The top English schools and courses in Melbourne, from General English to IELTS prep, plus private tutoring options to help you study and improve fast.
As one of Australia's most vibrant and multicultural cities, Melbourne is a popular destination with international students who want to improve their English skills. It's also home to excellent universities and specialised language centres.
With its practical learning environments, Melbourne is a great city for language learning. Here, students can immerse themselves in Australian culture while conversing with native speakers, gaining confidence and preparing for real-world communication.
The same is true for studying English in Sydney, which is another popular destination for international students.
Melbourne is a popular Australian city for studying English. | Photo by Matt Zhang
With many English courses, Melbourne offers a diverse range of options. Whether you're interested in General English or preparing for a specialised exam like IELTS or English for Academic Purposes (EAP), Melbourne has the perfect course for you.
If you want to attend university to study English in Canberra, Melbourne, or anywhere else in Australia, Melbourne's language schools also help by providing direct pathways to higher education. With many courses designed to help students meet English language requirements for university admission, international students can get the English lessons they need.
City Language Centre
City Language Centre (CLC) is in the heart of the city. It's known for its strong academic programmes and supportive learning environment.
This school has helped international students develop their English skills for years through practical learning and structured coursework.
Courses Offered
Australian Lifestyle English - This unique course immerses students in authentic Australian contexts, teaching natural vocabulary and grammar. It includes practice sessions with Australian teachers, providing personalized feedback and coaching.
General English - Aiming to improve overall English proficiency, this course covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It involves interactive activities like role-plays and focuses on expanding vocabulary across various topics.
IELTS Preparation - Designed for students aiming to excel in the IELTS exam, this course offers guidance in general and academic test modes. It includes study sessions with IELTS examiners and weekly tests to monitor progress.
English for Academic Purposes - This course prepares students for academic settings by developing academic vocabulary and skills. It familiarizes students with content-based lectures and university texts, enhancing their ability to critically read and synthesize information.
Contact Information
City Language Centre
📍 Address: Level 3, Suite 303/343 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
📞 Phone: (03) 8639 0184
Discover English
Discover English is an English language school in Melbourne's CBD. It was established in 2010 and has since built a strong reputation for the high quality of its courses.
With experienced teachers and an engaging student community, this institution welcomes students from various backgrounds. It offers a multicultural learning environment for international students looking to improve their English skills.
Courses Offered
General English – A flexible course for students of all levels to enhance their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) – Designed to prepare students for further studies at an Australian university or college.
IELTS Preparation – Helps students achieve their target IELTS scores for university admissions, migration, or professional registration.
Cambridge English (FCE and CAE) – Intensive exam preparation courses for students looking to gain internationally recognised English certifications.
English + Barista Training – A unique program combining English language studies with practical barista training to improve job opportunities in Melbourne’s café industry.
Contact Information
Discover English
📍 Address: 247 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Universal English Melbourne is a language school that helps students improve their English skills for everyday life, work, or academic success.
Universal English Melbourne, located in the heart of Melbourne, focuses on practical English usage, ensuring students gain confidence in real-world communication.
Choose an English language centre in Melbourne that offers the kinds of courses that are right for you. | Photo by Dmitry Osipenko
Courses Offered
General English – A comprehensive course covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing to help students communicate effectively in everyday situations.
IELTS Preparation – A focused program designed to help students achieve high scores on the IELTS test, whether for university entry or visa applications.
Cambridge English (FCE and CAE) – Intensive courses for students preparing for globally recognised Cambridge English exams.
Business English – A specialised program that enhances professional communication skills, including business writing, presentations, and negotiations.
Pronunciation and Fluency – A course designed to help students refine their pronunciation and improve their spoken fluency in English.
English for Hospitality – Tailored for students seeking employment in Melbourne’s hospitality industry, covering key communication skills for restaurants, hotels, and customer service roles.
OHC Melbourne is part of a network of language schools offering high-quality English courses.
This is another centre in the heart of Melbourne where students can learn in small classes with experienced teachers.
OHC has other locations around Australia, too, allowing students to study English in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and Cairns.
