Quick answer: In Brisbane, TAFE Queensland delivers the free Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), with free childcare. For other languages, the University of Queensland’s Institute of Modern Languages (IML) charges $215–$235 for a survival course and $425–$445 for a semester course in more than 30 languages. Brisbane City Council library members get Mango Languages free.
Free English through TAFE Queensland
The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), funded by the Department of Home Affairs, teaches English free to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants, and free childcare is available for children under school age while you attend face-to-face classes. Since the 510-hour limit was removed, eligible students can keep studying until they reach vocational English. For the eligibility rules, see who can join the Adult Migrant English Program.
In Queensland the AMEP is delivered through TAFE Queensland. It says you can join if you are 18 or over, speak little or no English and meet the visa rules, and it arranges free childcare for children under school age while you attend. TAFE Queensland also runs Work Ready, an AMEP sub-program that combines classroom English with work experience in local industries.
UQ Institute of Modern Languages
The IML at UQ’s St Lucia campus teaches more than 30 languages, with courses designed for adult learners and evening classes, and publishes a single fee table for 2026:
| Course type | Early bird | Full fee |
|---|---|---|
| Survival courses | $215 | $235 |
| Conversation | $280 | $305 |
| Short Course for Beginners | $360 | $390 |
| Semester course (A or B) | $425 | $445 |
| Accelerated courses | $570 | $620 |
| Intensive courses | $595 | $635 |
The IML says its only discount is the early bird fee, fees are paid in full at enrolment, and because its courses are non-award they cannot go on HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. Textbooks are not included, and there are no exams from 2026; you get feedback from continuous assessment instead. It accepts new enrolments up to three weeks into a course if you already know some of the language. The IML also provides NAATI-certified translation: see NAATI accreditation.
Cultural institutes
Alliance Française de Brisbane, in West End, runs adult French courses of 2–2.5 hours a week over 9 or 10 weeks, plus five-week intensive formats. We could not find the fees on its course pages. Brisbane also has community language schools for German and Italian, listed below.
Free language help at the library
Brisbane City Council says library members have free access to Mango Languages, which you can download to a phone or tablet from the App Store or Google Play.
Private lessons and schools: typical prices
We did not find a published source for typical private tutor rates in Brisbane. For national ranges, see our Australia language course costs guide.
Find a language course
Free and no obligation. Tell us what you want to learn and how, and we will look for a course provider that suits you.
How to choose a language course in Brisbane
Leisure language classes are not licensed like a trade, so compare providers on what they publish and what they will put in writing:
- Level and hours. Ask which level the course starts and finishes at and how many teaching hours it includes. Most providers use the CEFR scale in our guide to CEFR levels A1 to C2.
- Price per hour, not per course. Divide the fee by the teaching hours: the courses on this page run from 10 to 30 hours a term.
- What is extra. Membership, textbooks, placement tests and exam entry are often charged on top of tuition.
- Refunds and minimum numbers. Many classes only run if enough people enrol. Ask for the cancellation and refund policy in writing.
- Student visas. If you are coming from overseas to study English full-time, check that the school is registered on CRICOS, the government register of providers allowed to teach overseas students, before you pay.
- Textbooks. At UQ’s IML, textbooks are bought separately, so add them to the fee when you compare.
Language course providers in Brisbane
These providers appear in public business and education listings for Brisbane. We have not checked their teaching, prices or accreditation, and they have not paid to appear.
Institute of Modern Languages (UQ-IML)
Area: St Lucia
Offers: Evening courses in more than 30 languages
Website: iml.uq.edu.au
Listed from public information · not a partnerTAFE Queensland (AMEP)
Area: Campuses across Brisbane
Offers: Free English for eligible migrants; Work Ready
Website: tafeqld.edu.au
Listed from public information · not a partnerAlliance Française de Brisbane
Area: Montague Road, West End
Offers: French courses for adults, teens and children
Website: afbrisbane.com
Listed from public information · not a partnerBrisbane German Language School
Area: Indooroopilly
Offers: German classes
Website: bgls.org.au
Listed from public information · not a partnerItalian Language Centre
Area: Lutwyche Road, Lutwyche
Offers: Italian classes
Website: italianlanguagecentre.org
Listed from public information · not a partnerSpanish Learning Centre
Area: Highgate Hill
Offers: Spanish classes
Website: spanishlanguage.com.au
Listed from public information · not a partnerSOL – School of Languages
Area: New Farm
Offers: Language classes
Website: solanguages.com.au
Listed from public information · not a partnerLingua Franca
Area: Brunswick Street, New Farm
Offers: Language classes
Website: mylinguafranca.com
Listed from public information · not a partnerYou can also read our Australia language course costs guide, compare course types, read how to choose a language course or tell us what you need.
Are English classes free in Brisbane?
For eligible migrants aged 18 and over, yes. TAFE Queensland delivers the AMEP free, with free childcare.
How much are UQ IML language courses?
In 2026, $215–$235 for survival courses, $280–$305 for conversation and $425–$445 for a semester course, with the lower figure for early bird enrolment.
Can I pay for an IML course with HECS-HELP?
No. The IML says its courses are non-award, so fees must be paid up front.
Is there a free way to learn a language in Brisbane?
Yes. Brisbane City Council library members get Mango Languages free.
Can I join an IML course after it has started?
Yes, if you already know some of the language: the IML accepts enrolments up to three weeks into a course, and will move you to another level in those first three weeks if a place is free.
Do IML courses end with an exam?
Not from 2026. The IML says exams will no longer take place and you will get feedback based on continuous assessment during the course.
Sources
- About the program (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
- Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) (tafeqld.edu.au)
- 2026 Course fees; FAQs (iml.uq.edu.au)
- Courses (afbrisbane.com)
- Online library services to enjoy anywhere, anytime (brisbane.qld.gov.au)
Last checked: September 2026. Course fees change each term, so confirm the price when you enrol. All prices are in Australian dollars.
Compare Language Courses is a comparison and referral service, not a language school. We do not teach courses, and a listing here is not a recommendation.