Starter Course Information Session 2026
Thank you for your interest in our Starter Course Information Sessions!
The Starter Course is the beginner’s level in our J-Course curriculum which runs on a continuing schedule of 4 x 10-week terms per academic year. Enrolment for this course is taken at the beginning of our Academic Year, with the first term of this course being designed for absolute beginners. Due to high popularity, enrolment for our Starter Course is taken by a lottery system*. If you’d like to know more about the Starter Course before deciding to enrol, we will be holding three information sessions to provide more details such as course schedules and course material previews, including a Q&A session.
*Enrolments for the Starter Course in the 2026/27 Academic Year will start on 1 April.
How to register
If you would like to register for one of the Starter Course Information Sessions for the 2026/27 Academic Year, please see the registration tab here.
*Please note:
- Detailed information regarding all our courses (including class schedule and course fee) can be found on our Japanese Language Course page here
- Enrolment applications for the Starter Course will start 1 April 2026. Please see our ‘How to Enrol’ page for more details.
- Attending the information session is not a requirement to register for enrolment into the Starter Course.
If you’d like to know more about the Starter Course before deciding to enrol, we will be holding three information sessions to provide more details such as course schedules and course material previews, including a Q&A session.
| Audience | Anyone wishing to enrol for the Starter Course in the upcoming 2026 Aki Term |
| Venue | In-person: Seminar Room at our Chippendale Centre. Please refer to our website for more information.
Online: Zoom (a link will be sent to you closer to the date) |
| Schedule | Session 1: March 10, 2026 (Tuesday) 6pm – 7pm (AEDT) In-personSession 2: March 21, 2026 (Saturday) 11am – 12pm (AEDT) Online Session 3: March 26, 2026 (Thursday) 6pm – 7pm (AEDT) In-person |
| Admission | Free |
| Capacity | Maximum 15 participants (per session) |
| Registration | Click here to register
*Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. All sessions will cover the same content, we kindly ask that you only register to one session to give others an opportunity to attend. |
What is the enrolment process for the Starter Course in the Aki Term 2026?
Due to high demand, class placements are offered via a lottery system. Those who are interested in enroling for the Starter Course will be invited (via a direct registration link) to register their entry to a lottery pool closer to the date. Once the registration window is closed, entrants will be selected at random from the enrolment lottery pool and offers will be issued until class capacity is reached. Course fee payment will be required to confirm your class placement.
When will enrolment commence?
Registration to the lottery pool for the Starter Course in the Aki Term 2026 will start on April 1, 2026 (Wednesday) 12noon and end April 7, 2026 (Tuesday) 11:59pm.
Will there be more enrolment opportunities for the first term of the Starter Course?
The J-Course academic year is structured as 4 consecutive terms. As such, enrolment into the first term of any course, including the Starter Course, is only offered and accepted once per academic year.
Do I need to be a Japan Foundation, Sydney member in order to register for the enrolment lottery?
You do not need to be a Japan Foundation, Sydney member to register for the enrolment lottery. However, as membership is a requirement for attending students, you will be prompted to join the membership if you are selected and an enrolment offer is issued.
DETAILS
Session 1
Date: March 10, 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 6pm-7pm (AEDT)
Format: In-Person
Session 2
Date: March 21, 2026 (Saturday)
Time:11am – 12pm (AEDT)
Format: Online (via Zoom)
Session 3
Date: March 26, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 6pm-7pm (AEDT)
Format: In-Person
ADMISSION
- Fee – Free*
- Maximum capacity – 15 participants per session
* Registrations are essential, and taken on a first-come, first serve basis. Please register here
ELIGIBILITY
- Participants must be 18 years of age or older
- Participants must currently be residing in Australia
- No prior Japanese language study or experience necessary
ENQUIRIES
- Email: jcourse_sy@jpf.go.jp
- Phone: (02) 8239 0055
Photo credit: Brett Boardman
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