English Language

Solid Grounding

For Non-English Speaking Background (NESB) students, gaining a solid foundation in English is essential before embarking on vocational or higher education. English proficiency enables students to fully engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments with confidence. Without a strong grasp of the language, students may struggle to keep up with the demands of their studies, potentially hindering their academic success.

English language colleges play a crucial role in this process, providing tailored programs that focus on developing the language skills needed for further education. These colleges offer a supportive and immersive environment where students can practice and improve their English, helping them to build the necessary confidence and competence.

By investing time in English language education, NESB students are better equipped to succeed in their chosen fields of study, ensuring they can make the most of their educational opportunities and achieve their long-term goals.

Academic Fundamentals Built by Experts

UniStep’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Programme is built on decades of experience delivering English language intensive training to thousands of non-English Speaking Background (NESB) students from over 100 countries world-wide.

UniStep’s EAP subjects are not just building confidence with English – each subject is carefully developed to foster and encourage mature academic thinking and university-oriented skills and techniques.

Onward Pathways

On completion of EAP, graduates will have the ability to take lecture notes, use references, apply argumentative/persuasive writing and speaking and create structured academic essays.

Graduates will be well positioned to advance their studies to vocational training with English as the medium of instruction, or further build their skills by moving onto the Foundation Programme.

For entry into EAP1, demonstration of a level of English language proficiency equivalent to Upper Intermediate level of General English, IELTS 5.5 or equivalent, or the lower end of B2 or higher on the CEFR.

Course Objectives

The primary aim of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course is to support students in developing the language and academic skills necessary for success in formal study. The course is designed to help students:

1. Participate confidently and effectively in academic spoken interactions, such as discussions and negotiations (speaking);

2. Organise and express information, ideas, and opinions clearly in both written and spoken forms, in line with common academic conventions (writing and speaking);

3. Understand a variety of spoken and written academic texts, including textbooks, academic websites, journals, reports, lectures, and presentations (reading and listening);

4. Develop an understanding of key academic conventions, including maintaining academic integrity, referencing sources appropriately, and applying critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity in academic settings;

5. Become independent and proactive in managing their own language learning (language learning skills).

Course Structure

The course consists of two levels, each of which comprises 10 weeks of study at 20 classroom hours per week.

Each level is divided into two 5-week modules. Students may begin or end their course at the beginning or end of any five-week module depending on their needs and circumstances.

In addition to scheduled classroom sessions, students are expected to dedicate at least 15 hours per week to independent study, including homework, projects, revision, and self-access activities. The program is considered full-time, meeting the study requirements for student visa holders.

Classes run continuously throughout the year, with breaks only during official college shutdown periods, typically a two-week closure over Christmas and New Year, as well as Queensland public holidays that fall on weekdays. These dates will be communicated well in advance.

EAP Assessment Tasks and Strategies

Academic Projects – Students complete structured academic tasks to develop and demonstrate their understanding of course content.

Weekly Out-of-Class Work – Regular assignments and homework designed to reinforce classroom learning and promote independent study.

Ongoing Skills Tests – Regular assessments of core language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) to monitor progress.

In-Class Speaking Assessments – Evaluations of students’ ability to communicate effectively in spoken academic contexts.

EAP Projects

EAP learning outcomes

EAP learning outcomes for both levels are:

EAP1: exit IELTS 6.0 equivalent

EAP2: exit IELTS 6.5 equivalent

EAP Subjects.