New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4)
Perfect if you are an upper-intermediate English speaker. You will further enhance your English skills for professional or academic purposes. You can go from here into most of our advanced tertiary programmes.
Domestic
July
About the programme
Want to improve your English skills?
Study English at Otago Polytechnic to prepare for further study, make new friends and experience New Zealand culture.
When you study with us you will:
- learn English from teachers who are very patient and understanding
- work in small groups to practise your speaking
- meet native speakers and listen to guest speakers
- gain study skills through self-directed learning and group work.
This Certificate is for upper-intermediate English speakers who want to do further English-language or subject study in an academic context. It is a nationally-recognised qualification. It can lead to academic study at Otago Polytechnic, or you can use it to transfer to other study institutes in New Zealand.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We have part-time options for this programme available - talk to us about what will suit you best.
International
About the programme
Want to improve your English skills?
Study English at Otago Polytechnic to prepare for further study, make new friends and experience New Zealand culture.
When you study with us you will:
- learn English from teachers who are very patient and understanding
- work in small groups to practise your speaking
- meet native speakers and listen to guest speakers
- gain study skills through self-directed learning and group work.
This Certificate is for upper-intermediate English speakers who want to do further English-language or subject study in an academic context. It is a nationally-recognised qualification. It can lead to academic study at Otago Polytechnic, or you can use it to transfer to other study institutes in New Zealand.
Delivery options and start dates
We offer this programme with two different locations.
You can study on campus in Dunedin. This option has intakes each year in February and July and will take 17 weeks of full-time study to complete.
You can also study on campus at our Auckland International Campus where this programme is offered by Future Skills due to a sub-contract arrangement. This option has intakes each year in February, April, July and October and will take 16 weeks of full-time study to complete.
What You Study
When you finish this programme you will be able to:
- understand the main ideas and key supporting details of quite complex spoken and written information on familiar and unfamiliar topics
- take part effectively in sustained, spoken academic conversation
- write detailed, well-developed and quite complex academic texts.
Study options after English
This programme prepares you for further study in our certificate, diploma and degree programmes. Find out more information here.
Workload
Your workload
- 20-22 hours a week in class, guided by your teacher
- 10-14 hours a week for self-directed study
Entry
Entry requirements
- We will test you and place you at the right level when you arrive. You may not be enrolled into the Certificate level that you apply for.
- Alternatively, you can provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years) OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
For our Dunedin-based programme, you'll need to buy the course textbook. This will be available from your lecturer for a discounted price of $90.00.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
