New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Foundation)

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Foundation) is designed for learners who are new to English or have very little prior knowledge of the language. The programme welcomes both domestic and international learners, including Māori, Pacific, migrant, and former refugee learners, and provides a supportive starting point for learning English.

You will begin developing essential English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, focusing on simple, practical communication for everyday life. With strong support from your teachers, you will learn to understand and use basic English in familiar situations, such as introducing yourself, following simple instructions, and meeting immediate personal and community needs.

The programme creates a safe and encouraging learning environment where you can build confidence step by step and prepare for further English study, employment pathways, and participation in your community.

The programme is open to learners of English as an additional language who have little or no prior knowledge of English. No prior English language qualification is required.

Learners are expected to demonstrate readiness for Foundation-level study. This may include:

• familiarity with the Latin alphabet and basic print conventions (e.g., left-to-right orientation),
• emerging awareness of letter–sound correspondence in English, and
• basic literacy skills in English or another language sufficient to engage in introductory reading and writing tasks.

Auckland | Wellington | Palmerston North | Lower Hutt

Since 1993, ETC (English Teaching College) has been helping students from around the world achieve their goals through high-quality English language education. Today, we are proud to be one of New Zealand’s most multicultural English language schools, welcoming learners from up to 40 different countries at any one time.

At ETC, students develop the language skills and confidence they need for:

Everyday communication

Academic study and pathways

Employment and workplace success in New Zealand and beyond

Students can choose to study at one of our four welcoming campuses — Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North, or Lower Hutt. Each campus offers modern, multimedia-equipped classrooms and a supportive learning environment designed to help students thrive.

We provide carefully selected homestay accommodation close to each campus, giving students the opportunity to experience New Zealand life while feeling safe, supported, and connected to their host community.

Student wellbeing and academic success sit at the heart of everything we do. With average class sizes of just 12-16 students, learners benefit from personalised attention, meaningful interaction, and strong relationships with their teachers.

Our experienced, multilingual staff speak Japanese, Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, French, Russian, Polish, Tagalog, and Arabic, ensuring students feel welcomed, understood, and supported from their first day to their next destination.