Beginner
Your first conversations
You can introduce yourself, understand familiar words, and ask simple questions.
Elementary
Everyday essentials
You can communicate about familiar routines, make simple requests, and describe your background.
Intermediate
More independent communication
You can handle many everyday situations and describe experiences, plans, and opinions.
Upper intermediate
Clear, connected expression
You can understand more complex ideas and communicate with greater fluency and detail.
Advanced
Flexible, precise communication
You can use language effectively for varied purposes and follow extended, demanding material.
Proficient
A longer-term learning milestone
You can understand a wide range of language and express subtle distinctions with ease.
These descriptions are a simplified reference for language learners. Course stages do not guarantee a CEFR outcome or official certification. Mandarin courses use beginner through advanced stages; CEFR labels are not a substitute for HSK assessment.
Not sure where to begin?
Tell admissions what you can already do, when you last studied, and what you would like to improve. We can discuss a suitable course and any available placement activity.
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