Australia's biggest city, Sydney, is an excellent destination for anyone looking to study English, especially international students. The city's rich cultural diversity, with people from all backgrounds living, working, and studying here, makes it a vibrant and exciting place to learn English.

Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced student, Sydney offers a comprehensive range of English language courses. From General English courses to Academic English programs, IELTS preparation, and Business English, you'll find the perfect course to suit your needs.

The best ESL tutors available
Richard
5
5 (47 reviews)
Richard
$70
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Leonie
5
5 (33 reviews)
Leonie
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Henry
5
5 (19 reviews)
Henry
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
4.9
4.9 (18 reviews)
Richard
$60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Kylie
5
5 (12 reviews)
Kylie
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Viral
4.9
4.9 (92 reviews)
Viral
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lyle
4.9
4.9 (12 reviews)
Lyle
$35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Emma
5
5 (14 reviews)
Emma
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
5
5 (47 reviews)
Richard
$70
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Leonie
5
5 (33 reviews)
Leonie
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Henry
5
5 (19 reviews)
Henry
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
4.9
4.9 (18 reviews)
Richard
$60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Kylie
5
5 (12 reviews)
Kylie
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Viral
4.9
4.9 (92 reviews)
Viral
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lyle
4.9
4.9 (12 reviews)
Lyle
$35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Emma
5
5 (14 reviews)
Emma
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Let's go

Why Learn English in Sydney?

With its famous harbour, beaches, and many other landmarks, Sydney is also a global hub for education and business. The city's education and business sectors are internationally recognized, with thousands of international students attending annually, providing a high-quality learning experience.

The Sydney Harbour during the day.
Studying English doesn't need to be your main reason to visit Sydney, but it's certainly a good one. | Photo by Dan Freeman

While studying English in Melbourne is also an excellent option, many find studying English in Sydney to be their first step towards enrolling in university, joining the workforce, or developing the English skills they need for daily communication in Australia.

Students can enjoy flexible learning options in Sydney, too. Whether you're looking for face-to-face classes or online courses, many programs fit your lifestyle and personal situation.

Beyond English classes, the language schools in Sydney often offer student support services, social activities, and plenty of opportunities to practise speaking English in real-life situations.

The teachers have plenty of experience working with international students worldwide, which means anybody can learn English there.

Understandably, you could also study English in Adelaide, Canberra, or one of Australia's other great cities, but you can see why Sydney's so popular.

Kaplan International Languages Sydney

Kaplan International Languages maintains locations worldwide, including a facility in Sydney.

The Sydney campus offers high-quality education in one of Australia's finest cities. It has modern facilities, experienced teachers, and a dynamic learning environment.

It's a great choice for international students who want to learn English in Sydney.

Beyond Sydney, Kaplan International Languages maintains a presence throughout Australia, including English study centres in Brisbane and Melbourne.

Courses Offered

General English – Designed to improve overall English proficiency, focusing on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Intensive English – Offers additional lessons focusing on specific skills such as Business English, Academic English, or exam preparation. Great for students who want to advance quickly.
Exam Preparation Courses – Specialised courses that prepare students for exams like IELTS or TOEFL are essential for university admissions, visa requirements, and professional opportunities.

Contact Information

Map highlighting the location of Kaplan English language school in Sydney.

Kaplan International Languages Sydney

  • 📍 Address: 98-104 Goulburn St, Sydney NSW 2000
  • 📞 Phone: (02) 8268 4900
  • 📧 Email: sydney@kaplan.edu.au

Central Sydney Intensive English High School

For over 40 years, Central Sydney Intensive English High School (CSIEHS), formerly Cleveland Street Intensive English High School, has specialised in intensive English language classes.

It's in the suburb of Alexandria in central Sydney. It offers international students high-quality English language, settlement, orientation, and welfare programs.

It offers an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students from various backgrounds.

Courses Offered

Intensive English Program – Tailored for newly arrived secondary-aged students, this program focuses on rapid English language development, covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
High School Preparation – Prepares students for mainstream high school entry, emphasising academic English and subject-specific language needed for success in the Australian curriculum.
Orientation and Settlement Support – Offers practical support for adapting to life in Australia, including information about the education system, community engagement, and cultural understanding.

Contact Information

Map highlighting the location of Central Sydney Intensive English High School in Sydney.

Central Sydney Intensive English High School

  • 📍 Address: 57-77 Mitchell Road, Alexandria NSW 2015
  • 📞 Phone: (02) 9595 9200
  • 📧 Email: CentralSydneyIEHS.school@det.nsw.edu.au
The best ESL tutors available
Richard
5
5 (47 reviews)
Richard
$70
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Leonie
5
5 (33 reviews)
Leonie
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Henry
5
5 (19 reviews)
Henry
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
4.9
4.9 (18 reviews)
Richard
$60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Kylie
5
5 (12 reviews)
Kylie
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Viral
4.9
4.9 (92 reviews)
Viral
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lyle
4.9
4.9 (12 reviews)
Lyle
$35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Emma
5
5 (14 reviews)
Emma
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
5
5 (47 reviews)
Richard
$70
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Leonie
5
5 (33 reviews)
Leonie
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Henry
5
5 (19 reviews)
Henry
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
4.9
4.9 (18 reviews)
Richard
$60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Kylie
5
5 (12 reviews)
Kylie
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Viral
4.9
4.9 (92 reviews)
Viral
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lyle
4.9
4.9 (12 reviews)
Lyle
$35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Emma
5
5 (14 reviews)
Emma
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Let's go

WEA Sydney (Workers' Educational Association)

Established in 1913, WEA Sydney is a not-for-profit adult education provider that has evolved from offering community education to languages, humanities, arts, and leisure activities.

WEA's mission is to foster lifelong learning in a supportive and engaging environment. Students from all backgrounds and skill levels are welcome.

