Language
The Language Faculty
The Language Faculty builds and maintains the language capabilities that are integral to the department's and the Australian Public Service's work in advancing the interests of Australia and Australians internationally.
Learning Streams
- Country Studies
- Cultural Immersion
- Foreign Languages
Learning and Development Programs
The Diplomatic Academy offers Discussion Groups and Immersion Courses to assist Australian/ACT Government staff to maintain a language proficiency. If you are not sure which level Discussion Group/Immersion Course to attend, it is recommended that you review the Australian Foreign Service Language Proficiency Ratings and attend a Discussion Group to discuss further with the tutor.
Australian Foreign Service Language Proficiency Ratings
Lunchtime Discussion Groups
Purpose: These discussion groups give staff a good opportunity to use and maintain their existing foreign language skills.
Audience: Participants must speak the particular language in order to attend one or more of these groups as they are not language classes. Participation is open to staff from Australian government agencies and ACT Government staff. Tutors can assess your language skills at your first Discussion Group session to ensure you have proficiency in the targeted language at the correct level (or to suggest a different level).
Format: Discussion Groups are held on the same working day each week, from February to November inclusive. They are conducted face-to-face and via online virtual classroom (Microsoft Teams). This gives staff from all DFAT locations and other APS agencies the opportunity to attend.
Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm (AEST)
Location: Diplomatic Academy, Level 1, 44 Sydney Avenue, Forrest ACT 2603 or online Via Microsoft Teams.
Cost: Free.
Note: Attendance levels are monitored to ensure that language training resources are applied as effectively as possible. Where attendance is irregular or below minimal levels, discussion groups may be cancelled.
Discussion Group Timetable 2025
Joining instructions
To join a Lunchtime Discussion Group online, click on the relevant class link in the attached Timetable. For queries relating to Lunchtime Discussion Groups, email LanguageServices.cbr@unsw.edu.au.
Immersion Courses
Location: Immersion Courses are delivered face-to-face at the Diplomatic Academy (Canberra, Australia).
Purpose: Immersion Courses are designed to assist Australian/ACT Government staff maintain and improve existing language proficiencies.
Audience: Participants must speak the particular language, at the appropriate level, in order to attend the Immersion Course. If you are unsure of the Immersion Course level you should attend, it is recommended that you review the Australian Foreign Service Language Proficiency Ratings and attend a Discussion Group to discuss further with the tutor. Participation is open to staff from Australian government agencies and ACT Government staff, on a user-pays basis.
Format: Courses require a full-time commitment of three days (note that a couple of select languages are only one day). They consist of formal and informal discussion, translation and interpreting, general discussion of contemporary news, print media and current affairs and including presentations from academics, colleagues and language specialists. There is no formal assessment as part of the Immersion Courses.
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm (AEST)
Location: Diplomatic Academy, Level 1, 44 Sydney Avenue, Forrest ACT 2603.
Cost: 1-day course = $250. 3-day course = $1,127.
Note: Non-attendance and cancellations within 48 hours of the start of the course may be charged at full cost.
Immersion Course Timetable 2025
Enrolment Process 2025
To enrol in an Immersion course, you will need to create an account and log into our Learning Management system, Lumi, with your “.gov.au” email address.
You can then search for "Immersion Course" and select the appropriate language and level to enrol in.
Learn more about how to Register, Login and Navigate Lumi.
Note:
- If there aren't sufficient enrolment numbers 4 weeks prior to the start of the course, it may be cancelled.
- All withdrawals/cancellations must be advised to UNSW by email (LanguageServices.cbr@unsw.edu.au) at least 48 hours prior to the start of the course. Non-attendance and late cancellations may be charged at full cost.
- If the course you are interested in has reached capacity, you can register your interest in Lumi (express your interest). You will be automatically notified of any new sessions or spots as they become available in Lumi.