Course details

CELTA - Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
NZQF Level 5

About the course

During our CELTA course you'll develop an understanding of the key principles and practices of effective English language teaching, and the motivations and roles of both teacher and learner. For more information about CELTA go to http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/celta. There are two different ways of completing the CELTA programme at Ara: Face to Face Part Time This course takes just 11 weeks part time and comprises 12-15 hours face-to-face study and a minimum of 10 hours independent study each week. It is held on Saturdays (9.00am - 4.30pm) and Tuesday and Thursday evenings (5.30-9.00pm).CELTA online (blended option) This option combines online self-directed study with face-to-face teaching practice and observations, over 15 weeks. It includes two, week-long practicums in weeks 6 and 13. This option is ideal if you prefer more flexible learning or if you are from outside Christchurch. You must be at least 18 years old by the completion of the course. There are limited places on the course, and applications will be prioritised according to when the completed application is received by our enrolments team.Please note: CELTA-qualified teachers are urgently required in Australia. Online/blended course 2025: Monday 7 July to Friday 17 October 2025. The first on-campus TP week is Monday 11 August to Saturday 16 August, and the second one is Monday 29 September to Saturday 4 October. Summer course 2025/26: Saturday 8 November 2025 to Tuesday 12 February 2026. There will be a short break for Christmas and New Year. The last class of 2025 is Saturday 20 December, and the first class of 2026 is Tuesday 6 January.

Entry requirements

What if English is not my first Language? Overall IELTS 7.0 Academic 7 Listening 7 Reading 7 Writing 7 Speaking If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study. Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart. If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment. If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country. IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test. What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance? The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills. Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements? If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry. You must submit a written pre-interview task and attend an interview during which language proficiency will be assessed. Entry is governed by the entry regulations as set out by Cambridge ESOL Examination. Applicants must have achieved the credits required for University Entrance.

About the provider

Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level. 

Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.

It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.

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