General English, IELTS and English pathways

Do you want to improve your English skills?

Study English at Otago Polytechnic to prepare for travel, study or work. Boost your English language skills to meet NZCEL programme requirements or before taking the IELTS examination.

We have three options available for you.

1. General English

Location: Auckland
Duration: Flexible
Delivery method: On-campus only
Level: Starter (A1) to Advanced (C1+) (subject to minimum cohort size)
Credits: 36
Start dates: Flexible (please enquire)
International fee: $350 pw (2-12 wks), $340 pw (13-24 wks), $330 pw (25+wks)
Apply by date: Anytime

You will:

• develop the English language and skills you need for travel, study or work in New Zealand and beyond.
• build your confidence using English on our first-class campuses in Auckland, Central Otago and Dunedin – which campus will you choose to start your New Zealand adventure?
• work with our Employability Team to improve your CV, prepare for job interviews and get valuable work experience while you study. Our industry connections and on-campus networking events mean we are uniquely able to help you prepare for your future career. 

2. IELTS preparation

Location: Auckland
Duration: Flexible
Delivery method: On-campus only
Level: IELTS Bands 4.5-7.0+ (subject to minimum cohort size)
Credits: 36
Start dates: Flexible (please enquire)
International fee: $350 pw (2-12 wks), $340 pw (13-24 wks), $330 pw (25+wks)
Apply by date: Anytime

You will:

• develop the English language skills and exam strategies you need for IELTS success
• undertake authentic IELTS test practice every week with feedback from our IELTS experts on how to get the band score you need
• study in our light, spacious and modern Learning Resource Centre with one-to-one support from our Learning Support Team

3.English pathways

Location: Auckland
Duration: Flexible
Delivery method: On-campus only
Level: Intermediate (B1) - Advanced (C1+)
Credits: 36
Start dates: Flexible (please enquire)
International fee: $350 pw (2-12 wks), $340 pw (13-24 wks), $330 pw (25+wks)
Apply by date: Anytime

You will:

• develop the English language and academic skills you need for success in the New Zealand tertiary sector, or anywhere in the rest of the English-speaking world
• follow a seamless pathway to a tertiary programme with New Zealand’s leading polytechnic
• work with our Employability Team to improve your CV, prepare for job interviews and get valuable work experience while you study. Our industry connections and on-campus networking events mean we are uniquely able to help you prepare for your future career.

Career opportunities for graduates 

• Travel, study or work in New Zealand or anywhere that English is spoken.

Entry requirements

• Entry subject to placement test.

Selection criteria

• An English language placement test to determine your level of study (Starter-Advanced).

Additional costs

• Enrolment fee of $220.

Your workload

• 20 classroom hours and 10 hours of independent learning per week.

Programme structure 

Please note: The below programme structures are indicative only. 

General English

IELTS

English pathways

You will study

General English:

• Level 1: Develop the language systems, skills and confidence you need for personal communication in English-speaking countries
• Level 2: Develop the language systems, skills and confidence you need for daily life in English-speaking countries
• Level 3: Develop the language systems, skills and confidence you need to connect with the people and cultures of English-speaking countries
• Level 4: Develop the language systems and skills you need to communicate fluently, naturally and confidently in a variety of personal, social and professional contexts in English-speaking countries

IELTS preparation:

• 5.0-5.5: Develop the English language skills and exam strategies you need to qualify for entry to a Level 5 Certificate or Diploma
• 5.5-6.0: Develop the English language skills and exam strategies you need to qualify for entry to a Bachelor’s degree or Graduate Diploma
• 6.0+: Develop the English language skills and exam strategies you need to qualify for entry to a range of postgraduate qualifications, or for professional registration

English pathways:

• B1+: Develop the language and academic skills you need for entry to NZCEL Level 4, and undergraduate and graduate study beyond
• B2: Develop the language and academic skills you need for entry to NZCEL Level 5, and postgraduate study beyond

Further study options

Travel, further study or work in New Zealand or beyond.

Useful resources/links

1. https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/cefr/
2. https://www.ielts.org/