Learn Chinese at the UQ St Lucia campus
Ni hao Brisbane! Learn Chinese (Mandarin) for everyday situations. We offer Chinese lessons that are interactive, communicative and affordable.
All IML Chinese classes are held at The University of Queensland St Lucia campus and taught by qualified Chinese tutors.
For beginners courses, there are no entry requirements - you can enrol online anytime.
Everyone is welcome!
Upcoming IML Chinese (Mandarin) courses:
- Chinese Level 1 Summer Intensive (January)
- Chinese Level 2 Summer Intensive ( January)
IML Chinese lessons commence in January, March, April, July and October.
For other course offerings, please see below.
Beginners
There are no formal entry requirements. All IML courses are open to the general public. Anyone 16 years old and over is welcome to enrol. Students with no previous experience in face-to-face language study can choose from the courses listed below, depending on their availability and learning objectives. Survival, Short Courses and Level 1A+B courses are all suitable for complete beginners with no previous knowledge of a language.
Survival and Short Courses focus on speaking and listening skills. Beginners interested in learning grammar and script should consider a Level 1 course. Level 1 includes more in-depth study of a language and prepares students for Level 2. For a detailed list of all topics covered in each course, please see course outlines available as PDF documents on our course pages.
| Type of course | Focus |
|---|---|
| Survival | Conversation |
| Short Course | Conversation |
| Level 1A+B | Speaking, Reading, Listening, Writing |
Student with previous knowledge
There is no placement test. To select the most appropriate course, we strongly encourage students to compare course outlines available as PDF documents on course pages. We also recommend to view the textbook and the chapters covered in the course at IML Library. Other factors to consider include whether the student currently interacts with the language, for example, through friends or family.
If you are familiar with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), you can also use the below comparison. CEFR ratings can be found on all IML course outlines. During the first three weeks of the course, we will 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.
| IML Level | CEFR |
|---|---|
| Level 2A+B | A1/A2 |
| Level 3A+B | A2 |
| Level 4A+B | A2/B1 |
| Level 5A+B | B1 |
| Level 6A+B | B1/B2 |
IML language classes are some of the most affordable in Brisbane. Enrol by the enrolment due date to take advantage of the early bird fee which is available until midnight of the enrolment due date. All fees are payable in full at time of enrolment. As IML courses are not accredited, they are not eligible for HECS payments.
Survival courses: $220 for 12 hours of classes (early bird fee only $16.58/hr - $199)
Conversation: $270 for 18 hours of classes (early bird fee only $13.60/hr - $245)
Short Course for Beginners: $380 for 16 hours of classes (early bird fee only $21.56/hr - $345)
Year & Accelerated courses: $599 for 46 hours of classes (early bird fee only only $12/hr - $549)
Semester 1 Only & Semester 2 Only courses: $599 for 45 hours of classes (early bird fee only $12.20/hr - $549)
Summer Intensive: $599 for 42 hours of classes (early bird fee only $13/hr - $549)
IML Chinese (Mandarin) courses for Beginners
If you are new to face-to-face Chinese study, you can choose from one of the following options, depending on your availability and learning objectives. Chinese (Mandarin) Short Courses focus on speaking and listening skills. Level 1A+B offers more in-depth study of Chinese (Mandarin), including reading and writing skills, and will prepare you for a Level 2A+B course.
For students with previous knowledge
The choice of level is based on self-assessment. To select the most appropriate course, we encourage students to compare course outlines for each level. Students can also view the Level Guide below for more information.
High school program
These courses are suitable for students in the Senior phase of learning (Year 11 and 12) who wish to enrich their knowledge of the language and culture they are currently studying and practise their language skills. These courses are taught by teachers with native proficiency. They have a focus on enhancing fluency and accuracy of expression. Their content is based on themes and topics specified in the Qld Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) Senior Syllabi and in the International Baccalaureate program (IB).
Prospective students
FInd out more about our courses and the St Lucia campus
Talk to us
Email: iml@uq.edu.au
Telephone: (07) 3346 8200
IML Office: 37 Blair Drive, St Lucia 4067 QLD