Language Programs

Confucius Institute at the University of Melbourne offers a wide range of Mandarin Chinese classes, at all levels, open to the general public. Whether you are learning for work or pleasure, Confucius Institute at the University of Melbourne has a course suitable for you.

 

All the language courses will be delivered in a blended mode in 2023. The textbooks and online course manual will be sent to our registered students. The Institute strictly follows the Covid-safe guidelines from the government and the University. Delivery mode might change in line with latest policies.

 

2024 Term Dates

Summer Intensive 3 - 31 January 26 January Australia Day
Term 1 29 January - 5 April 11 March Labour Day; 1 April Easter Monday; 2 April Easter Holiday
Term 2 22 April - 28 June 25 April ANZAC Day; 10 June King's Birthday
Term 3 15 July - 20 September  
Term 4 7 October - 13 December 5 November Melbourne Cup

 

2024 Term 2 Enrollments

  • Term 2 enrollments are open. Please click here to register. View the timetable.             
  •  All the language courses will be delivered in a blended mode in 2024. That means the lessons can occur in a face-to-face context with online options via Zoom running at the same time.  
  • Course cost is $439.00 per ten week term (20 hours), and includes GST, textbook and all course materials. A 10% discount is offered to returning Confucius Institute students, University of Melbourne staff, students and alumni. 
  • Please read our Enrollment Guidelines below before making payment.

Please note that the deadline to register for the language and cultural programs in Term 2 is 12.00pm Monday 15 April 2024. This is not a hard deadline, but we encourage students to register early to avoid disappointment. Whilst we look to prioritize our current and long-term students by allowing them to stay with their current teacher and classmates, this is not always possible with late registrations. We constantly receive a large amount of enquiries about our language and cultural programs. Please note that places are limited in class and will be allocated on a first come first served basis through registration. For further information, please contact us at confucius-institute@unimelb.edu.au.

 

24/7 Online Chinese for Beginners

It is a great way to advance your career and personal goals by studying online Mandarin courses through Confucius Institute at the University of Melbourne. All you need is an internet connection. 24/7 Online Chinese for Beginners allows you to:

  • enroll in an online study course at any time throughout the year;
  • study anytime, anywhere, at your own pace;
  • access to individual tutor support as in private lessons, but with a group class rate;
  • network with peers across states or even from different countries.

For further information, please contact us at confucius-institute@unimelb.edu.au.

 

One on One Clinical Chinese Pronunciation and Tonal Training 

The objective of this course is to refine your pronunciation and tones. In this one-on-one, 10-hour module, our highly experienced Chinese teachers will use innovative approaches to identify your areas for improvement and provide personal support and guidance to achieve your goals. It is suitable for learners at all levels.   

 

In this course you will:

  • learn to produce tones and articulate words accurately to gain a more authentic Chinese accent
  • get access to a variety of resources that support your learning
  • work with your teacher to tackle the most challenging elements of pronunciation 

 

This course will be tailored to your individual needs and will be flexible to your availability and time. It can be offered in both online and face-to-face modes. For further information, please contact us at confucius-institute@unimelb.edu.au.

 

Q&A Chinese

Q&A Chinese classes are the utmost flexible and personalized lessons while being interactive, communicative, and affordable. The 30-minute session focuses on topics of students’ choice. It is designed for students who would like to ask questions and issues that arise during their Chinese learning, get expert feedback on their work, or just want to practise Chinese orally with professional guidance. The teacher will work closely with students, understand where they are in their Chinese learning, uncover their misconceptions, and help them consolidate their learning.

 

The students will enjoy the benefits of individual attention and flexible schedule while learning the Chinese language from a professionally trained Chinese teacher. The classes are delivered via Zoom only. After the date and time are confirmed, students need to email the teacher their questions or their work 2 business days before the class. There are no entry requirements - simply enroll online to begin your language journey with CI.

 

For course enquiry and registration, please contact us at confucius-institute@unimelb.edu.au.

 

Conversational Language Bootcamp -- Level B

This course is designed to challenge students with one hour guided conversation to strengthen their speaking and listening abilities, twice a week for 10 consecutive weeks.

Day and time: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-2pm

Entry requirements: HSK Level 2, or completing Great Wall Chinese Book 5 or Contemporary Chinese Book 2

 

For course enquiry and registration, please contact us at confucius-institute@unimelb.edu.au. Registration fee covers textbooks, workbooks and other teaching material.

 

BEGINNER

There are 6 levels of beginner Chinese available. Students who complete Chinese 1A will:

  • have a basic understanding of Chinese language and its structure;
  • perform basic greetings and expressions for daily communication;
  • acquire a sense of China’s contemporary culture;
  • recognize and write up to 100 Chinese characters.

 

INTERMEDIATE

The Institute runs both lower intermediate and upper intermediate courses. Participants are encouraged to converse on a range of current affairs topics, while also improving their vocabulary, grammar and character recognition.
 

ADVANCED

One of the only truly advanced Chinese courses available in Melbourne. Participants have generally spent time living in China and are looking for an opportunity to stretch their Chinese skills.
 

PRIVATE TUTORING

Private tutoring is also available. For further information, please contact us at confucius-institute@unimelb.edu.au or call 9035 8204.
 
 

ENROLMENT GUIDELINES

  • Enrolments are for a 10 week course of lessons (the Institute cannot accept week-by-week payments).
  • Students are welcome to attend one trial class to gauge their language level before enrolling (not applicable for absolute beginners courses).
  • Payments are requested prior to the commencement of the term; or after the trial lesson for new students. If payments are not received prior to the commencement of the term, please note your place is not guaranteed.
  • Class levels are organised based on the number of paid attendees prior to commencement of term. Please note classes may be cancelled if there are not enough registrations prior to the starting date.
  • Please note a late fee may apply to all course fees received after the first week of term. Refunds cannot be issued for withdrawals after the commencement of the term.
  • Refunds cannot be issued for missed classes. Students can attend another class (where a similar level is available) in the same week; or attend a one-off private tutorial (10-15 minutes) per term to make up on missed content.
  • If a teacher is unable to deliver class, a replacement teacher will be organised in advance by the Institute. If, due to exceptional circumstance, a teacher is unable to deliver class, term will be extended by a week.
  • Mid-term enrolments will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Thank you for your co-operation and understanding. For further information, please contact us (details as above).