Learn English for university life
Study English language with a course at UQ's Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education (ICTE)
Bridging English (BE) is ICTE’s most popular English language pathway, with five entry points for admission into UQ programs.
What you will learn:
- develop your proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking
- extend your range and use of academic vocabulary
- apply a range of skills needed to understand complex reading and listening texts
- speak clearly and confidently in a range of contexts
- express ideas in writing using appropriate features of academic writing
- learn to appropriately use key grammatical structures in writing and speaking.
Entry to a UQ program
If you meet the academic requirements for entry to a UQ program but need to meet the English language entry requirements, you can apply for a UQ package offer. The UQ package offer includes:
• an English course to get you to the level you need for entry to your UQ program, and
• a conditional place in your preferred UQ program.
To receive a UQ package offer, you must provide evidence of your current English language ability (IELTS or other recognised test) with your UQ application. If you do not have an IELTS score or equivalent for your UQ program, or the overall IELTS score you achieved is below 5.0, join our General English classes. When you successfully complete GE level 4, you can transfer to English for Academic Purposes.
Course modules
• Learn key skills for identifying information when listening to academic texts
• Participate in speaking tasks to apply new language in context
• Complete online workbook tasks, activities, and review tests
• Develop your use of grammar and vocabulary for reading and writing
• Learn to write more clearly and accurately
• Get feedback on your writing skills from your teacher
• Gain critical thinking skills
Your study options
Advantage (recommended)
Choose BE Advantage to complete your assessment five to six weeks before the start of the UQ semester. If you do not pass the end of program assessment the first time, you can complete the four-week BE Extension to improve your language skills before you repeat the BE assessment.
The benefits of choosing BE Advantage include:
- you have time to take a break from study, prepare and get organised for your UQ program
- commence an Academic Communication Skills (ACS) course to further prepare you for your program
- undertake the BE Extension course if you do not succeed at BE assessment the first time
Standard
The BE Standard will finish immediately before the start of the UQ semester. The Academic Communication Skills and Bridging English Extension are not available with this option as there is no interval before the UQ semester. It is recommended that you only choose if you are unable to do BE Advantage.
The BE Standard finishes immediately before the start of the UQ semester. If you do not achieve your required English level to enter your degree, you will need to defer the start of your degree until the following semester.
How you will be assessed
Assessment tasks are taken at the end of the course to evaluate your skills. Formal tests on speaking, writing, reading and listening are held at the end of every 5-week session. Read more about assessment and certification.
Upon successful completion, you will gain direct entry into your UQ program. Learn more
Entry requirements
You need to meet the academic requirements for entry to the UQ program and be within the specified range of English language proficiency for that program. Minimum entry is IELTS 5.0 or recognised equivalent for most programs, with some programs requiring a higher level.
Click here to see entry requirements
Bring your own device
You must bring a laptop or tablet PC to study effectively in BE. Students are required to complete online tasks as part of their program. Some assessment is conducted online. Read the required laptop specifications.
Learn more about Bridging English
ICTE student, Himanshu from India, tells us about his experience in the Bridging English program.
ICTE student, Ivy from China, tells us about her experience in the Bridging English program.
Student testimonials
-
From Shenzhen to Brisbane- Week 3 and 4 with Jerome
19 August 2019 -
Home Sweet Home- Week 2 and 3 with Junho
12 August 2019 -
Marc's journey: Week 2 vlog
9 August 2019 -
Lifelong friends: A homestay experience
31 July 2019
Pages
Bridging English
Length: 10, 15, 20, 25 to 30 weeks
Dates: Classes start every 5 weeks. Check for course start dates
Fees: Tuition fees will vary depending on course duration. Learn more
Entry criteria: Minimum entry is IELTS 5.0 (or recognised equivalent) for most UQ programs, with some UQ programs requiring a higher level. Check full entry requirements
Hours per week: 20 hours in class, and 8-10 hours of online study out of class
How to apply
Visit Applying for Undergraduate Study for more information about package offers for undergraduate study.
Visit Applying for Postgraduate Study to learn more about package offers from UQ for postgraduate study.
All applications for BE are accepted through the UQ International admissions process. If you would like help with your application, please contact UQ International or a UQ representative in your country.
UQ English Language Guide
Learn more about ICTE from our 2020 UQ English Language Courses brochure.
Get to know ICTE in your language
Related courses
To develop English skills for a specific purpose, you may progress to:
How to apply
Visit Applying for Undergraduate Study for more information about package offers for undergraduate study.
Visit Applying for Postgraduate Study to learn more about package offers from UQ for postgraduate study.
All applications for BE are accepted through the UQ International admissions process. If you would like help with your application, please contact UQ International or a UQ representative in your country.
Questions
You may also find answers to your questions in our information for new and current students.
Download the enrolment print version.
Contact us with any questions or concerns - we're here to help.