Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum enrolment period is 1 week.

The average number is 12 students, with a maximum of 18.

The average age is 24 years old.

Our most popular course is Intensive General English, as it supports students at all levels to improve their speaking, listening, reading and writing for everyday communication, further study and work. Many students also combine Intensive General English with Barista@BROWNS or pathway programs.

BROWNS is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm. The school is open all year round, but closed on public holidays and for the school Christmas holiday.

You can take our free BROWNS Online Placement Test (BOPT) before you arrive. On your first day, you’ll also complete a placement test so we can confirm your level and place you in the most suitable class.

BROWNS offers flexible study options depending on the course and your visa conditions.

On your first day, you’ll attend orientation, complete your placement test, receive your timetable and meet staff. You’ll also learn about your campus facilities, activities, support services and the city.

BROWNS offers multiple English levels from Beginner through to Advanced. This ensures you are always placed in a class that matches your ability.

The number of weeks you need depends on your current level of English, the level you wish to reach and how quickly you progress. You may wish to learn English for further study, for an exam, for professional development, for work or for travel.

We believe that students gain most from their English studies through a system of continuous assessment and monitoring. You will be expected to do homework, and you will sit a revision test each week to check your progress is on track. Your teacher will also check your BROWNS Passport weekly to monitor your progress in BROWNS Accelerate Further Learning Program. 

When you’re ready, you’ll move up to the next level or adjust your course. This is based on your assessment results and teacher recommendations, ensuring smooth progression. Each level at BROWNS is based on 10 weeks’ full-time study.

Yes. Many students combine courses, such as Intensive General English followed by Barista@BROWNS, IELTS Preparation or pathway programs, depending on their goals.

Yes. All students who satisfactorily complete their course will receive a BROWNS certificate. It states name, course studied, dates and length of study, listening, speaking, reading and writing marks, overall performance and attendance.

All of our teachers are experienced and professional and hold specialist TESOL qualifications. They receive ongoing teacher development training to keep up to date with the latest teaching methodology and materials.

Within Intensive General English, our Active8 Program has been carefully designed to be wide-ranging, comprehensive and very practical. We cover the core language learning skills in the morning and give you extra time in the afternoons to focus on specific areas such as grammar, speaking, vocabulary expansion, listening and pronunciation, as well as covering English for your daily life to help you manage in a variety of social situations. By enrolling in Active8, you benefit from a focused, integrated course covering the 8 skills and systems that lead to English fluency.

For every hour in the classroom, you can achieve clear learning outcomes that help you fulfill your learning goals.

Yes! Students enrolled in a BROWNS course will receive course materials throughout their studies. 

We carefully select the best textbooks available to complement our high-quality curriculum. We also use other materials, including audio and video, to cater for the needs of learners. Classes include task-based activities, work in pair or small groups, use of video and internet resources, stories, songs, debates, discussions and writing activities. Our lessons are based on real-life tasks, which aim to increase interest and therefore maximize your potential!

You can enrol in our IELTS Exam Preparation course, designed to build exam strategies, confidence and accuracy. Our team can also advise on test dates and preparation timelines.

BROWNS has established pathway relationships with a wide range of Australian universities, colleges and TAFE institutions. These pathways allow eligible students to progress into further study without needing to sit an external English exam, provided they meet the academic and English requirements.

Our pathways cover a variety of study areas, including:

• Universities

• Private colleges

• TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions

At BROWNS, our Academic Management Team can help you with your further study options. They can advise you on what is the best course for you, how to enrol at a university and can also write you a letter of recommendation once you have reached the required level of English.

You are issued with a BROWNS student card when you begin. It can be used for borrowing books from the library, as well as getting student discounts on meals at cafés/restaurants and movie tickets.

Yes. Students have access to computers, Wi-Fi and online learning platforms.

Absolutely. Free Wi-Fi is available on campus for personal devices. Devices should be charged and it is recommended that students bring a portable charger.

Facilities are available during school opening hours.

After class you can use computers, borrow books, watch videos and do your own study/homework. BROWNS also offers free student activities. You can view, and register for activities on the myBROWNS app.

Please refer to the BROWNS Refund Policy.

Living costs vary by city and lifestyle, but most students budget for accommodation, food, transport and entertainment.

For an estimate, visit the Study Australia website to use their ‘Cost of Living Calculator’:https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/life-in-australia/living-and-education-costs

Our Student Services Team will guide you through the process and let you know what documents are required.

Student Services can help you find a local medical or dental provider and explain how to use your health insurance.

The South East Queensland region (Brisbane and Gold Coast) is sub-tropical and averages 300 days of sunshine a year. “Beautiful one day, perfect the next!” Daytime temperatures range from around 30°C in the Summer to around 20°C in the Winter. Even during mid-winter people go to the beach for a surf and a barbecue. Victoria (Melbourne) experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm, with average daytime temperatures around 25°C, while winters are cooler, averaging 14°C during the day. Melbourne is also known for its variable weather, so it’s often said you can experience “four seasons in one day!”

Standard Time: Brisbane and Gold Coast operate on GMT +10 year-round. Melbourne also operates on GMT +10, but observes daylight saving time, advancing to GMT +11 from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April.

BROWNS Brisbane Campus is a 1 minute walk to Queen Street Mall (Brisbane’s central shopping and eating district), 2 minute walk to banks and the post office, 5 minute walk to Central Railway station, 5 minute walk to Brisbane City Library, 6 minute walk to Brisbane River, 15 minute walk to South Bank (Brisbane’s cultural and arts precinct) and 10 minutes by bus to Fortitude Valley (Brisbane’s music and nightlife scene).

BROWNS Gold Coast Campus is a 3 minute walk to Australia Fair Shopping Centre (shops, food outlets and supermarkets), 3 minute walk to the cinemas, 4 minutes walk to banks and the post office, 4 minute walk to the Southport Library, 1 minute walk to IELTS Testing Centre, 6 minutes walk to the Southport Broadwater Parklands, 13 minutes by bus to Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast’s shopping precinct and nightlife scene).

BROWNS Melbourne Campus is centrally located in the heart of the city. It’s a short walk to major attractions such as Federation Square, the Yarra River, and the State Library Victoria. The campus is also well-served by public transport, with multiple tram stops and train stations nearby, providing easy access to all parts of the city.

All homestays are located within 50 minutes travel time to/from BROWNS’ Brisbane or Gold Coast campus, and within 1 hour and 15 minutes travel time to/from BROWNS’ Melbourne Campus.

Our Accommodation Team is here to help resolve any issues and ensure you feel safe and supported.

BROWNS Airport Pick Up and Drop Off services is available in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Melbourne. Brisbane International airport is approximately a 20 minute drive to Brisbane city or a 50 minute drive to the Gold Coast (depending on traffic). If you wish, a BROWNS representative can meet your flight at Brisbane International airport and drive you directly to your accommodation. There is also a bus coach service and train line linking Brisbane International Airport to Brisbane City and the Gold Coast. Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is approximately 30 minutes drive to the city. There is also a bus service that links the airport to Melbourne’s city centre.