Online Foundation English for Nurses and Carers

Overview

This course is designed for learners with lower English proficiency (IELTS 3.5–4.0) who are aiming to improve their English and meet the entry requirements (IELTS 4.5–5.0) for the Study and Work Program at Charter Australia. It is also ideal for Working Holiday visa holders or individuals who want to build confidence in everyday communication, gain cultural understanding, and prepare for job opportunities after arriving in Australia.

The course focuses on practical, general English rather than academic English, helping learners improve their speaking, listening, and comprehension skills in workplace situations.

Target Audience

  • Individuals with English levels equivalent to IELTS 3.5–4.5
  • Students preparing for entry into Study and Work Programs (aged care, hospital, or childcare)
  • Working Holiday visa holders aiming to improve their practical English skills

Course Features

  • Live online sessions with experienced instructors
  • Weekly one-on-one or small group interviews on Fridays
  • Flexible weekly enrolments and regular placement tests
  • Minimum 80% attendance required

Intake Dates

Rolling Intake: Weekly entry available.
Overview
Duration: 6, 12 or 18 weeks
Topics: 2 topics per week
Requirements: IELTS score of 3.0 + or equivalent
Language: English

Enrolment

 

Online Foundation English for Nurses and Carers

Monday to Friday

6:30PM - 10:30PM

Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)

20 hours per week

Entry Requirements

To enter the course, you should have a minimum English level of:

  • CEFR A2
  • IELTS 3.0
  • ACSF 1

You can take a placement test to determine if your English level is suitable for the course. 

You can enrol in the course for 6, 12 or 18 weeks. The length of enrolment depends on your entry level and your learning goals.

For example: 

Students aiming for aged care / hospital vocational training in Australia:

  • Entry level of IELTS 3.0 → 18 weeks
  • Entry level of IELTS 3.5 → 12 weeks
  • Entry level of IELTS 4.0 → 6 weeks

Students aiming for childcare vocational training in Australia:

  • Entry level of IELTS 3.5 → 18 weeks
  • Entry level of IELTS 4.0 → 12 weeks
  • Entry level of IELTS 4.5 → 6 weeks

Speak with a Charter Australia representative to determine the best enrolment profile for you.

Core Learning

English level

This is an intermediate English language course. The intermediate level is equivalent to:

  • CEFR B1+
  • IELTS 4.5
  • ACSF 2

Language knowledge

Language knowledge is embedded in the topics. This includes:

  • vocabulary (both formal vocabulary and slang)
  • grammar
  • mechanics of writing (spelling, capitalisation and punctuation)
  • pronunciation

Supporting you to “level up”

This course helps you to improve your English level by: 

  • encouraging regular language production – speaking and writing
  • modelling – showing and explaining examples of good speaking and writing
  • scaffolding – providing support, then gradually removing the support as you become more competent in the task
  • providing feedback – explaining your strengths and weaknesses, so that next time you perform the task, you’ll do even better

Progress tests

You will take a progress test once every 6 weeks. The test includes all 4 skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. The progress test can be used to assess your suitability for entry into Charter Australia’s on-site vocational courses. 

Delivery Mode

The course is taught completely online. To participate in the course, you will need the following:

  • a computer, laptop or tablet (a phone is not recommended for this course)
  • a webcam and microphone (these are usually built-in to your device)
  • a stable internet connection
  • a quiet place to participate
  • access to the Google apps, such as Google Meet, Docs, Slides and Drive
Fees and Payment Terms
  • Application Fee: $200 (non-refundable)
  • Course Fee: $280 (all-inclusive, including Friday sessions)
Payment: Total course fees must be paid in full prior to the commencement of the course.

For Charter Australia's general fees information, please visit Fees page.

Pathways to Further Studies

Foundation English for Nurses and Carers is a low-level English course designed to prepare students for entry into Charter Australia's Study and Work Program.

Upon successful completion, students may progress to English for Healthcare and Nursing or English for Care Professionals, which are integrated into the Study and Work Program. The Study and Work Program combine intermediate English training with a nationally recognised vocational qualification in aged care, disability or early childhood education, along with job placement support. This pathway provides a step-by-step journey from basic English skills to real employment outcomes in Australia's healthcare and community services sectors.