English and English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Eligibility criteria for students seeking English as Additional Language (EAL) Status

Students who are unfamiliar with the English language because they are from non-English-speaking backgrounds or who are hearing impaired may have access to English as an Additional Language (EAL) status.

To apply for EAL status, each student is required to submit an Application for Enrolment in English as an Additional Language Units 3 and 4 form to the school, please see the link below.

A student may be eligible for EAL status if they meet both of the following conditions:

• They have been a resident in Australia or New Zealand or other predominantly English-speaking country for not more than seven years over the period of their education NOTE: The period of seven years is to be calculated cumulatively over the student’s whole life.

• English has been the student’s major language of instruction for a total period of not more than seven years over the period of their education.

OR:

• they are a student of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent whose first language is not English.

OR:

• they have a hearing impairment (must produce evidence of hearing loss of 60 decibels or greater in their better ear.)

EAL applications for students whose country of origin is Singapore or India must be submitted to the VCAA for assessment with supporting documentation.

Schools cannot approve these students.

Other special circumstances for EAL status that may be considered by the VCAA in determining a student’s eligibility for EAL status include:

• minimal or no primary school education
• material interruptions to schooling during primary years, particularly if there were changes to the language of instruction
• material interruptions to schooling after arrival in Australia.

Please refer to the VCE and VCAL Administrative Handbook section – Administrative information: Student enrolment, Students seeking EAL status.

Please see the enrolment application form.