Diploma in Languages
Overview
Add a Diploma in Languages to your degree and open up a world of opportunities.
The Diploma in Languages is a way of adding extra value to any bachelor's degree. This program enables you to benefit from the advantages that knowledge of another language can bring in a global economy, as well as earning you an additional academic qualification.
Languages are a passion for many UQ students, and the concurrent diploma will suit you if you’ve studied a language at high school and want to increase your proficiency, or if it’s your first time learning a second language.
Proficiency in a second language will open up both professional and personal opportunities for you. Whether you are studying architecture, speech pathology, pharmacy or engineering, you can also study any of the languages offered at UQ to enhance your international employability. If you are studying ancient history or archaeology, you may find Latin and Ancient Greek beneficial to your program.
You'll enrol in the Diploma in Languages concurrently with another UQ program. You'll choose from languages including Ancient Greek, Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Latin and Spanish as majors, or you can choose to study two languages as minors, including Russian.
Program highlights
- Enhance your international employability and develop language and cultural skills to set you up for a global career.
- UQ is home to one of Australia's leading language schools providing outstanding teaching and research of major world languages and cultures.
- Study the diploma alongside your UQ degree and choose from one of 10 languages, as well as Chinese Translation and Interpreting.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
- Ancient Greek
- Ancient Greek
- Chinese
- Chinese
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Overseas study
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'.
Dual programs
Double your skills and your opportunities with a dual degree. You can study the Diploma in Languages as a part of these dual programs:
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Depending on which major you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- International business translator/interpreter
- Foreign language analyst
- Corporate travel consultant
- Diplomatic officer
- Language teacher
- International language tutor
- Language program manager
- Travel translator/interpreter
...being able to study two languages to such a high level enabled me to undertake more extracurricular experiences throughout my degree.
I was an intern at the Max Planck Institute in Germany and... because I understood the language, I had a seat at the table. That’s truly one of the most powerful aspects of learning another language – it opens so many doors.
I was able to gain a much deeper understanding of the texts studied in my ancient history courses because of my language skills.
...being able to study two languages to such a high level enabled me to undertake more extracurricular experiences throughout my degree.
I was an intern at the Max Planck Institute in Germany and... because I understood the language, I had a seat at the table. That’s truly one of the most powerful aspects of learning another language – it opens so many doors.
I was able to gain a much deeper understanding of the texts studied in my ancient history courses because of my language skills.
Events
See all events
13 January - 13 January
Institute of Modern Languages High School Enrichment Program
Stories
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Careers
Does knowing another language help you get a job?
5-minute read
Study tips
Why study a language major at university?
4-minute read
Study tips
Is it worth studying a language at university?
6-minute read
Stories
See all storiesStudy tips
Why study a language major at university?
4-minute read
Uni life
Why choose UQ for your Bachelor of Arts?
4-minute read
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
- admission to a University of Queensland undergraduate degree program, or the integrated Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Master of Engineering (BE(Hons)/ME) program; and
- eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Arts program.
Prerequisites
- admission to a University of Queensland undergraduate degree program, or the integrated Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Master of Engineering (BE(Hons)/ME) program; and
- eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Arts program.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Diploma in Languages are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
Who you'll study with
Here's a snapshot of our student intake for this program in Semester 1, 2024:
| Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
(A) Higher education study | N/P | N/P |
(B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
(C) Work and life experience | 0 | 0% |
| (D) Recent secondary education | ||
| 0 | 0% |
| 0 | 0% |
| 0 | 0% |
International students | 0 | 0% |
Total | 28 | 100% |
"<5" — The number of students is less than 5.
N/A — Students not accepted in this category.
N/P — Not published. The number is hidden to protect the privacy of students in other cells.
Majors and minors
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
The language and literature of Greece continue to have a profound impact on western culture. The study of ancient language is immensely valuable for appreciating the culture and sophistication of Graeco-Roman antiquity and its lasting influence on the modern world.
This major is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.
Build international awareness and boost your employability by studying Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics.
There are separate majors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.
You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.
Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education and academia.
This major is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.
Courses in this major cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.
Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.
The French major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study, then the French Advanced major is for you.
By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.
You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.
The French Advanced major is designed for students who have completed substantial French study. If you have no previous knowledge of French, then the French major is for you.
Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.
As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, Bahasa Indonesia has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.
This major is beneficial for careers in business, tourism, law, mining and other fields.
Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.
Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.
The Japanese major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced major is for you.
Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.
The Japanese Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, then the Japanese major is for you.
You'll complete Korean language speaking and writing courses, and learn about Korean culture, including films, TV, internet culture and music.
Many students also study courses in fields where their major in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.
Classical Latin has traditionally held a central position in Western education, and remains important for the study not only of the Graeco-Roman world, but also of the languages, ideas and literatures (including English) of societies that grew out of the classical world.
Latin language and literature lasted into the 19th and 20th centuries for treatises of fundamental importance in science, medicine, diplomacy and law.
This major is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.
Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.
Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.
Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.
Minors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
The language and literature of Greece continue to have a profound impact on western culture. The study of ancient language is immensely valuable for appreciating the culture and sophistication of Graeco-Roman antiquity and its lasting influence on the modern world.
