Learning Mandarin in Australia

Mandarin has the advantage of being a vibrant community language as well as an important international language. There are thus many opportunities to hear and practise Mandarin and learn more about Chinese culture informally in the local community. ALMA encourages its members to take advantage of these opportunities to supplement more formal programs of language education. 

Meeting Mandarin speakers in the ACT region
Learners can register for the free ALMA Mandarin Community Tutoring Project, which brings together native speakers of Mandarin living in the Canberra area and members of the wider ACT community. ALMA also keeps members members informed of local Chinese-related activities and events through this website and the ALMA News.

Formal programs and courses
For Mandarin courses and programs in the ACT region see Programs for Adults and Programs for Children. There are also an increasing number of online programs and courses. 

For Mandarin learners outside the ACT region 
To find Mandarin speakers in your local community, consider contacting the International Office or ELICOS centre of a local university or TAFE, or the Director of a local English language program provider. If they do not already have a language exchange system in place, ask if it is possible to contact a native speaking Mandarin student – you could offer to help them with English in exchange for them helping you with Mandarin.

You can also try to find where Chinese is spoken in your area – there may be a Chinese church or weekend school for example. Go along and see who you meet.

Formal programs outside the Canberra area
There are a wide range of Mandarin programs for children and adults in most Australian cities.
 
For adults: contact your local university, TAFE and other adult education institutions and program providers. 

For children: contact your state/territory education department for programs in mainstream schools, and ethnic school/community language school associations for weekend schools. See also Languages Australia. There may also be a range of other private providers for pre-school and after school programs.  

Programs for adults

Tertiary level programs

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Community Language Schools

Other Opportunities

  • Learning online

  • Mandarin Community Tutoring Project - to practise what you have learned/are learning elsewhere

  • Chinese conversation for intermediate and advanced-level speakers. Weekly on Friday morning 10.30am-11.30am Canberra Southern Cross Woden. Free and no obligation. Native speakers welcome. For details, phone Claire at 0412 305 538. 

  • U3A Classes for adults aged 50 or over. Beginning and Continuing. Contact Claire for more details: on 0412 305 538

  • Mandarin Friendship Hub [中文之友会], a free online conversation group for intermediate and advanced-level Mandarin learners. Thursdays 8pm-9pm.

  • The ANU chapter of the Australia China Youth Association (AYCA) organises social events and group language exchanges during university semesters. Mostly aimed at uni students but others welcome. More details at @ACYAANU

​Study Tips and Guides
"Untying the Dragon’s Tongue: A Guide to Learning Mandarin Chinese" A 2019 publication by ALMA member, keen language learner and Canberra resident Stephen Ginpil. Also available through Book Depository.    

Programs for children

Under school age and after-school programs

Community Language Schools
Community Language Schools are usually community run and operate on Saturdays or Sundays during school terms. They are open to school-aged children of all ethnic backgrounds. Some also accept children of preschool age and adults.  There are currently five community language schools offering Mandarin in the ACT area. 

Government (public) school system

  • Primary schools:

    • Kingford Smith School

    • Mawson Primary School (offers a LOTE program from Kindergarten to year 6 and an optional immersion program. For details see www.mawsonps.act.edu.au or contact the Principal on (02) 6142 2700 (bh).)

    • Red Hill Primary School

  • High schools:

    • Canberra High

    • Kingsford Smith School

    • Melrose High

    • Telopea Park

  • Secondary colleges (Year 11 and 12):

    • Most government secondary colleges in the ACT offer Mandarin programs.


​ Non government schools

Online resources  
Parents in homes where Mandarin is not the main language might find this site useful 

Community language schools

Australian School of Contemporary Chinese (ASCC)

  • Founded in November 2003, ASCC is an accredited and registered Specialist Education Provider by the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS). It has more than 40 experienced educators, scholars, teachers and administrators who plan and/or teach various levels to cater for students from pre-school to Year 12.

  • All teachers must be trained before teaching in the classrooms. All are required to have teaching experience gained in their home countries and districts, with relevant qualifications. Most are native Mandarin speakers.

