ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students. ELICOS programs have been designed for students who require English language training before commencing formal studies in Australia. There are other English language programs that a student can do, but the Australian government has an official ELICOS student visa especially for students who do one of these courses.
This means that programs are open to everyone, including people who are in Australia on a tourist or visitor visa and people who do not want to do any further study after their English classes are over. However, restrictions may apply in these cases.