Language courses in New Zealand

Types of language courses in New Zealand

There are several options for learning English in New Zealand. During language courses, students study grammar and vocabulary, master reading and writing skills, and communicate with each other for conversational practice. Often, programs can be combined with each other. For example, Exam Preparation can be taken along with Academic English, and English + Activities can be taken in addition to General English.

• General English and Intensive English. General English programs that differ in intensity and duration — from 1 to 52 weeks. Available for any language level. Also, general courses can be taken part-time — in the morning or afternoon.
• English for Business. Specialized Business English courses focus on speaking skills, listening comprehension, and communication practice. They consist of modules with specific vocabulary for certain business areas.
• English for Specific Purposes — English for doctors, lawyers, and pilots. These programs consist of 20 hours of General English and 5-10 private lessons. Duration — up to 8 weeks. The minimum required language level is Intermediate.
• Academic English prepares students for studies at English-speaking universities. Such courses last from 12 weeks to a full academic year. The minimum required language level is Intermediate.
• Exam Preparation — language exam preparation courses: IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge exams. The curriculum consists of a General English course and a practical module, where students analyze and solve real tests. Duration — from 1 week to a semester or year (if combined with Academic English).
• Teacher Training — practical courses for English teachers. In the classroom, they thoroughly study the language and teaching methods. Courses last an average of 5-6 weeks, at the end of which students receive international TESOL, TECSOL, and CELTA certificates. The minimum level of language proficiency is Intermediate for TESOL and Advanced for CELTA.
• High School Preparation. Special programs for teenagers aged 13-17, aimed at preparing for high school education. Not only are educational materials used during classes, but also interactive games, English-language literature, and authentic press. Available for any language level. Duration — from 1 to 56 weeks, depending on the initial language level.
• One-to-One Lessons — individual lessons. Students can independently choose the duration and intensity of their classes (from 5 to 50 hours per week).

Summer programs

New Zealand language schools offer summer programs for teenagers aged 13-17. One of them is English+Activities. It combines English lessons and extracurricular activities: sports, workshops, and sightseeing tours. Courses last from 1 to 5 weeks and are available for all language levels.

New Zealand is located in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer begins in December, which is when such programs take place. That being said, there are also traditional June courses.

Pathway programs

Preparatory Pathway programs are available at both university centers and private schools. They are aimed at preparing students for university studies and improving the language to pass entrance requirements.

The minimum required language level is Intermediate. In addition to English classes, these courses teach students how to write motivation letters, help with choosing a university, and advise on admission and future careers. Students also acquire the skills of critical thinking, self-presentation, and academic debate. After completing the program, students can enter the 1st year of university. Partner universities recognize language school exams as equivalent to their entrance tests, so students do not need to additionally confirm their language level.

Foundation programs are also available at New Zealand language schools. In addition to English, the disciplines of the student’s chosen specialty are studied. Enrollment in such courses takes place in January. Studies usually last from six months to a year.

University courses in New Zealand

University courses offer general, applied, and academic English programs, as well as IELTS preparation. They last 17 weeks on average (including summer weeks). In the classroom, students prepare for the language proficiency entrance exams required for admission to higher education programs.

Features of admission to New Zealand language schools

Private language schools in New Zealand enroll students all throughout the year. Courses for Beginners start 1-4 times a month, and classes for students with an Elementary level and above — every Monday. Pathway programs begin in January, April, and September. One-year preparatory programs at universities — in February and July. Check the exact start dates of the courses on the official websites of language schools and universities.

Some courses in New Zealand have minimum language requirements. Typically, this is the Intermediate level.

To enroll in a New Zealand language school, you must:

• Select the appropriate course and accommodation option for the duration of your studies
• Apply to the language school (you can do it online by filling out the form on the official website)
• Pay the necessary fees (registration and tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, etc.)
• Receive an invitation from the language school and attach it to the documents for a visa

For admission to Pathway and Foundation programs, you need certificates confirming your language level and documents on previous education (a diploma or certificate).

The next stage of admission is the visa process. The consulate considers the application within 20-30 days from the date of submission. Before that, you need to have enough time to collect all of the necessary documents, translating and certifying them with a notary. Therefore, it is better to apply for a visa in advance.

Upon admission, you also need to pay special attention to the contract clauses that relate to the conditions for monetary returns. Some language schools, in case of cancellation or rescheduling on behalf of the student, withhold only the registration fee. Others withhold part of the program cost.

Visa for language courses in New Zealand

For short-term courses in New Zealand lasting up to 3 months, a foreign student needs to apply for a visitor visa.

Documents for a New Zealand visitor visa:

• Printed and completed INZ 1017 form
• Passport valid for 3 months upon return
• Copies of active passport pages
• Visa fee payment confirmation
• 2 color photographs pasted into the INZ 1017 form
• Proof of enrollment at a New Zealand language school
• Return tickets or booking confirmation
• Proof of financial solvency at the rate of 590 USD/month or 236 USD/month if the student has already paid for accommodation

Consideration of a visitor visa application takes over 20 working days.

If you plan to study for more than 3 months, you must obtain a student visa.

Documents for New Zealand student visa:

• Completed INZ 1012 form
• Valid passport
• Visa fee payment confirmation
• 2 photos
• Medical certificate or chest x-ray
• Certificate of non-conviction
• Medical insurance for the entire period of study
• Proof of financial solvency at the rate of 738 USD/month or 8,855 USD/year for long-term programs
• Accommodation booking confirmation (proof of payment for housing in a host family or student residence, which can be requested from the school)
• Return tickets or booking confirmation
• Language school invitation letter with a seal of the organization (should contain information about the school, curriculum, and course duration)
• Proof of course payment

You may also be required to provide language exam certificates and/or other evidence of previous education.

You can apply for a visa and fill out the INZ 1017 and INZ 1012 forms online through VFS Global. There, you can also pay for the visa fee and make an appointment at the nearest branch, where you need to provide a package of documents with notarized translations.

The term for issuing a student visa is about 30 working days, but in some cases it can take 2-3 months. It is advisable to start collecting documents as early as possible.

Additional expenses

Check school websites for additional costs.

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