Premier

Supporting Victoria’s Future Interpreters

30 November 2017

Scholarship applications are closing soon for those eyeing a career in interpreting.

Budding interpreters will receive up to $4,320 towards course fees for the Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Interpreting at RMIT University, across a range of languages, including Hazaragi, Burmese, Nepali and Urdu.

Twenty-six per cent of Victorians, or over 1.53 million people, speak a language other than English at home, according to 2016 census data.

The scholarships aim to bolster Victoria’s supply of qualified interpreters so that non-English speakers can better access crucial government services, such as health care and housing support.

In 2018, the program will include 30 languages that have been identified as needing more interpreters.

The Andrews Labor Government’s interpreter scholarships have helped over 300 people gain certification with the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.

The RMIT diplomas are suitable for bilingual people who are seeking to learn or develop professional interpreting techniques.

Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, although applications from asylum seekers will also be considered.

To be eligible to study in 2018, applications must be submitted to RMIT by 15 December, 2017.

For further information about the scholarships visit multicultural.vic.gov.au. To apply for the course, visit rmit.edu.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott

“Qualified interpreters can be a lifeline for non-English speaking Victorians and we need more of them, across a wide range of languages.”

“They play a pivotal role in some of life’s most important and sometimes stressful moments – like visiting the doctor, attending court or seeking police assistance.”

“Their work is also crucial for English speaking professionals seeking to provide best care and services.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?