Modern Languages

#1 in Sydney
Top 30 in the world
2020 QS World University Rankings

Faculties and schools_

School of Languages and Cultures

Ranked #1 for Modern Languages in Sydney*

We offer a wide range of language studies. Join us to discover the world's cultures first hand and become a truly global citizen.

Placing first in Sydney and the top 30 in the world for modern languages, we lead in the education and research of languages and cultures*. Our language offerings integrate cultural understanding to provide depth and breadth to the learning experience.

With Australia’s growing diversity, we equip our students with cross-cultural and linguistic competency and enable them to become successful and responsible citizens of the country and of our interconnected world.

For students who haven't had the opportunity to learn a new language, we offer the largest suite of intensive in-country units at the University. Undergraduate students can go on global study adventures to various destinations through our Open Learning Environment (OLE) In-Country Experience to learn a language in an immersive cultural context.

*2020 QS World University Rankings by Subject

Our offerings

FAQs about language studies

How many languages can you study at USYD? Which language level should you start at? Can you become a certified translator when you graduate? From accreditation to overseas opportunities, we’ve got answers for you.

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Languages at Sydney

Get insights from our students, alumni and academics. Discover how you can take your next step in language studies at the University of Sydney with our event and resources for prospective students.

Research expertise

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Languages and cultures research

We study languages, literature and cultures, along with studies of ancient and modern societies in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, as well as the multilingual reality of Australia.

World Literatures and the Global South Conference

The School of Languages and Cultures proudly hosted the third international congress of the World Literature Association on 'World Literatures and the Global South' on 23–25 August 2019.

Co-convened with the Peking University Australian Studies Centre and the World Literature Association, this international conference engaged with literary production on and from the Global South in their own languages as well as in translation.

Learn more

Our people

Course contacts

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Languages): brangwen.stone@sydney.edu.au
Diploma of Language Studies: clara.sitbon@sydney.edu.au

Events

See our school calendar for upcoming events, talks, seminars and conferences.

UPDATE: In light of COVID-19 developments, all events hosted on our campuses have been deferred or cancelled. Some of our events are transitioning to online delivery and will be advertised accordingly.

Let us know what event you're interested in via our online form, and we'll update you as the situation changes. Learn more about the University’s advice regarding COVID-19.