New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) Level 3

New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 (Academic) is designed for learners who are preparing to use English in study and academic contexts. The programme welcomes both domestic and international learners, including Māori, Pacific, migrant, and former refugee learners.

You will develop your skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with a focus on understanding and communicating information and ideas in learning environments. You will work with a range of academic-style texts and tasks, helping you build the language needed for further study and training.

At this level, you will engage with more extended texts and discussions, including less predictable situations, and begin to use English to explain ideas, give opinions, and respond to information in a clear and organised way.

The programme also supports you to become a more independent learner, with structured self-study that helps you practise, consolidate, and extend your skills beyond the classroom.

By the end of the programme, you will feel more confident using English in academic settings and be better prepared for further study and training opportunities.

The programme is open to learners of English as an additional language who have achieved the New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 (General), the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 3 Applied), or who can demonstrate equivalent English language proficiency.

Equivalent proficiency may be evidenced through recognised English language tests (e.g. IELTS, CEFR-aligned assessments) or through placement testing conducted by the provider.

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.