Australian Citizenship: SBS Learn English’s new video podcast series for migrants

SBS Learn has released a video and podcast series called Australian Citizenship, designed to help new migrants complete the Australian citizenship test in the lead-up to Australian Citizenship Day on 17 September. 

The four-part series explores Australia’s people, democratic rights, government and law, and cultural values – giving new migrants the information they need to become citizens. 

Hosted by actors Luke Carroll and Angeline Penrith, the pair guide viewers through Australian vocabulary like ‘fair go’ and ‘mateship’ in an easy-to-digest format. 

“Taking the Australian citizenship test is one of the most important milestones in the migrant journey and we know it can be a daunting task, especially for those who are still learning English and come from diverse backgrounds,” said David Hua, SBS Director of Audio and Language Content.

“That’s why we created our multilingual Australian Citizenship video and podcast series to make the process as accessible and engaging as possible.”

“It’s the combination of Australian cultural information and English language learning that makes this resource so relevant and empowering for new migrants.”

Content covered in the series follows the official government booklet ’Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond.’

The 6-7 minute videos are subtitled in 11 languages based on statistical data based on those who gained Australian citizenship in 2021/2022.

Subtitled languages include Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Filipino, Gujarati, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Punjabi, Urdu and Vietnamese.

“Many migrants, like myself, are really nervous about taking the citizenship test. It’s so helpful to hear real life experiences from people who have been through the process,” said TJ Correa, SBS Filipino Producer who features on the podcast series. 

“Even if you’re an expert English speaker, SBS’s Australian Citizenship series is a valuable resource for those who are eager to become new citizens and it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of feeling that you belong and are accepted.”

Access the Australian Citizenship series via the SBS Learn English website and SBS Audio app.