Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Apply your English language proficiency with increasing independence and fluency.
Graduates will have the general language skills required to participate with increasing independence and fluency in academic contexts.
What you will learn
You will learn the skills to:
- understand main points and some specific details of moderately complex oral and written texts on reasonably familiar topics in an academic context.
- participate with some confidence in sustained spoken discourse on reasonably familiar topics in an academic context.
- write clear, connected texts on reasonably familiar topics in an academic context.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be 16 years of age or older on the 1st of January in the year that the student enrols, unless approved otherwise by the Academic Lead: AND
- Can reasonably expect to achieve the standards required for successful completion of the programme or course;
AND one of the following
- Have successfully completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language (General) (Level 3); OR
- Provide an IELTS Academic score of at least 5.0 with no band score lower than 4.5, or an accepted international equivalence; OR
- Provide evidence of CEFR High B1 level in the VITAL placement test.
Applicants using VITAL CEFR High B1 evidence to enter the programme will be required to undertake the NorthTec internal placement test to confirm their current level of English proficiency. This will include writing and speaking components.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Learn online with Open Polytechnic, with regional support by NorthTec:
- Access to a NorthTec facilities – computer/meeting room access, library and student support.
- Local workshops – optional workshops where you can be supported in your online learning with others studying the same programme as you. Located in Whangārei, Ngāwhā, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, & other campuses as demand requires.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy and any course-related costs. The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) for programmes level 3 and above.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST. Prices that are not explicitly indicated as International are the domestic price and may differ for International students. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Education pathways
This certificate can lead to the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4) or into other study or training programmes/courses at New Zealand Qualifications Framework Level 4 or below.
Career opportunities and pathways
Holders of this certificate will have the English language skills to work in positions that require:
- participation in face-to-face interpersonal communication
- response to basic, context-specific texts
- production of simple, context-specific record-keeping
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
