PIBT offers English language courses to people from non-English speaking countries and also direct-entry pathways for international students wishing to undertake university study elsewhere. The Academic English Program (AEP) is designed for students who plan to study at an Australian university or who are interested in developing academic reading, writing, listening and communication skills. Students have the opportunity to develop their language skills and enhance their studies in higher education. The course focuses on a mixture of communication skills and academic study skills.It has excellent teaching staff, high-quality courses and outstanding facilities, as well as offering a wide variety of student services and support. Students at the centre also benefit from interacting with Australian and international students studying degree courses. The teachers at PIBT are qualified and experienced, and many have taught overseas. The centre uses the communicative teaching method in conjunction with a wide range of modern teaching materials and resources to encourage active learning. The AEP, taught on the ECU Mount Lawley Campus, is offered in 10 week blocks (at all levels) with 9 fixed start dates per year (every 5 weeks). Following completion of the required level, students will not be required to take an English test for entry into PIBT or ECU (excluding courses where IELTS is compulsory, such as Nursing). Students need to pass the required level to progress on to their academic program.