General/Academic English

English for Academic and General Study is designed for international students who want to improve their English for study, work, or personal goals. The programme is available to students enrolled for 12 weeks or longer and offers a flexible, level-based pathway from Pre-Elementary to Advanced Plus. These are NZQA-approved qualification programmes.

Each level runs for 12 weeks and is made up of six focused courses: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking, Vocabulary, and either Language Development or Exam Skills, allowing you to build your skills step by step across all areas of English.

The programme uses a portfolio-based assessment approach, meaning your progress is measured through a range of tasks and activities completed during your study, rather than a single final exam.

The programme is suitable for a wide range of learners, including:

• students preparing for international English exams such as IELTS, Cambridge exams, or TOEIC,
• learners building general English skills for everyday communication,
• students progressing through multiple levels over a longer period of study, and
• those studying English for personal development or employment opportunities.

With levels from beginner to advanced, the programme allows you to enter at the right level and progress at your own pace, supported by experienced teachers and a structured learning pathway.

English for Academic and General Study (EAS) is open to international students aged 18 years and over who enrol for a minimum of 12 weeks.

You can start at the level that best matches your current English ability, from Pre-Elementary to Advanced Plus. Your level will be determined through a placement test and an interview on arrival.

You do not need a formal English test score to enrol. However, if you are preparing for an exam such as IELTS or Cambridge, your existing results can be used to help place you in the appropriate level.

To enrol, you must also:

• meet visa requirements set by Immigration New Zealand, and
• hold appropriate travel and medical insurance for the duration of your 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.