New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 4)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 4 |
|---|
About the course
This qualification is intended for learners of English as an additional language who wish to pursue further English language study in an academic context. It provides students with the necessary language proficiency and academic skills for entry into diploma and bachelor's degree programmes in New Zealand.
Graduates will have the language skills required to communicate independently and effectively in familiar and some less familiar situations with fluency and flexibility in academic settings.
This qualification is at a level comparable to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) mid B2 (i.e IELTS 6.0). This qualification allows educational institutions to make informed judgements regarding the level at which the graduate can use English for academic purposes
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
- 16-week programme.
- There are two parts, Part A and Part B.
- Part A is textbook-based. Students complete 5 units designed by ICL.
- Part B is topic-based. Students complete 5 NZQA unit standards.
- 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday (20 hours), plus 5 hours of compulsory workshops (face-to-face tutorials with the course tutor).
- Students are also expected to complete 12.5 hours of personal self-study per week.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Understand the main ideas and supporting details for oral academic texts of low to moderate complexity.
- Moderate to effective participation in sustained spoken academic discourse.
- Understand the main ideas and supporting details for written academic texts of low to moderate complexity.
- Write modest academic texts of low to moderate complexity.
EDUCATION PATHWAYS
- NZCEL Level 5 (Academic).
- Meeting language requirements for undergraduates and graduate studies at ICL Graduate Business School and most New Zealand Universities.
Entry requirements
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Produce evidence of proficiency in English equivalent to a Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Low B2. This may be demonstrated via a recognised English language testing system such as IELTS, Cambridge, TOEFL, achievement in the NZCEL Level 3 Applied (academic), or achieving an appropriate score on Bridge’s IEPT*
- Possess the appropriate student visa
- ICL Application Form
*Where a prospective student for the NZCEL Level 4 programme cannot produce evidence of current English proficiency. Bridge will use its own Internal English Proficiency Test (IEPT) to assess and determine the student’s entry level.
About the provider
Welcome to Bridge International College, New Zealand’s Specialist School for Academic English and University Pathways
Bridge International College is proud to be New Zealand’s expert in English language education for academic success. Our flagship programme—the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)—prepares students for entry into undergraduate and postgraduate study at all New Zealand universities.
- NZCEL Level 4 meets the English language requirement for most undergraduate degree programmes.
- NZCEL Level 5 meets the English requirement for most postgraduate degree programmes.
Each programme runs for 16 weeks, with multiple start dates throughout the year. Students can choose to study face-to-face in Auckland or online from overseas (only level 5 available).
Why Choose Bridge?
✔️ Trusted for Over 20 Years
✔️ Central Auckland Location
✔️ Small Classes & Personalised Support
✔️ Pathway to Diplomas, Degrees & Master’s Programmes
Located in the heart of Auckland CBD, Bridge shares its modern campus—the ICL Education Centre—with our partner schools: Auckland English Academy and ICL Graduate Business School. Most of our graduates continue their academic journey with ICL’s diploma, postgraduate, or master’s degree programmes.
Outside the classroom, you’ll enjoy life in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant city. Surrounded by beaches, harbours, and islands, it’s the perfect base for study and exploration.
At Bridge, students come from all over the world. Whether you’re starting your academic journey or preparing for higher-level studies, we offer a supportive environment tailored to your English level and goals.