The Sydney English Language Academy

Available in Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast Campuses

Welcome to SELA

(The Sydney English Language Academy)​

As one of Australia’s premier English colleges, SELA offers a comprehensive range of courses including General English, IELTS Test Preparation, and Cambridge Exam Preparation (PET, CAE, and FCE). Our curriculum is enhanced with innovative General English electives and courses tailored for various professions. In addition, students get to take part in enjoyable social activities every term. 

Our campuses in Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast are centrally located and easily accessible via public transport, placing students in the heart of these vibrant cities. Each location offers a unique set of attractions: Sydney boasts the iconic Opera House and Darling Harbour; Brisbane is known for its lush South Bank Parklands; and the Gold Coast offers stunning beaches. 

At SELA, our students immerse themselves in a fun, diverse, and welcoming environment, with professionally trained English teachers, while enjoying the many attractions in some of Australia’s most vibrant cities.

See Orientation Slideshow for Sydney

See Orientation Slideshow for Brisbane

See Orientation Slideshow for Gold Coast

The Weekend Program

The Weekend Shift at SELA packs 20-hours into 2.5 days. 

Why study on Weekends?

  • 20 hours of tuition in 2.5 days, compared to 4 days during the week.  
  • Spend less time travelling to school and more time on either self-study, relaxation, or other personal tasks. 
  • Achieve a better work-life-study balance with the SELA Weekend Program! 

General English

(CRICOS Course Code 058597J)

Course Summary

Improve your English for everyday life, travel, work, and study. This is a highly effective program designed to develop all skill areas with particular emphasis on speaking and listening. The program also includes a range of elective subjects allowing you to focus on your individual needs. Ideal for students seeking a quality stand-alone course or wishing to improve their English before entry to SBTA’s vocational courses.

Levels offered

  • Beginner
  • Elementary
  • Pre-Intermediate
  • Intermediate
  • Upper-Intermediate
  • Advanced

Further Studies

You can commence a vocational course with us at SBTA after achieving an Upper-Intermediate level of English or achieving an IELTS score of 5.5 and meeting relevant academic entry requirements.

Core Subjects

  • Speaking 
  • Listening 
  • Vocabulary
  • Pronunciation
  • Grammar
  • Reading
  • Writing

Elective subjects

All students can choose from a wide range of elective subjects including, Business English, Conversation, Remedial Grammar, Coffee Club, English through Song and Media Studies.

Course duration

You may enrol for any duration from 2 to 60 weeks depending on the level of English you wish to achieve. Most students take an average of ten weeks to progress from one level to the next.

Classes: Monday to Thursday 
AM Shift: 8.45 am – 2.30 pm 
EV Shift: 4.20 pm – 9.40 pm
Weekend Shift: 
Friday 4.20 pm – 9.40 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8.30 am – 5.00 pm

Sample Timetable General English Morning

Sample Timetable General English Evening

Interested in our courses?

Click the button below to get a free quote.

IELTS Preparation

(CRICOS Course Code 062588J)

Course Summary

At SELA we will help you to develop all of the important skills but we will also ensure that you improve your use of English grammar so that you will have a solid foundation upon which you can build on these skills.

Our experienced teachers, the user-friendly textbook
and our intensive classes, will help you to maximise your IELTS score when you decide to sit for the test.

IELTS Scores Explained

Overall band scores for IELTS range from 1.0 (non-user) to 9.0 (expert user). IELTS is accepted as proof of your ability to use English for study, work and migration in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.

Why study with us?

  • Experienced teachers providing ongoing feedback and guidance
  • Exam preparation
  • Weekly test practice
  • Improve test-taking strategies
  • Intensive classes

Minimum entry requirements

Students must be aged 18 years or over and have an Upper-Intermediate (CEFR B2) to Advanced (CEFR C1) level of English.

Course duration and class times

Classes: Monday to Thursday 
AM Shift: 8.45 am – 2.30 pm 
EV Shift: 4.20 pm – 9.40 pm

Sample Timetable IELTS Morning

Sample Timetable IELTS Evening

Maximise your score in the IELTS test with this intensive IELTS Test preparation program.

Interested in our courses?

Click the button below to get a free quote.

Cambridge Exam
Preparation

Course Summary

Cambridge Certificate in Preliminary Exam Preparation (CRICOS Course Code 112228D)

Cambridge First Certificate in English Exam Preparation
(CRICOS Course Code 060042D)

Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English Exam Preparation
(CRICOS Course Code 060043C)

Cambridge Direct courses at SELA are flexible, with weekly intakes and the option to study for as little as 2 weeks and as many as 12 weeks. We offer these courses to students who are already at an Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate or Advanced level and want a more intensive alternative to General English, while at the same time preparing you for externally assessed exams if you wish to sit for them.

This course is suitable for students who:

  • Have an Intermediate – Advanced level of English
  • Want the intensive nature of a Cambridge course, with the flexibility of General English, for example:
    • weekly intakes,
    • the option of studying for as little as 2 weeks, or as many as 12 weeks.
  • Are looking for a more intensive alternative to General English.

Why study Cambridge Direct at SELA?

  • Experienced teachers
  • Comprehensive lessons covering all English skills
  • Weekly exam practice
  • Mock exams throughout the course
  • Fun and constructive lessons
  • Intensive classes
  • Building confidence to use English in a social, work or academic environment

In our Cambridge Direct courses, you will:

  • Improve your speaking, listening, reading, and writing as well as your use of English grammar and vocabulary.
  • Learn how to write informal emails, job applications, articles, reports, and essays.
  • Get tips on how to pass the Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced exams.

Minimum entry requirements

Students must be aged 18 years or over and have an Upper-Intermediate to Advanced level of English.

Course duration and class times

Classes: Monday to Thursday 
AM Shift: 8.45 am – 2.30 pm 
EV Shift: 4.20 pm – 9.40 pm

Course duration: 2 – 12 weeks

Sample Timetable Cambridge Morning

Sample Timetable Cambridge Evening

Interested in our courses?

Click the button below to get a free quote.

Course location

Level 2 & 6, 401 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Level 7, 187 Thomas street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Level 11 & 12, 333 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Level 1, 2 & 3, 3059 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Study Mode

Full-time study of a minimum of 20 scheduled course contact hours per week

Third Parties (Education Agents)

SBTA has a range of written agreements with education agents who provide only recruitment services on its behalf. Please note that all training, assessment, support services, issuing of AQF certification and any other support services are provided by SBTA.

All courses are subject to change without notice and courses are offered subject to availability.

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