English language course providers that enable international students' entry into the Australian education system will be probed by the regulator to ensure they are complying with strengthened standards.

Amid ongoing concern about the standards in Australia's booming international education sector, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency will later this year audit the more than 50 providers of English language intensive courses for overseas students (ELICOS).

English language courses for international students face an audit by the regulator. Credit:Joe Armao

The providers will be scrutinised for their compliance with national standards that were tightened from 2018, requiring proper measures to demonstrate students' outcomes are adequate for the higher education programs they are entering.

Providers have indicated they are ramping up efforts to comply with the changes ahead of the regulator's reaccreditation project.