Programme overview
The New Zealand Certificate in English Language Academic (Level 3) is an entry-level tertiary English language programme focused on English in an academic context. It’s designed to develop your English language and study skills in preparation for further study in a specific field.
Unitec employs the latest teaching practices, uses collaborative learning spaces, and provides a true campus and community experience.
This programme provides you with and introduction to English for Academic study skills so that you will be able to move to our NZCEL4 Academic which will give you entry into selected Diplomas and Bachelor degrees at Unitec:
- New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4
- Foundation and Bridging Education
- Animal Management and Welfare
- Automotive Engineering
- Building and Carpentry
- Business
- Computing and Information Technology
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Landscape and Garden Design
- Social Work and Community Development
Is this the right level for me?
If you’re not sure, feel free to take this free online test to help you determine what English programme to apply for. Following this, we will ask you to do some writing and a short chat with an academic staff member either on campus or online. Then you will be placed into the right programme.
Where to from here?
Most students who successfully complete this programme can move into the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4), as well as any Unitec programme that requires IELTS 5.5, including most Level 4 Certificates.
Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme.
Admission requirements
To study this programme, both domestic and international students will need to have the following:
Academic requirements
For this programme, you will need the following:
- Be 16 years old by the time the programme starts
- A New Zealand Certificate in English Language (General) (Level 3) or equivalent, IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 5.0 with no band lower than 4.5, or achieve an appropriate score on Unitec’s Language Studies English Language Placement Test.
You may also be required to complete a placement assessment and interview as part of the application process, to determine the appropriate NZCEL programme level for your enrolment.
For more information download the programme regulations (PDF 170KB).
Courses and timetables
There are currently no courses listed for the current or future semesters.
