English Language Courses

Online Foundation English

Best for: Students who need to improve general English before moving into healthcare English, vocational training, Study and Work Program pathways, or OBA preparation.

Online Foundation English is a flexible online course for learners who want to strengthen their everyday English, confidence, and communication skills. It is suitable for students preparing for further study, healthcare training, employment pathways, or the OBA nursing registration journey.

This course is currently delivered online and has flexible enrolment options of 6, 12 or 18 weeks, with entry from around IELTS 3.0 or equivalent.

Learn More About Online Foundation English

English for Healthcare and Nursing

Best for: Students preparing for healthcare, aged care, hospital, nursing assistant, or nursing-related study and work pathways.

English for Healthcare and Nursing helps students develop the vocabulary, communication skills, and confidence needed in Australian healthcare settings. Students practise healthcare topics such as patient communication, handover, signs and symptoms, vital signs, medication language, and workplace conversations.

Students may complete Online Foundation English first, then continue into English for Healthcare and Nursing course.

English for Healthcare and Nursing is offered via live online classes and in-person classes at our North Sydney campus.

View English for Healthcare and Nursing

OET Preparation

Best for: Overseas-qualified nurses and healthcare professionals who need to prepare for the Occupational English Test as part of their registration or OBA pathway.

OET Preparation is designed for healthcare professionals who already have a nursing or healthcare background and want to improve their English test performance in a clinical context. Students focus on OET listening, reading, writing, and speaking tasks, including referral letters, case-note interpretation, patient role plays, and healthcare communication.

Students may need to complete English for Healthcare and Nursing first, then continue into OET Preparation.

For tests taken on or after 23 April 2026, Ahpra lists the required OET scores as Listening 350, Reading 360, Writing 350, and Speaking 360 for accepted English language test purposes. (AHPRA)

Find out more about OET

an excited man arrived in Sydney, Australia on his working holiday visa to complete his study and work program which he started before arrival.

A working holiday visa holder prepares for her study and work program via Charter E-campus before arrival in Australia.

Step 1: Online Foundation English

Build everyday English, confidence, listening, speaking, grammar, and practical communication skills.

Step 2: English for Healthcare and Nursing

Learn healthcare vocabulary, patient communication, workplace language, and communication skills for Australian healthcare settings.

Step 3: Study and Work Program

Move into a Study and Work Program stream such as aged care or hospital, depending on eligibility, English level, and course suitability.

Step 4: Work Placement and Job Readiness

Develop practical skills, workplace confidence, and employment readiness in Australia.

Step 1: Online Foundation English

For students who need to strengthen their general English before moving into healthcare English or OET preparation.

Step 2: English for Healthcare and Nursing

Build clinical vocabulary, healthcare communication, patient interaction skills, and confidence in Australian healthcare contexts.

Step 3: OET Preparation

Prepare for the Occupational English Test using healthcare-based listening, reading, writing, and speaking tasks.

Step 4: OBA Pathway and Nursing Registration Preparation

After meeting English language requirements, students may continue with the relevant OBA pathway steps, including Ahpra/NMBA requirements, NCLEX-RN and OSCE preparation where applicable.

The NMBA English language skills standard applies to nurses and midwives applying for initial registration, whether they qualified in Australia or overseas. (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) The NMBA also explains that internationally qualified nurses and midwives must complete orientation to the Australian healthcare setting, with Orientation Part 1 completed before registration and Part 2 after registration. (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia)

Why Study English with Charter Australia?

Practical English for real 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.

Course Comparison

Course		Student Suitability & Pathway
Online Foundation English Delivery: Online		Best for: Students building general English before further study or OBA preparation Entry Level: IELTS 3.0+ or equivalent Pathway: Study and Work / OBA Preparation



English for Healthcare and Nursing Delivery: Online / Face-to-face		Best for: Students preparing for healthcare study and work Entry Level: IELTS 4.5+ or equivalent Pathway: Study and Work / Healthcare Employment / OBA



OET Preparation Delivery: To be confirmed		Best for: Overseas-qualified nurses preparing for OET Entry Level: Suggested IELTS 5.5+ Pathway: OBA / Nursing Registration

Work Placement Support

Charter Australia arranges work placements for all students as part of course requirements, helping students gain valuable real-world industry experience.