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Languages courses

Exciting careers. Elating experiences. Explore a world of possibility when you study language courses online.

Help me choose a course

Introduction to Languages

Planning to work overseas? Prefer to build your career within a multinational company in Australia? Either way, studying a language degree will help you stand out.

We’ve partnered with leading Australian universities to offer you hundreds of online language courses, with the flexibility to study how you want.

Specialise in your chosen language by studying a language degree, or select language electives, minors or short courses to complement your other courses. At the end of your studies, you’ll have a CV with competitive edge—and the world at your feet.

Explore languages courses
just-added-antonetta
Antonetta studied languages (Sanskrit) with ANU, through Open Universities Australia

Discover languages courses

Online languages subjects and short courses

Murdoch University

Indonesian 1

UndergraduateMUR-IND101

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 24 Feb 2025
University of South Australia

Intercultural Communication

UndergraduateUSA-LANG1064

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 07 Apr 2025, 22 Sep 2025
La Trobe University

Language in Aboriginal Australia

UndergraduateLTU-LIN3LAA

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 28 Jul 2025
Curtin University

Language and Diversity

UndergraduateCUR-EDC494

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 25 Nov 2024, 01 Dec 2025
View all subjects

Online languages degrees

La Trobe University

Make the world a healthier place. Your way.

Study method
100% online
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeological and Heritage Studies
  • Asian Studies
  • Creative and Professional Writing
  • Crime, Justice and Legal Studies
  • Digital Media
  • English
  • Ethics and Social Justice
  • Hindi Studies Beginners
  • History
  • Human Geography
  • International Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Sociology
  • Sustainabilty and Development
  • Visual Cultures
  • Digital Health
  • Environmental Health
  • Health Promotion
  • Health, Wellbeing and Performance
  • Psychological Science
  • Public Health
  • Rehabillitation Counselling
University of New England

Diploma in Modern Languages

UndergraduateUNE-MDL-DIP

Explore the world through language and culture

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Chinese Language Major
  • French Language Major
  • German Language Major
  • Indonesian Language Major
  • Italian Language Major
  • Japanese Language Major
Curtin University

Bachelor of Arts (Japanese)

UndergraduateCUR-JPN-DEG

Thrive in an international context

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Curtin University

Bachelor of Arts (Chinese)

UndergraduateCUR-CHN-DEG

Explore the language, culture, and society of China

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
View all bachelor degrees

Discover 316 ways to study languages with leading Australian universities.

Explore languages courses

Need help choosing the right course?

Our student advisors are here to guide you with expert advice on:

  • Enrolling and planning your studies
  • Finding a study option that suits your needs
  • Understanding your funding options

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We support thousands of students on their study journey every year

Our advisors are here to help with your study goals from enrolment to completion 7 days a week.

Languages study FAQs

What will I learn in a language course?

When you study a language course, you’ll learn:

  • The history and origin of the language, as well as the cultures that speak it
  • Syntax, grammar and vocabulary
  • The customs, traditions and practices associated with the language
What language should I learn?

Choose a language degree based on your interests and goals. There might be a culture you have a connection to, a country you want to visit or live in, or career goals that are linked to a particular geographical region. It’s a good idea to consider how you want to use your new language skills when picking language courses.

Not sure which language to choose? Book a consultation with a student advisor.

Why should I study a language?

Studying a language degree can lead to a world of opportunities, including:

  • enhancing your experience when you travel or visit different countries
  • growing your knowledge of different cultures
  • adding an attractive skill to your resume
  • increasing your ability to work overseas or for multinational companies
  • opening career paths in foreign affairs, diplomacy and other international fields.

Need more reasons? Read our blog: How long does it take to learn a language?

Why should I study languages online?

Studying online language courses through Open Universities Australia gives you access to hundreds of language courses from leading Australian universities.

With the flexibility of online learning, you can fit your studies around work, life and other study commitments.

Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

  • You can enrol without entry requirements 
    We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
  • You have total control over how you study
    Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
  • You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
    Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
  • We’ll help you navigate the university world
    Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
What ATAR do I need to get into a language course?

ATAR requirements for language courses vary depending on the university and the degree. The average minimum ATAR is 70.

If you don’t have this ATAR – don’t worry! You can meet the entry requirements for many degrees by completing a set of single subjects online through Open Universities Australia. Once you successfully pass your subjects, you can transfer into the full qualification with academic credit. Read more about non-ATAR pathways into uni.

What can I do with a language degree?

A language degree can open up a range of career opportunities, and also support your existing career. By studying a language degree, you can:

  • teach English as a second language, both in Australia and overseas
  • enter a career in international relations
  • work in hospitality and tourism in Australia and other countries
  • enhance your ability to work with patients and clients as a health professional
  • grow your skills as an academic and researcher. 
How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

How do I enrol?

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.  

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

Find the perfect language course

Browse online language courses from leading Australian universities. From introductory or basic courses through to advanced levels, we’ll find the right course for you.

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

Popular European languages

I want to learnWe recommend exploring
French - the official language of FranceFrench courses
German - the official language of Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and LuxembourgGerman 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

Your essential guide to finding work overseas

Ever dreamed of living and working overseas? We share where to start, what to know before you go, and tips from someone who’s embarked on the journey.

What is Auslan? Here are 7 facts to know

It’s a beautiful, complex and creative visual language that uses hand shapes, facial expressions and body language. And no, it’s not just English conveyed through signs.

How long does it take to learn a language?

It’s an impressive skill, and a surefire way to make your resume stand out; but is it possible to learn a new language without around the clock study? We chat to an expert to find out.

What is TESOL?

Want more than a traditional teaching career? Life as a TESOL teacher could be the ideal path for you. Let's explore what this teaching specialty is, and why it can lead to opportunities all over the world.

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

A student leaping from one side of a platform to another, with a blue sky in the background.

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

Over 523,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

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.

You can rely on us as an unbiased destination for online tertiary education

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.

Enrol in courses from 25 of Australia's leading universities

Flinders University logoUniversity of the Sunshine Coast logo
The University of Notre Dame Australia logoCharles Sturt University logo
Bond University logoUniversity of New England logo
University of Adelaide logoGriffith University logo
Australian National University logoUniversity of Southern Queensland logo
Swinburne University logoRMIT University logo
Edith Cowan University logoUniversity of South Australia logo
Murdoch University logoAustralian Catholic University logo
University of Tasmania logoTorrens University Australia logo
The University of Newcastle logoCurtin University logo
La Trobe University logoJames Cook University Australia logo
Southern Cross University logoThe University of Queensland logo
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