The Australian Government has committed funding of $62.15 million over four years (2008–09 to 2011–12) for the National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program (NALSSP). The aim of the program is to increase opportunities for school students to become familiar with the languages and cultures of Australia’s key regional neighbours, namely China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea.
Asian languages and studies will equip the students of today with the skills to excel in the careers of tomorrow in our increasingly globalised economy. A greater cultural understanding and the ability to engage with our regional neighbours in their own language will help to build a more productive and competitive nation. This is beneficial for our economy, community and individuals, creating more jobs and higher wages and overall better opportunities for all Australians.
The Australian Government has worked with key stakeholders, including state and territory government and non-government education authorities, embassies and the Asia Education Foundation, to develop the NALSSP and its implementation arrangements.
NALSSP funding is targeted in four ways:
Programme Guidelines
NALSSP - Programme Guidelines (
PDF 1.0MB | 
RTF 2.9MB)
On 4 May 2009, the former Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, announced the establishment of a NALSSP Reference Group to provide strategic oversight of the NALSSP.
NALSSP Consultation