Courses Offered
General English – Designed for students of all levels, this course improves everyday communication skills, covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) – Helps students prepare for university or vocational studies in Australia by focusing on academic writing, research skills, and formal communication.
IELTS Exam Preparation – Supports students in achieving their target IELTS scores for study, work, or migration purposes.
Cambridge English (FCE and CAE) – Intensive training for students looking to pass internationally recognised Cambridge exams.
High School Preparation – Tailored for younger students who need to improve their English before entering an Australian high school.
Private English Lessons – One-on-one tutoring for students who prefer a personalised learning experience.
Contact Information
OHC English Melbourne
📍 Address: 185 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
📞 Phone: (03) 9654 4933
Impact English College
Impact English College is known for its high academic standards and immersive teaching approach. Its strict "English Only" policy ensures students learn through linguistic immersion.
When visiting Melbourne, make sure to get as much use out of your English as possible. | Photo by Weyne Yew
Courses Offered
General English – A comprehensive program aimed at improving communication skills for everyday use.
IELTS Preparation – Focused training for students who need to achieve high university admission or visa application scores.
Cambridge English (FCE and CAE) – Intensive preparation courses for internationally recognised Cambridge exams.
Business English – Tailored for students aiming to develop their professional English skills for the workplace.
Barista Coffee English – A unique program that combines English language learning with barista training, preparing students for Melbourne’s thriving café industry.
Survival English – A short course designed for travellers or new arrivals to Australia who need practical English skills for daily life.
Monash University English Language Centre, or Monash College, is part of one of Australia's leading universities.
The high-quality English language programs here are designed to help students in both academic and professional settings.
The centre is on Monash College City Campus, and the courses can provide pathways to further education at Monash and other Australian universities.
If you find university-style classes too formal, you might want to consider studying English in Perth, which tends to offer a more relaxed lifestyle.
Courses Offered
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) – Prepares students for university studies by improving their academic writing, research, and presentation skills.
Monash English Bridging (MEB) – A pathway program for students who have received a conditional offer to study at Monash University but must meet English language requirements.
General English – A structured course to improve overall English proficiency for everyday life, work, and study.
IELTS Preparation – Helps students prepare for the IELTS exam, ensuring they meet the language requirements for university entry or visa applications.
English for Business – Designed for professionals looking to enhance their business communication skills, including writing reports, negotiating, and giving presentations.
Contact Information
Monash College English Language Centre
📍 Address: 750 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
📞 Phone: (03) 9903 8800
Superprof – Private English Tutors at Your Fingertips
Superprof is a global platform that connects students and tutors. Whether you're looking for tutors in Melbourne, across Australia, or anywhere else, you can find them on the Superprof website.
You can find face-to-face English tutoring in and around Melbourne. Still, thanks to online tutoring, you can broaden your search to include tutors from anywhere worldwide, allowing you to learn specific types of English.
You can also find tutors who meet your learning needs, budget, and schedule. Many tutors offer the first session for free, so you can always try a few before choosing the right one.
It doesn't matter if you're studying English in Darwin, Melbourne, or anywhere in between. You're bound to find the right tutor for you and your budget.
Can't make it to Melbourne yet or just looking for more personalised English lessons? Work with a private tutor! | Photo by Denise Jans
Courses Offered
General English – Improve your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a relaxed, one-on-one setting.
Academic English – Get specialised support for university studies, essay writing, and research skills.
Business English – Learn industry-specific language, professional communication skills, and business writing techniques.
IELTS and TOEFL Preparation – Work with expert tutors to develop strategies for achieving high scores in English proficiency exams.
Conversational English – Practice speaking and pronunciation with native or fluent English tutors.
English for Work and Travel – Learn essential communication skills for working and travelling in Australia.
🌏 What are the best English courses in Melbourne for international students?
Generally, IELTS preparation is suitable for aspiring students, Business English for professionals, and General English for travel and tourism. Match the course to your language learning goals.
👩🎓 Are there specialised English courses in Melbourne?
Melbourne's English language centres offer many specialist language courses, including ones like English for baristas.