About the course

Expand your career options by adding skills in teaching English to your Bachelor's degree.

No intake for 2026 or 2027

The Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is not being offered in 2026 or 2027.

Industry-relevant learning

Get a grounding in the basics of language teaching methods, classroom management and course design, and receive a qualification to teach English to speakers of other languages.

This is a practical programme where you'll study two courses during the summer trimester. You'll observe experienced language teachers, and also teach second language learners under supervision and guidance.

You'll need a minimum of an undergraduate degree, or be very close to finishing your undergraduate degree. This programme is not for you if you already have teaching qualifications or experience as a classroom teacher.

The GCertTESOL has limited entry for 12 students only. Selection into the course is based on the suitability of your undergraduate degree and your grades. You'll also take part in a group discussion and interview. If you are not in Wellington, you'll need to do a phone or Zoom interview.

Important information

You'll need to be available from 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday. Be prepared for at least 15 hours per week of class contact as well as additional hours for teaching preparation in practicum groups.

If your first language is not English, you may need to provide an IELTS test report form with a minimum of 7.5, with no subscores of less than 7. This report form must be no older than two years.

No applications are considered until after the the closing date. If you're suitable, you'll be contacted to arrange a time for the group discussion and interview. Once all of these have been completed, up to 12 students will be selected and a waiting list created.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.

International scholarships

Many scholarships are available for international students at Victoria University of Wellington. They can help with tuition fees and with accommodation costs.

Support for students

Victoria University of Wellington is a welcoming place with great student support. There are all sorts of resources available to help you make the best of your time at university.

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Entry requirements

Domestic entry requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

English language requirements

You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

About the provider

Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.

The University’s central location gives students access to a variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government, politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Victoria University of Wellington at a glance

Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
170+ subjects
20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
130+ clubs and societies
5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
#1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

Graduate outcomes*

Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
67% were in full-time employment.

*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.

Entry requirements

To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:

a good command of the English language
a good record of academic achievement.

Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.

If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:

English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree

Student support

The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.

Some of the support services include:

dedicated international student orientation and events
a free arrival meeting service at the airport
the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go

Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular programmes such as the Kitea Impact Programme, which is also free to join.