The Ballarat Italian Association's Alisdair Horgen says the enrolment of around 35 to 40 students from the city had commenced Italian language classes at the beginning of 2020.

"There was a significant level of interest from prospective students in previous years and the association wanted to support the endeavour," Mr Horgen said.

"People been making a lot of calls to uis, asking where people could learn Italian in Ballarat, and we thought it would be something the association could offer with some confidence.

"We quickly had an enrolment of almost 40 students ranging in ability from complete beginners to advanced speakers. Our teacher, Francesca Angeli-Urbini teaches classes on Wednesdays, with students placed into beginner, intermediate or advanced classes.

"Initially, our classes were held at Barkly Square. However, the COVID19 crisis meant that we were unable to meet as usual. Francesca moved her classes online and students continue to meet weekly to learn via Zoom."

Mr Horgen says Ms Angeli-Urbini, who was born in Italy, has recently learned she's now spent an equal amount of time living in both her country of birth and Australia.

He says the Ballarat Italian Association is pleased to support Italian culture by subsidising lessons, with students paying $10 for a one-hour lesson. Classes follow the school term.

"We're looking to provide different classes into the future, Mr Horgen told The Courier.

"We'd like to be able to have clases, in Italian, which discuss food, art and aspects of Italian culture. Next year we will be able to take new students, and no matter the students' level, they will be catered for."