About

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Language and Cultural Literacy is designed to allow students flexibility in gaining an additional short qualification by undertaking introductory study across one or more subjects from a range of languages or to consolidate their knowledge of a language already begun. Students gain an understanding of intercultural communication through a core subject and through undertaking language and culture studies from any of 14 languages.

Who is it for?

The Graduate Certificate in Language and Cultural Literacy is designed for graduates interested in gaining a short qualification in languages, either as a beginner or as someone who already has some background in the language. There are flexible study options, including some options for intensive mode study over summer or winter semesters.

Why Melbourne?

The University of Melbourne is ranked #1 for Modern Languages in Australia (QS World University Rankings 2025). Our language programs combine best practice in learning languages at all levels, with leading research in key areas for deeper cultural understanding and communication.

What will I learn?

You’ll improve your cultural literacy through studying a core subject on intercultural communication, enhanced by language learning in cultural contexts in your choice of elective subjects. There are 14 language options to choose from, and you can focus on one language or combine your studies across more than one language. You’ll be able to commence language studies at a level appropriate for your existing level of proficiency.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission criteria

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have completed an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60
CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection

When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

English Program Requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

English language test score requirements

If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0

TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60

CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169

*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

Career

A Graduate Certificate in Language and Cultural Literacy will enable you to build your skills in language and intercultural communication, whether you’re looking to fulfil personal or professional goals.

The combined elements of language and transcultural communication/cultural literacy will be an asset in many professions such as international relations, marketing or allied health fields. The completion of the Graduate Certificate may also be a pathway to further language study.

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Fee Information

Tuition Fee

15,060 / year

Application Fee 154