This minor is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.
Build international awareness and boost your employability by studying Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics.
There are separate minors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.
You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.
Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education and academia.
This minor is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.
Courses in this minor cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.
Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.
By studying French as a minor you will reach B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, allowing you to communicate on a broad range of subjects.
The French minor is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study (i.e. year 12 French or equivalent), then the French Advanced minor is for you.
By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.
You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.
The French Advanced minor is designed for students who have completed substantial French study (i.e. grade 12 French or equivalent). If you have no previous knowledge of French, then the French major is for you.
Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.
As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, Bahasa Indonesia has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.
This minor is beneficial for careers in business, tourism, law, mining and other fields.
Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.
Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.
The Japanese minor is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced minor is for you.
Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.
The Japanese Advanced minor is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, then the Japanese minor is for you.
You'll complete Korean language speaking and writing courses, and learn about Korean culture, including films, TV, internet culture and music.
Many students also study courses in fields where their minor in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.
Classical Latin has traditionally held a central position in Western education, and remains important for the study not only of the Graeco-Roman world, but also of the languages, ideas and literatures (including English) of societies that grew out of the classical world.
Latin language and literature lasted into the 19th and 20th centuries for treatises of fundamental importance in science, medicine, diplomacy and law.
This minor is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.
With almost 258 million speakers worldwide, Russian is a truly international language and a window into one of the world's great cultures.
Courses in this minor cover introductory language skills, grammatical concepts and structures as well as translating and interpreting studies. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge of Russian.
Graduates have used their Russian language skills to enhance their employability in fields such as science, politics, agriculture, aerospace engineering and information technology.
Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.
Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.
Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
The language and literature of Greece continue to have a profound impact on western culture. The study of ancient language is immensely valuable for appreciating the culture and sophistication of Graeco-Roman antiquity and its lasting influence on the modern world.
This major is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.
Build international awareness and boost your employability by studying Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics.
There are separate majors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.
You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.
Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education and academia.
This major is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.
Courses in this major cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.
Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.
The French major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study, then the French Advanced major is for you.
By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.
You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.
The French Advanced major is designed for students who have completed substantial French study. If you have no previous knowledge of French, then the French major is for you.
Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.
As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, Bahasa Indonesia has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.
This major is beneficial for careers in business, tourism, law, mining and other fields.
Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.
Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.
The Japanese major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced major is for you.
Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.
The Japanese Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, then the Japanese major is for you.
You'll complete Korean language speaking and writing courses, and learn about Korean culture, including films, TV, internet culture and music.
Many students also study courses in fields where their major in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.
Classical Latin has traditionally held a central position in Western education, and remains important for the study not only of the Graeco-Roman world, but also of the languages, ideas and literatures (including English) of societies that grew out of the classical world.
Latin language and literature lasted into the 19th and 20th centuries for treatises of fundamental importance in science, medicine, diplomacy and law.
This major is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.
Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.
Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.
Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.
Minors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
The language and literature of Greece continue to have a profound impact on western culture. The study of ancient language is immensely valuable for appreciating the culture and sophistication of Graeco-Roman antiquity and its lasting influence on the modern world.
This minor is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.
Build international awareness and boost your employability by studying Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics.
There are separate minors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.
You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.
Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education and academia.
This minor is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.
Courses in this minor cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.
Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.
By studying French as a minor you will reach B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, allowing you to communicate on a broad range of subjects.
The French minor is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study (i.e. year 12 French or equivalent), then the French Advanced minor is for you.
By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.
You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.
The French Advanced minor is designed for students who have completed substantial French study (i.e. grade 12 French or equivalent). If you have no previous knowledge of French, then the French major is for you.
Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.
As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, Bahasa Indonesia has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.
This minor is beneficial for careers in business, tourism, law, mining and other fields.
Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.
Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.
The Japanese minor is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced minor is for you.
Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.
The Japanese Advanced minor is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, then the Japanese minor is for you.
You'll complete Korean language speaking and writing courses, and learn about Korean culture, including films, TV, internet culture and music.
Many students also study courses in fields where their minor in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.
Classical Latin has traditionally held a central position in Western education, and remains important for the study not only of the Graeco-Roman world, but also of the languages, ideas and literatures (including English) of societies that grew out of the classical world.
Latin language and literature lasted into the 19th and 20th centuries for treatises of fundamental importance in science, medicine, diplomacy and law.
This minor is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.
With almost 258 million speakers worldwide, Russian is a truly international language and a window into one of the world's great cultures.
Courses in this minor cover introductory language skills, grammatical concepts and structures as well as translating and interpreting studies. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge of Russian.
Graduates have used their Russian language skills to enhance their employability in fields such as science, politics, agriculture, aerospace engineering and information technology.
Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.
Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.
Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$4,812
2024
Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.
$4,812
2025
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Diploma in Languages are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
To apply for this program, you must also be studying a bachelor’s program at UQ. Submit an undergraduate diploma request in mySI-net.
Applying online
To apply for this program, you must also be studying a bachelor’s program at UQ. Submit an undergraduate diploma request in mySI-net.
Important dates
If you’re studying Year 12 in Australia, go to the QTAC website to check the closing date for this program.
If you’re applying to UQ, the closing date for this program is:
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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