Aspire English is a part of Aspire Institute, offering diplomas and higher education pathway options, and the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS), offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. ICMS is the holding company of Aspire Institute and Aspire English.
Aspire English students can choose to continue their studies in Australia after they complete their English course through either of these institutions.
In 2026, ICMS celebrates 30 years of education excellence in Australia. Since its first intake of students in May 1996, ICMS has built a strong community of students completing English courses, foundation studies, diplomas, undergraduate degrees and postgraduate courses. The ICMS community offers a flexible approach to learning with a strong focus on mentorship so that students can achieve their personal and professional goals.
The college was founded by Darryl Courtney-O’Connor AM in 1996 as the International College of Tourism and Hotel Management (ICTHM). Ten years later it rebranded to the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) to better reflect its accreditation as a higher education institute offering courses beyond the tourism and hospitality sectors.
In 2013, ICMS established Aspire Institute to deliver diploma and foundation courses and Aspire English to offer English language programs. In the same year, ICMS was accredited to deliver postgraduate qualifications.
In 2015, ICMS was re-accredited by the Tertiary Education and Quality Assurance Agency (TEQSA) and in 2018 it was accredited to deliver seven new diploma, bachelor’s and master’s qualifications.
In 2021, ICMS was the first of its kind in Australia to receive the government’s higher education ‘Short Course’ program approval. A focus on graduate capabilities is a key feature of ICMS’s educational approach. It aims to set students up for a fulfilling career as confident leaders in their chosen industry.