  • Currently there are campuses at Belconnen, Braddon, Civic, Gungahlin and Woden, which operate classes for students from school-age to adults.  For details of class locations, levels and times see www.standardchineseschool.act.edu.au/

Canberra Chinese School

  • A non-profit school with three campuses - Belconnen, Woden and Gungahlin. 

  • The school focuses on teaching Ma Liping textbooks, recognised by Chinese language teaching experts around the world as an effective model to teach heritage school age children to speak and read Chinese.

  • Requirements: children from 5 years old with basic oral communication skills in Mandarin.

  • The school also offers an after school Chinese program specially designed for students from both Chinese and non-Chinese backgrounds at Red Hill Primary on Wednesdays.

  • ​In addition to Chinese language classes, CCS also offers Chinese culture related learning activities such as art and dancing classes.

  • For more information: http://www.canberrachineseschool.net/ or email admin@canberrachineseschool.net

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FCCCI Chinese School

  • A large non-profit and community based school operating since 1994 that offers quality Chinese language programs to preschool and school-aged children at Lake Ginninderra College in Belconnen, in Dickson College, and at Canberra College in Woden, and after school classes on weekdays at various ACT primary schools.

  • This long established and reputable community school is run by a volunteer group of parents and community workers. All of the teachers are native Chinese speakers, qualified and experienced in teaching Chinese to children.

  • Enrolment is open at any time during the school term. Students will be assessed before enrolling into an appropriate level of class. Parents are welcome to have free trial classes before enrolling. 

  • The School also offers a range of cultural classes including Chinese painting, calligraphy, chess, martial arts and dancing. 

  • The School also has adult Mandarin classes delivered by experienced and qualified Chinese teachers.

  • For more information: https://fccci.org.au/chinese-school/

Queanbeyan Chinese School 

  • A small community language school for families living in or near Queanbeyan. The school offers Mandarin language classes for school-aged children for 2 hours on school term Saturdays. Classes are held in the Queanbeyan High School, Surveyor St & Agnes Ave, Queanbeyan. 

  • For more information see http://qbnchinese.jimdo.com/ or email qbnchinese@hotmail.com

TACA Mandarin Language School​​ 澳洲坎培拉台灣同鄉會華語學校 

  • Established in 2017 by the Taiwanese Association of Canberra, Australia (TACA), a not-for-profit organisation

  • The school offers Traditional Chinese language programs by qualified and experienced teachers.

  • Classes are held on weekends during school terms and are designed for both school-aged children (recommended for ages 6 and above) and adults.

  • The venue: Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, 2nd floor, North building 180 London Circuit, Canberra ACT 2601

  • Course materials: Let’s Learn Chinese (學華語向前走), supported by the Taiwanese Government.

  • ​For more information see Facebook page or contact tacaschool@gmail.com

Online resources

Libraries ACT
In addition to a range of learning materials and resources, ACT public libraries offer free access to Mango Languages which has online programs in both Mandarin and Cantonese. These programs teach practical grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and cultural skills.

​Mandarin Stars Online
Small classes for children and teenagers delivered by local Australian teachers, pre-recorded topic videos and private Facebook groups. Learners from all backgrounds welcome.

eChineseLearning
One-on-one live online lessons using free video instant messaging software. Learn Chinese online with teachers in Beijing. Caters for all ages of students.

eChineseonline 
A range of video courses based on different skill levels and topics. Instructions are provided by professional Chinese teachers. 

Tutor ABC Everyday Chinese

ChinesePod
A convenient way to learn Chinese that combines audio lesson podcasts, web & mobile study tools and integrated, live speaking practice with teachers.

ChinesebyDesign
Small online group classes led by English-speaking Chinese teachers using their Accelerated Learning techniques.

Mandarin Friendship Hub 中文之友会
Free weekly online conversation group for learners of Mandarin with at least intermediate proficiency.

Curriculum resources for schools
Information about, and resources to support, the Australian K-10 Chinese curriculum, illustrations of practice and ideas for promoting language learning.


Learning through games 

​Tips for Parents in homes where Mandarin is not the main language

Business Chinese plus general tips and useful links

HELP US UPDATE THIS PAGE:  If you find any of the above links inactive, or have information or comments about the courses listed above or other online programs, please let us know at canberraalma@gmail.com

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