Can a New CRICOS RTO Add ELICOS in the First 2 Years?
Looking back, 2024 was undeniably the year of audits. My time was largely spent assisting re-registration clients and helping those who received ASQA audit reports or cancellation notices, requiring urgent responses and compliance rectifications.
However, this year feels different. My focus has shifted to addition to scope, specifically helping colleges introduce ELICOS programs—including new CRICOS RTOs looking to add ELICOS for the first time.
Are colleges preparing for a possible influx? I recall businesses preparing for better times during COVID, and this situation feels somewhat similar.
The Most Frequently Asked Question: Can a New CRICOS RTO Add ELICOS?
One of the most common questions I received last year from new CRICOS providers was:
"Can we add an ELICOS program even though we are not allowed to add VET courses in our first two years?"
The answer is yes—new CRICOS RTOs can add ELICOS programs within their first two years of registration, even though they are restricted from adding VET courses during this period.
Why Are More Colleges Adding ELICOS?
While the industry is still not in a bull market, I was curious about what’s driving this shift. So, I asked.
1. The Only Course New CRICOS Colleges Can Add
For newly registered CRICOS RTOs, ELICOS is often the only course they can add in the first two years of registration. Since VET course additions are restricted during this period, many providers are turning to ELICOS as a way to expand their course offerings.
2. A Strategy to Boost Student Intake
Many RTO CRICOS providers are struggling to attract enough enrolments. Adding ELICOS allows them to tap into a different student market, often leading to increased student numbers.
3. Demand for Validated Assessment Tools
With ASQA placing greater emphasis on validated assessment tools for ELICOS, many colleges—including those already offering ELICOS—are now seeking ready-made ELICOS programs that include compliant assessment tools. This ensures that when their re-registration approaches, they are fully equipped to meet compliance requirements related to assessment evidence.
The two most sought-after programs and its assessment tools are:
General English (GE): This program has no English language entry requirement, making it flexible for recruiting students with proficiency levels ranging from beginner (no English) to an IELTS 5.5 equivalent. The maximum exit level for this course is equivalent to IELTS 6.0.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Commonly used as a pathway program for students progressing into VET or Higher Education courses that require an IELTS equivalent of 6.0 or higher. This program provides an exit level equivalent to IELTS 6.5, ensuring students are adequately prepared for further studies.
4. The Need for Multi-Level Friendly Curricula
Since our ELICOS curriculum is well-known for being multi-level friendly, RTO CRICOS colleges find it easier to offer an ELICOS program without worrying about fluctuating enrolments across different levels.
One of the biggest adjustments for colleges introducing ELICOS for the first time is managing multiple proficiency levels in the same class. This can be a challenge for teachers, especially if they are used to VET programs where levels are more defined.
However, since mixed-level classes are often unavoidable, using a curriculum designed for multi-level teaching provides peace of mind and ensures a smoother transition for both teachers and students.
Quick and Efficient Implementation
Regardless of the reason behind this trend, one major advantage is the speed of implementation. I have been assisting colleges with submitting a new ELICOS course or implementing a new curriculum in as little as a week.
However, if you’re considering adding an ELICOS program, be aware that ASQA’s processing time has increased—what used to take six weeks now takes approximately three months.
Thinking About Adding ELICOS?
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about adding an ELICOS program or updating your curriculum.
