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Study English Language today

English Language

Improve your English for practical use in further study, work, and everyday life. 

Explore your options

You will love your experience learning English with us: 

  • Funding is available for New Zealand residents through Studylink, PELT funding, and refugee funding
  • Learn in fast and flexible 16-week programmes;  
  • We provide a safe and supportive environment; 
  • Small classes, so you get plenty of time with our supportive teachers; 
  • You’ll understand more about New Zealand and Kiwi culture; 
  • Get access to our well-equipped library and computer labs; 
  • You will have access to student advisors to help you settle in; 
  • Use the latest technology and apps to help you learn; 
  • We have a diverse student body from many different backgrounds and cultures; 
  • We organise social activities with other English Language students such as shared lunches and welcome ceremonies for new students. 

You will feel right at home at Unitec! 

Our programmes

You can study English Language at one of 4 levels, depending on your current English ability. You will develop your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in all programmes: 

English level

What do I need to apply (you only need one)?

Where does it lead?

Academic, or

IELTS, or

English study, or

Mainstream study

NZ Certificate in English Language Level 3 (General)

NZ Certificate in English Language Level 2 (or equivalent) 

Overall score of 4.5, with a minumum of 4 in each band 

NZ Certificate in English Language Level 3 (Applied) Any Unitec programme that requires IELTS 5.0

NZ Certificate in English Language Level 3 (Applied)

NZ Certificate in English Language Level 3 (General) or equivalent 

Overall score of 5, with a minumum of 4.5 in each band 

NZ Certificate in English Language Level 4 (Academic) Any Unitec programme that requires IELTS 5.5

NZ Certificate in English Language Level 4 (Academic)

NZ Certificate in English Language Level 3 (Applied) or equivalent 

Overall score of 5.5, with a minumum of 5 in each band 

NZ Certificate in English Language Level 5 (Academic) Any Unitec programme that requires IELTS 6.0

NZ Certificate in English Language Level 5 (Academic)

NZ Certificate in English Language Level 4 (Academic) or equivalent 
Overall score of 6, with a minumum of 5.5 in each band
N/A Any Unitec programme that requires IELTS 6.5

Please note: If you don't have either the academic or English requirements, an alternative entry is to achieve an appropriate score on our English Language Placement Test during the application process.

IELTS

Unitec has an IELTS Centre right on campus, so if you’re not sure what your IELTS level is, you can sit your test here. We also have an IELTS Preparation short course available, if you need assistance.

What programme is right for me?

If you don’t have IELTS or a previous English qualification, don’t worry; you can still apply.  

You can take this free online test to get an indication of what level you might be at. Alternatively, just apply for any level; during the application process, you’ll sit an English Language Placement Test. The result of the test will determine what level you’re at. 

Refugee students

While our New Zealand Certificate in English Language programmes do have fees, if you are a refugee, you may be eligible for a Refugee English Fund Grant.  

Where to from here?

If you want to continue studying at Unitec when you finish, you can either: 

  • Progress to a more advanced English programme, or; 
  • Move into an appropriate mainstream programme, based on what level you’ve achieved. 

Please note: If you study our 4th intake, you’ll be able to go straight into the first semester in the following year.  

Want more information?

If you have a question about studying English Language or you need assistance with applying, we can help. Click the button below to talk to one of our friendly staff who are fluent in Mandarin:

I have a question about studying English Language

Or add us on WeChat:

Unitec in Auckland, New Zealand WeChat QR Code

Programmes and study path

Start with a programme that suits your qualifications and/or experience, then progress to a level that achieves your goals.
PROGRAMME LEVEL DURATION CAREER OPTIONS START DATES
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3) 3 Full-time for 16 weeks Improve your English for work in a professional field or continue your studies. February, July or September
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (General) (Level 3) 3 Full-time for 16 weeks Improve your English for work in a professional field or continue your studies. February, July, September
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4) 4 Full-time for 16 weeks or part-time options available Improve your English for work in a professional field or continue your studies. February, July, September
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 5) 5 Full-time for 16 weeks or part-time options available. Improve your English for work in a professional field or continue your studies. February, July or September

Short courses

Start with a short course that suits your qualifications and/or experience, then progress to a level that achieves your goals.
Short courses   Description
Focus On English   A flexible full-time English language short course for international students.