Sydney at night.
Attend lessons by day, practise your English in the evening. | Photo by Christopher Burns

Courses Offered

Language Courses – Whether you're studying for business, travel, or personal growth, WEA Sydney offers courses led by qualified, professional, and friendly tutors. Programs cater to all levels, from beginner to advanced conversation classes, designed to help you become a confident and proficient speaker.
Special Interest Language Courses – These courses help students develop and deepen their knowledge of a language. Specialist courses focus on key aspects of a language or a specific level, and intensive programs provide a focused and short-term learning experience — ideal for improving language skills quickly.

Contact Information

Map highlighting the location of WEA Sydney (Workers' Educational Association) in Sydney.

WEA Sydney (Workers' Educational Association)

  • 📍 Address: 72 Bathurst Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
  • 📞 Phone: (02) 9264 2781
  • 📧 Email: CentralSydneyIEHS.school@det.nsw.edu.au

International House Sydney

International House Sydney is a member of the International House World Organisation, a global network of language schools with places to study English in Darwin, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast. It's committed to excellence in language education, and the centre in Sydney offers a dynamic and interactive learning environment.

The school focuses on practical communication skills, cultural immersion, and personalised teaching, which is why it's popular with international students in Sydney.

Courses Offered

General English – Focuses on enhancing everyday communication skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Cambridge Exam Preparation Courses – Prepares students for internationally recognised certifications, including PET, FCE, CAE, and CPE.
IELTS Preparation – Equips students with strategies and skills to succeed in the IELTS examination, which is essential for university admission and visa requirements.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) – Designed for students aiming to study at university or TAFE, focusing on academic language and study skills.
Specialised Programs – Offers unique options such as English + Yoga and English + Surfing, allowing students to combine language learning with recreational activities.

Contact Information

Map highlighting the location of International House Sydney.

International House Sydney

  • 📍 Address: Level 1, 203 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
  • 📞 Phone: (02) 9279 0733
  • 📧 Email: info@ihsydney.com.au

English Language Company (ELC)

English Language Company was established in 2003 and is one of the city's most highly regarded English language schools.

It's in the city centre and offers innovative teaching methods, modern facilities, and high-quality English programs.

ELC teaches students from over 35 different countries, offering a vibrant and diverse learning environment and is regularly ranked among the top schools worldwide.

Be sure to check out some of the top English schools in Canberra, too!

A view of Sydney.
Wherever you are in Sydney, it seems like you aren't far from a quality English centre. | Photo by Leigh

Courses Offered

General English – Focuses on improving everyday communication skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Academic English – Prepares students for further education in Australian universities or TAFE, emphasising academic writing, research, and study skills.
Exam Preparation – Targeted IELTS and Cambridge English exams (FCE, CAE) courses, suitable for students who need official English proficiency scores.
Business English – Focuses on improving English for professional settings, including business communication, writing emails, and making presentations.

Contact Information

Map highlighting the location of English Language Company (ELC) Sydney.

English Language Company (ELC)

  • 📍 Address: Level 1, 495 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
  • 📞 Phone: (02) 9267 5688
  • 📧 Email: info@elc.edu.au

Navitas English Sydney

Navitas English is one of the most trusted language providers in Australia. Thanks to its experienced teachers, modern classrooms, and strong student support services, it offers a wide range of English courses for international students.

Navitas helps students improve their English for study, work, and everyday life. It is located in Sydney's CBD, making it easy to reach, but it also has locations for studying English in Perth and other locations in Australia.

Courses Offered

General English – Focuses on improving everyday communication skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Ideal for students looking to build fluency and confidence in daily life situations.
Academic English – Prepares students for higher education studies, such as university or TAFE, emphasising academic writing, presentations, and study skills.
IELTS Preparation – Helps students develop test-taking strategies and academic language skills to achieve high scores in the IELTS exam, essential for university admission and visa requirements.
Cambridge Exam Preparation – Offers specialised courses for Cambridge English exams (FCE, CAE), focusing on developing the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills needed for internationally recognised certifications.

Contact Information

Map highlighting the location of Navitas English Sydney.

Navitas English Sydney

  • 📍 Address: Level 3/255 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
  • 📞 Phone: (02) 8246 6800
  • 📧 Email: sydney@navitas.com

Superprof

Superprof is one of the leading global platforms for finding private tutors in any subject or skill, including English as a foreign language.

Through Superprof, tutors offer flexible and personalised learning experiences for studying English across Australia and around the world.

Sydney waterfront.
If you can't make it to classes in person, there are plenty of online English tutors who can help. | Photo by Jamar Cromwell

No matter your schedule, budget, or learning goals, you can find tutors and learn English with tutors focusing on your needs.

Many tutors offer face-to-face lessons in Sydney or online over platforms like Zoom or Skype.

If you're looking for one-on-one customised English lessons, search for a tutor on Superprof.

Courses Offered

General English – Improve everyday communication skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, tailored to your current level.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) – Get support for university studies, academic writing, presentations, and research skills.
IELTS & TOEFL Preparation – Work with experienced tutors to develop test-taking strategies and achieve high scores in English proficiency exams required for study or immigration.
Business English – Learn professional communication, email writing, presentations, and vocabulary for the workplace.
Conversational English – Focus on fluency, pronunciation, and speaking confidence through engaging conversation practice.
English for Work and Travel – Learn practical language for working, travelling, and living in Australia, including survival English and cultural tips.

Contact Information

  • 🌐 Website: www.superprof.com.au
  • 📍 Location: Online and face-to-face tutoring available throughout Sydney

Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!

5.00 (2 rating(s))
Loading...

Kellie Nissen

Kellie is an editor, a children's writer, blogger and a teacher. Any remaining time she has is spent on a dragon boat.