Diploma of English for Academic Purposes

The Diploma of English for Academic Purposes provides direct entry to pathway and undergraduate programs at Curtin Singapore. Students have full access to Curtin Singapore campus facilities.

The Diploma consists of four 13-week units: one General English unit and three Academic English units.

General English

The General English course prepares students wishing to improve their all-round English language with real-world English skills that they can use anywhere; as well as prepare students for the Academic English units.

Study skills developed include:

You will focus on the basic elements involved in English communication, i.e. the macro skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) and the language systems (vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation). You will also be prepared to progress on to the Academic English units.

Course assessments

You will be assessed on a continuous basis through a combination of progress tests, speaking and writing tasks and participation. You must pass with an overall grade of 60 per cent.

Speaking tests: 20%

Writing tests: 20%

Reading tests: 20%

Listening tests: 20%

Language awareness tests: 20%

Academic English

The Academic English courses provide direct entry to pathway and undergraduate programs at Curtin Singapore.

Study skills developed include:

  • Academic study and assessment skills – You will be taught critical thinking, research techniques, exam skills and how to avoid plagiarism.
  • Academic writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills – You will learn how to plan and write Australian-style academic texts such as research reports and essays. You will be taught how to read for context and expand your vocabulary, and also learn how to plan and deliver an academic seminar with appropriate grammar and vocabulary. You will also learn how to take notes in lectures and summarise the meaning.

Course assessments

You will be assessed through a combination of examinations and assignments including, writing, reading, speaking and listening. You will also be assessed on work you do outside of class as homework throughout the 13 weeks.

ProgramAcademic English ModuleOverall Score RequiredIndividual Skill Score Required
- Diploma (Stage 1)Academic English 260%55%
- Diploma of Commerce (Stage 2)
- Diploma of Information Technology (Stage 2)
Academic English 260%60%
- Diploma of Arts and Creative Industries (Stage 2)Academic English 360%55%
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Information Technology
Academic English 360%60%

Entry requirement

Cut-off scores

IELTSPearson VersantPTE AcademicTOEFL iBT
General English4.0 overall36 overallN/AN/A
Academic English 14.5 overall, 4.5 writing, 4.0 other bands40 overall, 40 writing, other skills 3630 overall, 30 writing, other skills 2432 overall, writing 12
Academic English 25.0 overall, 5.0 writing, other bands 4.545 overall, 45 writing, other skills 4036 overall, 36 writing, other skills 3035 overall, writing 14
Academic English 35.5 overall, 5.5 writing, other bands 5.050 overall, 50 writing, other skills 4542 overall, 42 writing, other skills 3646 overall, writing 18

Class size

Maximum 19 students.

Study hours

Weekly duration

There are 15 contact hours per week in the classroom. Students are also required to do at least 2 hours of study/practice per day outside of class. This additional time consists of homework, assessed assignments, MyStudy Self-Access (via Moodle), and student’s own practice tasks. Classes are held Monday to Friday with lessons scheduled either in the morning or afternoon.

Course fees

Tuition fee

ProgramFee before 9% GSTFee including 9% GST
Diploma of English for Academic PurposesS$3,950 per unitS$4,305.50 per unit

Material fee

Number of unitsFee before 9% GSTFee including 9% GST
1S$169S$184.21
2S$211S$229.99
3S$253S$275.77
4S$290S$316.10

Fees listed are indicative and subject to annual increases.

View our fees and charges page for full details.