Language courses in Sydney: free AMEP English at TAFE NSW, WEA Sydney, University of Sydney CCE and institute fees

Free English through the AMEP at TAFE NSW

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 Sydney the program is delivered by TAFE NSW, which describes it as free English lessons and childcare for eligible migrants and refugees. TAFE NSW also runs AMEP distance learning for people who cannot attend class and a volunteer tutor programme that matches students with volunteers to practise English online or in person.

Community college and university courses

WEA Sydney sorts its language courses by prior hours of study, so you can match a course to what you have already done. CCE’s standard language terms in 2026 run Monday to Thursday, with the fourth term starting between 6 and 12 October. Because CCE now teaches live online, it suits learners anywhere in NSW, not just the city.

Cultural institutes

Alliance Française de Sydney, on Clarence Street, runs six sessions of adult French classes a year, each lasting eight weeks, and says its rates start from $22.90 an hour depending on the course type, with a free online placement test. Instituto Cervantes on Sussex Street teaches Spanish, and the Goethe-Institut runs 10-week German courses in Sydney of 30 hours each, combining a weekly class with tutored self-study and including all materials. For certificates such as DELF and the Goethe-Zertifikat, see DELF, DELE and the Goethe-Zertifikat.

Free language help at the library

City of Sydney Library members can learn over 70 languages, or improve their English, with Mango Languages. You can use it as a guest with your library membership number or set up a profile to track progress, and the app is free on iOS and Android. The library also keeps community language collections for people learning languages.

Private lessons and schools: typical prices

We did not find a published source for typical private tutor rates in Sydney. For national ranges, see our Australia language course costs guide. If you are weighing a tutor against a group, read tutoring vs group classes.

How to choose a language course in Sydney

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.
• Visa and work English. If you need English for a visa, check the course prepares for an accepted test: see English tests for Australian visas. If you are aiming to work as a translator or interpreter, see NAATI accreditation.

Language course providers in Sydney

These providers appear in public business and education listings for Sydney. We have not checked their teaching, prices or accreditation, and they have not paid to appear.

You 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.

Sources

• About the program (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
• Adult Migrant English Program (tafensw.edu.au)
• Spanish Courses; Languages (weasydney.com.au)
• Language (cce.sydney.edu.au)
• Adult French Courses (afsydney.com.au)
• Face-to-Face German Courses in Melbourne and Sydney (goethe.de)
• Online learning and courses (cityofsydney.nsw.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.