FAQs

Are there any entry requirements for IML courses?

There are no formal entry requirements. All IML courses are open to the general public. Anyone 16 years and over is welcome to enrol. 
Level 1, Survival courses and Short courses are designed to suit students with no previous language learning experience. For higher levels, previous knowledge is required, e.g. for French Level 5 students are expected to be familiar with the material covered in IML’s French Level 4.

What language level is best for me?

The choice of level is based on self-assessment. There is no placement test. To select the most appropriate course, we encourage you to use the course outlines available on the IML website as a checklist to determine your current level. We also recommend viewing the textbook chapters covered in the course on the Internet.

If you find that the level you have selected is too easy or challenging, you may request a transfer by emailing iml@uq.edu.au. During the first three weeks of the course we will also accommodate all transfer requests provided the level is available and there is a vacancy in the class selected. Transfers can only be arranged within the current teaching year.

I want to prepare for my student exchange program by learning the language of the country I'm moving to. Can IML help with that?

We offer Survival and Short Courses for Beginners which are designed for students planning to study overseas. We also offer Summer Intensive and Accelerated courses for those who want a faster pace. Our courses are open to everyone; you don't need a degree or previous knowledge of the language prior to enrolling. 

Can I get credit for doing an IML course?

IML courses will not be counted towards your degree. They are open to the general public with no entrance requirements. The university degree courses are offered by the UQ School of Languages.

Is there an exam at the end of my IML course?

Optional assessment is available for some courses. Please see the IML Optional Assessment page for more information. 

Can I get a Statement of Attendance for my course?

All students who participated in at least 75% of their classes are welcome to request a Statement of Attendance via email at iml@uq.edu.au. It will be emailed to you. 

Can I get a certificate of proficiency at the end of my IML course?

All students who sit and pass an optional assessment at the end of their course will receive a Statement of Language Proficiency. Please note there is no assessment for Short, Conversation, Semester 1A, Refresher and Survival courses. 

Where are my classes held? Is there a distance learning option available? Are Zoom sessions recorded?

IML language courses are delivered live, either via Zoom or on the UQ St Lucia campus. Zoom links are emailed prior to course commencement. This online format enables you to study anywhere in Australia and beyond, with a stable Internet connection.

At IML, Zoom classes are not recorded for several reasons. First and foremost, recording raises privacy concerns for both students and tutors. Second, language learning thrives on interactive participation, which cannot be fully captured in a recording. Lastly, according to UQ policy (as outlined in https://elearning.uq.edu.au/guides/lecture-recordings), only teaching activities categorised as 'lectures' are recorded. Since IML language lessons do not fall under this category, they are not recorded.

If unable to attend a session, students will be able to access the learning resources from their tutor via the course Padlet site.

How many students will there be in my course?

The average number of students in IML classes is 15, but there may be less or more depending on the language and level. For current enrolment numbers, please contact the IML Office.

Is the tutor a native speaker? 

All IML tutors are native speakers or have native-like proficiency.

Who is teaching my class?

All classroom and tutors’ details will be available on the IML website 2 weeks prior to the course start date. You can also give our office a call and we will check this for you.

How much homework will I need to do?

Language is learned best with maximum contact and usage. Home exercises will be designed for revision and consolidation of each course segment. Revision is most effective when undertaken regularly in short sessions. Depending on the particular students’ pace of study, they will need 1-2 hours to do their homework.

Do you have any language courses for children?

IML courses are generally designed for adult learners, however we do offer an annual summer program for high school students. We often accept high school students into the evening classes; however, this is on an individual basis pending tutor approval.

Although IML does not have language courses specifically for children, there are often other opportunities in your community. For French, German, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish classes for babies, toddlers and primary school children at venues around Australia and online, please contact LCF Fun Languages Australia at https://lcfclubs.com.au/

Additionally, to find local LOTE schools and resources for children in your state or territory, you can navigate the Aussie Educator website http://aussieeducator.org.au/education/lote.html

The Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) app is also a fantastic resource for teaching languages to preschool aged children across Australia. ELLA is a digital, play-based learning program, hosting languages such as Arabic, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese and more. You can find more information about participating preschools here: https://www.ella.edu.au/preschools/

The language I’d like to learn is not offered by the IML.

IML offers courses in more than 30 languages. If the language you want to learn is currently not offered by the IML, please search the Multicultural Resource Directory. The Directory lists organisations that offer information, advice, support and networking opportunities, including after-hours cultural schools and organisations: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/your-home-community/multicultural-resource-directory/

Are there any conversation clubs at UQ?

Yes, there are. Please have a look here: http://www.uqu.com.au/clubs-societies

What is IML’s refund policy?

Please choose carefully. Under Australian Consumer Law, after the course has commenced we do not provide a refund if you have a change in circumstances or make a wrong selection. If IML cancels a course then a full refund will be offered. Fees are not transferable to another student or to the next year. The IML refund policy complies with the guidelines of the Queensland Office of Fair Trading and is similar to that of other adult learning providers. To be fair to all students who enquire about the policies and submit refund requests, we apply the policies equitably and consistently.

What is IML’s Transfer policy?

During the first 3 weeks of the course we will accommodate all transfer requests as long as the level is available and there is a vacancy in the class selected. If you enrol in a level which is too easy or too challenging, ask the IML office about moving to a more suitable level. Transfers can only be arranged within the current teaching year.

I wish to cancel my enrolment.

If your course has not commenced yet, you can cancel your enrolment any time before the first session and we will provide a refund of your course fees. There is an administrative fee of $30 per each course. The request for withdrawal must be in writing.
If your course has already commenced, you can still withdraw your enrolment but you are no longer eligible for a refund.

I have accidentally enrolled into a wrong course online. Can I transfer my enrolment?

You certainly can, as long as there are still places and courses available. Please note all transfers need to be arranged in the first 3 weeks of your course and the request for a transfer made in writing.

Are IML translations NAATI certifed?

IML provides NAATI certified, professional translations for individuals and organisations. With NAATI Translators in over 90 languages, you can trust our team to deliver fast high quality translations, no matter how large or small. Email us for a free personalised quote at uqtranslation@uq.edu.au

How much will my translation cost?

Our prices start at $99.

For a more accurate quote go to "Obtain an Instant Quote".

How long will my translation take to arrive?

Standard turnaround time (1-2 pages) is usually 4 business days for an electronic copy of your NAATI certified translation. For multiple documents the turnaround time may differ. You will need to allow an additional 4 business days for the stamped hardcopy to arrive at IML.

Where can I get my driver's licence, degree or academic transcript translated?

You can have your documents translated by the Institute of Modern Languages Translation Service at Level 1, Joyce Ackroyd Building (37) at St Lucia. Email us for a free personalised quote at uqtranslation@uq.edu.au

Who will accept my NAATI certified translation?

NAATI certified translations from IML are accepted by all institutions throughout Australia, including Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Australian Courts (including Family Courts), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Transport and Main Roads (Qld), Medical Board of Australia, Dental Board of Australia, QTAC and Engineers Australia.

I would like to apply to teach at IML.

Thank you for your interest in teaching at the Institute of Modern Languages. There are usually vacancies for language tutors each year at IML and interviews are mostly conducted in December or January; however, a small number are held in May or June and a vacancy can occur at other times if a tutor resigns.

To formally register your interest in working at IML, please send your CV, including names and contact details of three referees, and a lesson plan for the first 2-hour session of the Level 1 course of the language/s you wish to teach. Please address your documentation to Dr Claudia Vasquez Fernandez, Manager of Academic Programs.