Fifty-one Syrian refugees arrived in Belfast last month under a government scheme, having been deemed as being at "real risk" in their home country.
Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry said language classes would help people settling in Northern Ireland to "integrate into society".
The lessons are expected to cost about Â£20,000 each year.
A second group of refugees is expected to arrive in Northern Ireland before April, and they will be settled in Londonderry.
The lessons will be provided at further education colleges, but would not apply to economic migrants.
Mr Farry said it was in the "public interest" to help refugees settling in Northern Ireland.
"The measures ensure that no one who comes to Northern Ireland seeking refuge from persecution or war is disadvantaged simply because of their immigration status," he added.
He said the lessons would be offered to all people in Northern Ireland with refugee status.
"Analysis indicates that demand for provision is relatively small so any additional costs will be affordable within the department's budget."

Surrey Police, who were alerted to the closure at about 17:30 GMT, said the tunnel was expected to be closed for "at least another five hours".
Officers have been deployed to help with traffic control and co-ordinate road closures and diversions.
The tunnel diverts traffic on the A3 London to Portsmouth road at the Devil's Punch Bowl.
A Surrey Police spokeswoman urged motorists to avoid the area if possible. A diversion is in place.
The engineers behind the Â£371m tunnel, which opened in 2011, said at 1.25 miles (1.8km), it was the "longest under land" road tunnel in the UK.
Its construction followed decades of severe congestion on the A3.
Refugees in Northern Ireland will be offered free English lessons, a Stormont minister has said.
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The Hindhead Tunnel has been closed in both directions owing to what police believe is a "technical fault".