Hawthorn-Melbourne English Language Centre

Hawthorn-Melbourne English Language Centre was established in 1986 and specialises in preparing students for further study in Australia. It serves as an established pathway for international students progressing to tertiary institutions and high schools. The centre is endorsed by The University of Melbourne as a provider of English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) in Melbourne. In 2026, Hawthorn-Melbourne celebrates 40 years of English language teaching. To mark this milestone and welcome more students into its classrooms, the centre is offering two special Anniversary Promotions. Originally founded in March 1986 as Hawthorn English Language Centre within the Hawthorn Institute of Education, the institution opened with a single class for international students. It was created to provide quality English language instruction and pathways for students intending to continue their studies in Australia. uring its early years, the centre expanded its curriculum to include General English, English for Academic Purposes, Business English and IELTS Preparation courses. In 1990, the centre became affiliated with the University of Melbourne, strengthening its academic preparation programs. By the late 1990s, it had been fully incorporated into the University’s network, reflecting a deeper collaboration in academic English education. In 2000, the centre launched the High School Preparation Program, now known as English for High School, to support students preparing for secondary education in Australia. A major transition occurred in 2007 when the institution was acquired by Navitas and officially renamed Hawthorn-Melbourne. Under its new ownership, the centre continued specialising in ELICOS programs and introduced the University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program (UMELBP) in 2008.
In January 2024, Hawthorn-Melbourne relocated from its original Hawthorn campus to a modern facility on Exhibition Street in Melbourne’s CBD, positioning the centre closer to the University of Melbourne and other academic partners. Today, Hawthorn-Melbourne continues to prepare international students for academic study, professional advancement and successful integration into English-speaking environments.