The Diplomatic Academy offers Discussion Groups and Immersion courses to assist APS agencies and state and territory Government staff to maintain language proficiency. Please review the Australian Foreign Service Language Proficiency Ratings to determine the appropriate level before attending. The discussions groups are not language classes and participants are expected to have the relevant proficiency.
- Australian Foreign Service Language Proficiency Ratings [PDF 81 KB]
- Australian Foreign Service Language Proficiency Ratings [DOCX 22 KB]
Lunchtime Discussion Groups
Discussion Groups are held on the same working day each week, from February to November. They are conducted face-to-face and via online virtual classroom (Microsoft Teams).
Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm (AEST)
Location: Diplomatic Academy, Level 1, 44 Sydney Avenue, Forrest ACT 2603 or online Via Microsoft Teams.
Cost: Free
- Lunchtime Language Discussion Group Timetable 2026 [PDF 305 KB]
- Lunchtime Language Discussion Group Timetable 2026 [DOCX 499 KB]
To join a Lunchtime Discussion Group online, you must join with your “.gov.au” email address. Please email LanguageServices.cbr@unsw.edu.au to be added to the mailing list of the Discussion Group you would like to attend, and you will receive weekly articles and dial in details.
Language Immersion Courses
Immersion Courses are designed to assist APS agencies and state and territory Government staff to maintain and improve existing language proficiencies. Courses are a full-time commitment for one or three days depending on the language. They consist of formal and informal discussion, translation and interpreting, presentations from academics, colleagues and language specialists. There is no formal assessment.
Learners must have the appropriate language proficiency to attend immersion courses. If you are unsure of the Immersion Course level you should attend, 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 APS agencies and state and territory Government staff, on a user-pays basis.
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.