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Languages courses

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Introduction to Languages

Learning a language isn’t just about memorising vocabulary, studying grammar and making sense of new sounds. It’s about immersing yourself in another culture. When you find new ways to communicate, the world opens, and you start to see and do things differently.

We’ve partnered with leading Australian universities to offer you the choice to study the language you want, and the flexibility to study how you want.

Get multicultural and multilingual. Communicate with confidence in your chosen language—and pick up a culture’s history and politics along the way.
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Antonetta studied languages (Sanskrit) with ANU, through Open Universities Australia

Discover languages courses

Online languages degrees

Online languages subjects and short courses

University of New England

Undergraduate

Macquarie University

Undergraduate

Discover 167 ways to study languages with leading Australian universities.

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Languages study FAQs

Boost your career with a language

A second language can enhance your career options.

If you’re looking to work overseas, or for a multinational within Australia, extra languages on your CV help you stand out. If there’s a particular country or region you’d love to work in, picking up one of the local languages is a smart idea.

By choosing language electives or minors, you’ll make your degree as unique as you are and gain a competitive edge. Many undergraduate degrees offer this opportunity. Look for courses that include free-choice subjects (as opposed to mandatory) that let you pursue your interests.

National languages of Asia

I want to learnWe recommend exploring 
Arabic - the common language of the Arab world and the liturgical language of IslamArabic courses
Auslan - Australian sign languageAuslan courses
Burmese - the official language of MyanmarBurmese courses
Gamilaraay - an Indigenous Australian languageGamilaraay courses
Hindi - the official language of IndiaHindi courses
Indonesian - the official language of IndonesiaIndonesian courses
Japanese - the official language of JapanJapanese courses
Korean - the official language of North Korea and South KoreaKorean courses
Mandarin - used in China, and the world's most spoken native languageMandarin courses
Mongolian - the official language of MongoliaMongolian courses
Persian - the mother tongue of more than 150 million people in the Middle EastPersian courses
Tetum - a language of Timor-LesteTetum courses
Thai - the national and official language of ThailandThai courses 
Tibetan - a language of TibetTibetan courses
Tok Pisin - an official language of Papua New GuineaTok Pisin courses
Vietnamese - the national and official language of VietnamVietnamese courses

Classical and ancient languages to study

I want to learnWe recommend exploring
Arabic - the common language of the Arab world and the liturgical language of IslamArabic courses
Gamilaraay - an Indigenous Australian languageGamilaraay courses
Ancient Greek - one of the most important languages of the ancient worldAncient Greek courses
Hebrew - the classical Hebrew languageHebrew courses
Latin - a classical language and discover the blueprint of modern western languagesLatin courses
Literary Chinese - the language of the classical period of Chinese literatureLiterary Chinese courses
Sanskrit - a classical language of IndiaSanskrit courses

I want to learnWe recommend exploring
French - the official language of FranceFrench courses
German - the official language of GermanyGerman courses
Greek - the official language of Greece and CyprusGreek courses
Italian - the official language of ItalyItalian courses
Spanish - the world's second-most spoken native languageSpanish courses
Portuguese - the native language of Brazil and PortugalPortuguese course
Turkish - the official language of TurkeyTurkish courses

Student stories and study advice

What is sociology? Discover if this study path is for you

Why do societies work the way they do? What influences human behaviour? These questions are at the heart of sociology. Let’s find out more about this fascinating field.

What can you do with a sociology degree?

Wondering what kind of sociology jobs you’ll be able to get after your studies? Lots! Let’s look at your options. 

Why now is the best time to learn a language

Still on the fence about pursuing that Mandarin or Spanish course you’ve been contemplating for years? Here’s why we think you should enrol now and never look back!

Uncovered: 5 benefits of an arts education despite recent changes

Despite recent changes to the way fees will be distributed for university students, if you’re interested in enrolling in an arts degree, there are still a range of benefits for your future.

We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

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Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.

Over 497,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

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How we can help you

Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.

You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni

We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.

You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year

We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.

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As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.

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