Free Language courses
The University offers all its full-time undergraduate students the opportunity to apply for a free place on one of our popular language courses.
Applications for Free Language Courses for 2026/27 will open in June 2026, and the application form will be available on the Languages for All homepage.
Before applying for a Free Language Course, please ensure you have read the Terms and Conditions, available below the section titled 'How do I apply' on this page. Kindly note that submitting an application does not guarantee a place on the course.
We are currently extending this opportunity to all campus-based postgraduate students and University of Birmingham staff where availability permits. However, the scheme is set up primarily to extend the learning opportunities available to undergraduate students, who are given priority for places.
By undertaking a Languages for All Free Language course, you are eligible to gain recognition on The Birmingham Award. The Birmingham Award is the University’s employability award for undergraduate students. Gain recognition for participating in activities you are already doing! Register your interest on the Birmingham Award website!
Course dates and duration
Course start date for 2025-2026: Week commencing Monday 29 September 2025
Depending on the language and level you choose, your language course will either be:
- For level 1: Digital First online learning activities to complete independently, followed by a 2-hour* on-campus class per week (20 hours per semester)
- For Levels 2 & 3: Digital First online learning activities to complete independently, followed by a 1-hour* on-campus class (10 hours per semester)
- French, German & Spanish Level 4 to Level 8: 2-hour* on-campus class per week (20 hours per semester)
There are 10 teaching weeks per semester. Please note that some classes take place in the evening or on Wednesday afternoons.
For modules taught as Digital First courses, students are expected to engage in approximately 1-3 hours of independent online learning per week via the Canvas course provided, prior to attending the face-to-face session on campus.
The language courses continue through Semesters 1 and 2 until the end of the teaching year. It is not possible to join for one semester only.
You will find the different language course options offered in the table below.
Places are limited and subject to fulfilment of Terms and Conditions outlined on this page. It is important you read the Terms & Conditions (below) before applying.
*The standard ‘University hour’ is currently set at 50 minutes.
Which languages can I learn?
- Some courses might not be offered every year, and some languages may not be available at all levels.
- We are constantly reviewing our programme, so some courses may not run, and new courses may be offered in their place.
- We reserve the right to cancel a class if there are insufficient enrolments.
| Language | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 | Level 7 | Level 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabic |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First | Yes, Digital First |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Chinese (Mandarin) |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| French |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| German |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Italian |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Japanese |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Portuguese |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Russian |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Spanish |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes, Digital First |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
What level am I?
If you are unsure about which level you should join, please check the What Level am I? page.
How do I apply?
Registration for 2024/2025 Free Language Courses is now closed.
The application period for Free Language Courses for the 25/26 academic year will open on 9 June 2025, at 09:00 and close on 14 September 2025, at 23:59. The application form will be made available on the Languages For All home page.
Please note that an application does not guarantee registration. We would advise all students to read the Terms & Conditions of the Free Language Courses below before applying.
After the application period ends (15 September onwards), check your University of Birmingham Inbox regularly for an email from the Languages for All admin team regarding your application.