program will give you the support you need to raise your language skills to the level you’ll need to be successful.

Key Facts

English language: IELTS of 4.0 with no band less than 3.5. Please note, these may be subject to change for students from certain countries. Speak to your Student Enrolment Advisor to find out about country specific entry requirements that may affect you.

Age: Input needed from Marketing

AUD $5,800 (per 10 weeks)

2021 dates
30 August 5 October 8 November

Mode of study: Full time, on campus.

Compulsory online and/or work-based training, placements, other community-based learning, collaborative research training arrangements: Not applicable.

Award: On completion, a Certificate of Completion is issued.

Assessment: Students are assessed through a series of formal and informal assessment tasks which target the objectives and learning outcomes of the course as contained within the course book and set cumulative assessment tasks at each level. Assessment includes formal tests, cumulative assessment tasks, class work, homework, participation and the Week 10 test.

Why study the AEP Program?

As well as offering you direct entry to the USFP, there are many benefits to studying the AEP. These include:

The perfect learning environment

Whether you study online or face-to-face, throughout your studies you will be an active language learner. Everyone you meet during your course will be using English, and once the Australian borders reopen you will be equipped to engage in your second language with confidence. Additionally, you will be studying the AEP in the same place as your USFP, which will allow you optimal time to get used to your environment early.

A supportive community

We want to help you meet your full potential. In order to do so, we ensure that learning material and practices on the AEP are personalised to meet the individual needs of each student. We are also mindful of our younger students, and will take into account your age and maturity level when setting learning targets.

An accessible gateway to your studies

The AEP provides an adaptable route to your future education. If you don’t meet the required level of English by the end of the time stated in your personal study plan, you can extend your AEP. Plus, once you have successfully passed the AEP, you won’t need an IELTS score to get a place on one of our academic programs, meaning less entry exams and less stress when you come to progress.

What will I study?

AEP focuses on:

  • Language studies
  • Formal writing styles
  • Note taking
  • Assignment writing
  • Intensive listening
  • Reading

When you finish, you will have developed research, reading and general English language skills which you'll need to study our Foundation programs.

Teaching and learning styles

The AEP is made up of 23 hours of tuition per week, in which students will be given all the resources and materials they’ll need to improve their English language skills. Read more about how we do this:

Curriculum and duration

We aim to build a personalised study plan for each of our students, and in order to do so, we will ask you to confirm your level of English when you apply. To make sure you start the AEP at the right level for you, we’ll assess your language skills when you arrive on campus too. Taking that level into consideration, this program will then cover levels 1-5, and the study period for each level is 10 weeks.

Tuition and support

On this program, you’ll get the opportunity to learn from expert teachers who are experienced in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). You’ll learn English in small classes, so we can regularly check your progress and monitor how you are learning. We are dedicated to helping you stay on track, and giving you the support you need to ensure you make a smooth transition to your University of Sydney Preparation Program.

Learning outcomes of AEP

At the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability to do the following in English:

  • Initiate and sustain a general conversation confidently and effectively in routine social situations appropriate to the level of the class
  • Produce appropriate oral and written texts which convey meaning with a degree of fluency and accuracy on a range of topics and in a variety of genres appropriate to the level of the class
  • Comprehend straightforward heard text delivered at normal speed and without major distortion sufficiently to cope in routine social situations appropriate to the level of the class
  • Comprehend with reasonable speed the meaning and identify the structural features of a variety of written texts appropriate to the level of the class
  • Use all basic verb tenses accurately and appropriately and display knowledge of more advanced tenses in clear contexts
  • Manipulate syntax to convey meaning effectively
  • Use a limited variety of lexis and expressions in a range of common topic areas
  • Reproduce sound and speech patterns of English with a reasonable degree of accuracy.
  • Develop research skills using a variety of resources (internet, books, journals etc)
  • Use critical thinking skills to evaluate texts, question ideas in texts and those offered by others, and to support arguments using logic
  • Use IT programs to produce documents relevant to each level
  • Develop general study skills.

How to apply

If you are interested in taking the first step towards your study abroad experience, and want to improve your English language ahead of enrolling at the University of Sydney, you can apply to the AEP program through our online form.

To get in contact about your options with us, you can make an enquiry.

Academic English Preparation (AEP). CRICOS Course Code: 085947A.
Provider: Study Group Australia Pty Limited trading as Taylors College.