University of Queensland Intensive French in New Caledonia

UQ has teamed up with CIS Australia to offer this unique study abroad program that allows you to immerse yourself in the French language and culture without the time and cost of travelling to France! Nearby New Caledonia, a French overseas territory and archipelago, provides a perfect setting for French language study, combining the language and culture of France with a pristine Pacific Island backdrop.

Improve your understanding of French Pacific and Kanak cultures while increasing your language proficiency with Creipac (Centre de Rencontres et d’Échanges Internationaux du Pacifique) in Noumea.

Field of Study

French Language

More information regarding the program can be found in the Electronic Course Profile.

Credit Equivalent

2 UQ Units. Maximum of 2 UQ Units if the course is successfully completed (pending UQ faculty approval).

Visa Information

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority, we cannot provide visa advice.

Refer to CISaustralia FAQ's Visa & Passports

Contact the French Embassy for visa and immigration information.

Pre-Departure Session:

Students participating in this program are required to attend the pre-departure session:

Date: To be confirmed
Time: To be confirmed
Location: To be confirmed

Eligibility and Application

All applicants must meet the UQ short-term experience eligibility criteria and the following additional program criteria:

This program is open to students who, at a minimum, are enrolled in FREN2010 or have successfully completed it. Students taking or having completed courses higher than FREN2010 are eligible.
Students need a minimum B1 CEFR level of French; if you have not taken French at UQ or are not a French Major, please contact A/Prof Amy Hubbell (a.hubbell@uq.edu.au) to confirm your language level eligibility.
Students participating in the Brisbane University Language Alliance are eligible to apply.

Apply to UQ Apply to host

Cost

The participation mode of this experience is Study Abroad. The tuition fee is approximately $7,999 AUD, and a $99 AUD Application fee to CISaustralia. More information regarding fees and inclusions can be found at CIS Australia - UQ in New Caledonia, Noumea.

The program fee includes:

CISaustralia support services before, during and after the program
CISaustralia 24/7 on-site support – Site Director
Assistance with travel arrangements
Comprehensive pre-departure guide
Comprehensive online pre-departure webinar session
Airport pick-up and drop-off (on specified program dates within designated times)
On-site orientation meeting
Homestay accommodation with 2 meals provided per day
Tuition fees (Generally 15 hours per week)
All registration and enrolment fees
Minimum 3 x Excursions/Activities
Buddy Program: language sessions with local UNC students (at their availability)
Wi-Fi is included at the accommodation and language centre
Free computer use at the language centre
Access to an independent self-learning language library and facilities
Program risk matrix and risk assessment
Risk Management and Emergency Response Plan
Academic and Financial Advising by dedicated CISaustralia Program staff
CREIPAC course completion certificate*
CISaustralia Certificate of Participation (available on request)
*CREIPAC is a language institution, and as such, does not provide official university transcripts. If approved for academic credit, students can use their CREIPAC Certificate of Completion to show proof of having completed the program and related (4) core language skills with accompanying grades.

Detailed information regarding fees and inclusions can be found on the CISaustralia website

Accommodation

Accommodation is included in the program cost. For more information on accommodation, please see the CISaustralia website.

Funding

New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant

The New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant is available for this experience, but it is limited.

When you submit your application to the Global Experiences team, you are automatically considered for this grant if you meet the NCP Eligibility Criteria. There is no additional application required.

This grant is not guaranteed even if all selection criteria are met.

Global Experiences Grants

When you submit your application for an experience, you are automatically considered for funding that is relevant to your nominated experience. Please refer to the Short-Term Experiences Funding page for details.

OS-HELP Loan

You may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth-supported student.

Student Testimonials

Holly - Intensive French in New Caledonia

B Science, Winter 2023

New Caledonia was also just generally a beautiful place and it was wonderful to learn about the history, culture and environment of the country during my stay.

Eliza - University of Queensland Intensive French in New Caledonia

B Arts / B Communications, Winter 2023

I have gained independence and the ability to see myself succeeding in a life overseas separated from my family, I have the skills to manage this and maintain my links with my family.

Annie - University of Queensland Intensive French in New Caledonia

B Science / D Languages, Winter 2023

I am now far more comfortable with expressing myself in French.

Find other short-term experiences

Key Dates

Application Deadlines

UQ: 24 September 2026
Host: 12 October 2026

Program Dates

Start: 22 November 2026
End: 19 December 2026

Fast Facts

Type: Study
Mode: Study abroad
Location: Noumea, New Caledonia (in-person)
Credit: For-credit and Not-for-credit
Cohort: Undergraduate and Postgraduate*

*Postgraduates can attend the program as not-for-credit only

OS-HELP Loan

If you participate in a short-term program you may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth-supported student.

Application Deadlines

OS-HELP loan applications open on 5 January each year.

OS-HELP loan applications can’t be accepted:

any earlier than 6 months before the official start date of your overseas study
any later than 3 months before the official end date of your overseas study.

*OS-HELP Loan applications are closed between 17 December and 5 January. Please visit the OS-HELP Loan website for more information on how to apply for an OS-HELP loan.

Refer to the funding page for more information on eligibility requirements and loan amounts.

Global Experiences Information Sessions

Students are encouraged to register and attend an information session to receive more details on the short-term application process, eligibility criteria, funding etc.