New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) Level 4

New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 (Academic) is designed for learners who are preparing to study in English-medium academic environments. The programme welcomes both domestic and international learners, including Māori, Pacific, migrant, and former refugee learners.

You will develop advanced skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with a focus on using English effectively for academic purposes. You will work with a range of moderately complex academic texts and tasks, building your ability to understand, analyse, and communicate ideas clearly and confidently.

At this level, you will learn how to research, evaluate, and integrate information from written and spoken sources. You will also produce more detailed and structured written work, and take part in extended discussions and presentations.

The programme supports a high level of learner independence, with self-directed learning that helps you practise, consolidate, and apply your skills in new and less familiar academic contexts.

By the end of the programme, you will be well prepared for further academic study and training in English.

The programme is open to learners of English as an additional language who have achieved the New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 (Academic, General, or Applied), Level 4 (General), 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.

Learners are expected to demonstrate the ability to comprehend and produce connected spoken and written texts consistent with Level 3 expectations, and to engage in basic research and source-based tasks in preparation for Level 4 Academic study.

Entry is subject to placement processes to ensure learners are able to meet the academic language and independent learning demands of Level 4 study.

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.