English Language Courses
Improve your English language skills for study, a career in healthcare, or nursing registration in Australia
Which English course is right for you?
Charter Australia offers specialised English courses to help healthcare professionals excel in Australian clinical settings.
We have a range of courses to suit your goals:
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Develop foundational English to prepare for study in Australia.
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Build communication skills for healthcare work settings.
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Prepare for the OET exam as part of your OBA pathway to nursing registration.
Our campus is in the heart of North Sydney, conveniently located near the train, metro and bus connections. The English for Healthcare and Nursing course is offered both in-person and online. All English courses are available online through Charter E-Campus.
Online Foundation English
Best for: Students with English between 3.0 and 4.0 or equivalent.
This course builds foundation English skills so that students can confidently progress into other programs such as English for Healthcare and Nursing and the Study and Work Program. It’s also available to anyone who wants to improve their general English skills to an Intermediate (B1+) level.
Entry guide: A2+/B1 (IELTS 3.0–4.0), Target level: B1+ (IELTS 4.5)
Suitable for: Study and Work Program students, OBA pathway students and general study or work preparation
Duration: 8, 16 or 24 weeks (depending on entry level and study goals)
Delivery: Live online classes through Charter E-Campus
English for Healthcare and Nursing
Best for: Students with English around IELTS 4.5 or equivalent.
This course focuses on workplace English communication skills for people in the nursing, aged care and disability care industries. Students develop their healthcare vocabulary, and build up confidence in speaking with patients, clients and colleagues.
Entry guide: B1+ (IELTS 4.5–5.0), or completion of Online Foundation English
Target level: B2 (IELTS 5.5)
Suitable for: Study and Work Program students, OBA pathway students and general study or work preparation
Duration: 13 weeks (Study and Work Program, OBA Pathway, online course); 10–26 weeks (in-person course for international students)
Delivery: Two options – In-person classes at North Sydney or live online classes.
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OET Preparation
Best for: Students with English between IELTS 5.5 and 6.5 or equivalent.
This course is for overseas-qualified nurses preparing for the Occupational English Test (OET) in Nursing. It develops clinical vocabulary and English skills for healthcare scenarios, to an advanced level.
Entry guide: B2 (IELTS 5.5), or completion of English for Healthcare and Nursing
Target level: C1/OET B (IELTS 7.0)
Suitable for: OBA pathway students, or any students taking the OET
Duration: 8, 16 or 24 weeks (depending on entry level and study goals)
Delivery: Live online classes through Charter E-Campus
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English Study Streams for Healthcare Career Outcomes
Study and Work Program Pathway
Step 1: Online Foundation English
Build everyday English skills, including listening, speaking, reading and writing. Increase confidence and practical communication skills.
Step 2: English for Healthcare and Nursing
Learn healthcare vocabulary and workplace language skills. Practise communication skills for Australian healthcare settings, including hospital, aged care and disability care.
Students may choose one of two study options:
Option 1: Complete English for Healthcare and Nursing (online), then move into a Study and Work Program Stream.
Option 2: Study English for Healthcare and Nursing (in-person) at the same time as the Study and Work Program.
Step 3: Study and Work Program
Students complete a vocational training course in their preferred stream (such as Hospital Care or Aged Care). This course includes a practical work placement in a real Australian workplace.
Students may package this course with English for Healthcare and Nursing. If the student’s English level is high enough (at least IELTS 5.5 or equivalent), they may enter the course directly.
Step 4: Work Placement and Job Readiness
As part of the Study and Work Program, students undertake a work placement in a real Australian workplace. This develops practical skills, workplace confidence and employment readiness. Charter Australia provides comprehensive support before and during work placements.
After work placement and graduation, Charter Australia supports students to gain real employment in their chosen field.
OBA Pathway for Overseas Nurses
Step 1: Online Foundation English
Build everyday English skills, including listening, speaking, reading and writing. Increase confidence and practical communication skills.
Step 2: English for Healthcare and Nursing
Learn healthcare vocabulary and workplace language skills. Practise communication skills for Australian healthcare settings, including hospital, aged care and disability care.
Students may choose one of two study options:
Option 1: Complete English for Healthcare and Nursing (online), then move into a Study and Work Program Stream.
Option 2: Study English for Healthcare and Nursing (in-person) at the same time as the Study and Work Program.
Step 3: OET Preparation
Prepare for the Occupational English Test (Nursing). Practise all four skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. Build up clinical vocabulary and take regular mock tests to monitor progress.
OET is one of the English tests accepted by Ahpra and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia for nursing and midwifery registration purposes. Internationally qualified nurses preparing for registration should check the current Ahpra and NMBA English language requirements before booking an OET test or submitting a registration application.
Step 4: OBA Pathway and Nursing Registration Preparation
With Charter Australia’s support and guidance, students commence the relevant OBA pathway steps, including Ahpra/NMBA requirements, and NCLEX-RN and OSCE preparation where applicable.
Charter Australia offers an online NCLEX-RN preparation course, and an in-person OSCE preparation course.
Students may commence this step while they are studying OET Preparation, or they may wait until their OET course is completed.
Practical English for real career goals
Our English courses are designed to help students use English in real-life study, work, and healthcare situations. Students build confidence through speaking practice, writing tasks, feedback, healthcare vocabulary, and practical communication activities.
Healthcare and nursing focus
Charter Australia has strong experience in healthcare, aged care, hospital, community services, and nursing-related training. Our English courses support students who want to move into these industries with stronger communication skills.
Flexible pathway options
Students can start at the level that suits them. Some students may begin with Online Foundation English, while others may be ready to enter English for Healthcare and Nursing or OET Preparation directly after a placement test.
Work Placement Support
Charter Australia arranges work placements for all students as part of course requirements, helping students gain valuable real-world industry experience.
Support for Interstate & Overseas Students
Students attending practical training at our North Sydney main campus may also access support with:
- Homestay arrangements
- Short-term accommodation options
- Travel and study planning assistance

Talk to us about your pathway
Not sure where to start? Speak with the Charter team. We can help you understand your current English level, your study goal, and the best English course pathway for you.
Still have more questions?
Our amazing in-house consultants are here to help you every step of the way. We also offer assistance in English, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Korean! Simply fill in the form and they'll get back to you as soon as possible.
email: info@charter.edu.au
telephone: (+61) 02 9955 5881
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