New Zealand Certificate in English Language

This qualification is intended for learners of English as an additional language, attending NZQA approved programmes delivered in Aotearoa New Zealand or off-shore. It is intended for learners who have minimal command of English.

Graduates will have the language skills required to communicate with support, in basic, familiar, everyday situations in order to participate in an English language environment. This qualification is at a level comparable to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) high A1 - low A2.

This qualification allows Aotearoa New Zealand community, employers and educational institutions to recognise the level at which the graduate can use English for general purposes.

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.