Course overview
For political, economic, environmental and cultural reasons, Japan and Indonesia will play an increasingly important role in contemporary global change. The Australian Government is seeking to make study in Asia a ‘rite of passage’, to enable Australians to develop a deep and engaged knowledge of the countries and languages of Asia.
This qualification is the only course in Australia that offers a full year in-country experience for postgraduate credit. It is designed for students interested in developing an advanced knowledge of an Asian language, through a program of study at universities in Japan or Indonesia. This qualification requires full-time study overseas for two semesters.
Immersed in the language every day for a full year, you will develop your Japanese or Indonesian skills to an advanced level. You can also study a variety of subjects such as the literature, media, religion, history, politics, economics, sociology and anthropology of Japan or Indonesia. These areas combined will make you a specialist of Japan or Indonesia with a wealth of knowledge of the region and personal networks in the community.
Note – as teaching of this course is conducted at Murdoch’s partner universities in Japan and Indonesia, it takes several months to process institutional arrangements. You will therefore need to apply well in advance before your intended commencement of this course.
AQF Level 7 (bachelor) degree with 3 years of study in the relevant Asian language or equivalent is required to apply for this course.
3 reasons to study a Graduate Diploma in Asian Language (in-country) at Murdoch
- This qualification is the only course in Australia that offers a full year in-country experience for postgraduate credit.
- Open up your global career opportunities by learning an Asian language.
- Study at one of our partner universities in Indonesia or Japan. You could study in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hyogo, Osaka, Yogyakarta or Bandung.
What you'll learn
Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:
- Advanced knowledge of the language (Japanese or Indonesian)
- Understanding the culture and society of Japan or Indonesia, both traditional and contemporary
- Understanding history, politics, economics and religions in Japan or Indonesia
Your career
This course will serve the career development needs of those seeking to work in areas such as teaching, foreign affairs, law, public service, hospitality, business, and journalism that require a broad interdisciplinary background in the Asian cultural, political and economic context. Careers could include:
- Language Teacher
- Tourism Operator
- International Liaison Officer
- Public Servant
- Foreign Correspondent or Journalist.
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Admission requirements
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Other Requirements
This course requires the student to complete at least one semester of study at a university in Asia while residing in Asia.Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
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Fees & Scholarships
Fees
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.
Scholarships
How to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
Recommended documents (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.