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ABC College of English
ABC College of English (est. 1994) is a boutique NZQA Category 1 English language school in Queenstown — New Zealand’s adventure capital. ABC offers small classes, personalised support, practical English for work and life, and activity-based “English +” options (skiing, mountain biking, adventure activities). The college is also the IELTS test centre for the region and partners with Queenstown Resort College (QRC) for pathways into hospitality and tourism diplomas.
University ranking / accreditation
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Not a university — ABC is a private English language college rather than a university; therefore there is no university ranking.
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Quality assurance: ABC is an NZQA Category 1 (highest) provider — this is the key quality indicator for international students in New Zealand.
Campus locations & facilities
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Main campus: QRC House / 7 Coronation Drive (central Queenstown).
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Satellite site: Level 2, 1 Earl Street (Earl St satellite classrooms listed in NZQA records).
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Facilities include multiple classrooms, student library, breakout/self-study rooms, common room/café, outdoor barbecue/garden areas and free Wi-Fi. The school is centrally located close to shops, cafés and Lake Wakatipu.
Courses & study levels (what they offer)
ABC’s course portfolio is focused on English language and exam preparation. The main course types are:
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General English — full-time and part-time options, levels Elementary → Advanced (NZQA training scheme levels 1–5). Weekly intakes (every Monday).
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IELTS Academic / Exam Preparation — classroom preparation and the campus is the regional IELTS test centre. Useful for students who need Academic IELTS for study or migration.
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English Plus — short/combined programs that pair English with activities (English + Ski, English + Mountain Biking, English + Activities, English + Work Placement). These are packaged add-ons to language study.
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One-to-One tuition & specialised exam prep — 1:1 training options and tailored exam support (NZQA shows 1:1 offerings).
Number of programs: ABC offers a handful of core programme types (General English, IELTS Prep, English Plus variants and 1:1 tuition). Because many “programs” are variants/packaged combinations (e.g., General English + Ski, part-time vs full-time, 1:1), countable course options vary; the NZQA listing shows multiple accredited training schemes across these categories.
Mode of learning
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Primary mode: On-campus (face-to-face) — classes are taught on site in Queenstown with practical, communicative classroom learning and many activity-based afternoon/evening options.
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Blended/online: ABC’s public site and NZQA listings emphasise on-campus delivery; there is no prominent, permanent fully-online degree-style offering advertised. If you need remote learning (short online lessons or blended options) contact admissions — some providers will offer short remote options on request.
Work rights & pathway options
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Work rights: As an NZQA Category 1 provider, student visa holders studying 14+ weeks are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week (check visa conditions). ABC also highlights local job-search support and an English + Work Placement supplement/service launching/available from 2025. Pathways: ABC is owned/partnered with QRC so students can pathway into QRC diplomas (Hospitality / Adventure Tourism) when they meet entry requirements.
Fees, intakes & practicals (latest published)
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Intakes: Weekly intakes (every Monday, excluding public holidays and Christmas/New Year break).
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Sample tuition fees (published on site — NZD): General English full-time weekly rates are shown on the fees page (examples for 2025/2026: approx. NZ$455 → NZ$390 per week depending on duration tier). Enrolment and materials fees also apply. See the fees page for exact, up-to-date banded pricing and date tables.
Highlights — what makes ABC attractive for international students
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NZQA Category 1 quality rating (top category).
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Small class sizes and boutique, personalised teaching (strong emphasis on communication & confidence).
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Location: Queenstown — world-class outdoor/adventure environment (ideal for combining study with outdoor activities, tourism/hospitality work opportunities).
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IELTS test centre on campus — convenient for students preparing for academic or migration English tests.
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Work placement & pathway links with QRC — practical pathways into hospitality and tourism diplomas and employer networks
Latest updates & news (key recent items)
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English + Work Placement services and a clearer focus on work placement supports are listed as offered/starting (noted for 2025).
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2025/2026 fees & dates tables and intake schedules are published on the ABC Fees & Dates page (the site lists 2025 last-day and 2026 start dates). Check their Fees & Dates page for the current year’s exact dates/fees.
Program
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English
Our General English Course offers a programme of study for students over the age of 18, who wish to improve their level of confidence, accuracy and fluency in Communicative English language skills. Our Communicative General English Course provides the opportunity to learn conversational English as used in a variety of everyday situations encountered when travelling. Participants will be able to learn in a relaxed, enjoyable and non-threatening environment. With our experienced teachers the pace and content of the lessons are tailored to suit the individual needs and interests of the class Our English language school has gained a reputation for providing first class English language tuition and excellent student services. We are proud to be recognized as a NZQA Category 1 provider. ?You will be taught by our qualified and professional ESL teachers with small classes – maximum of 15 students per class (minimum numbers apply) ensuring maximum individual attention. Full time English Lessons will take place in the morning between 8.30am and 1.00pm in the afternoon, with a half hour break included. Part-time English Lessons have 2 options: Morning class (Grammar focus) 8.30-10.30 or Afternoon class 11.00-13.00 (Topic and ESOL subjects) All students must speak English while on campus. This is important English language development for students with English as a second language. Activity or Lesson Information The first class focuses on grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing using a textbook. Some speaking and listening are used to apply the target language. Break The second class has lessons on speaking and listening, focusing more on vocabulary and grammar points. This is achieved through role plays and group / individual presentations.
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English
Our IELTS Course offers a programme of study for students over the age of 18, who want to improve their level of confidence, accuracy, and fluency in Communicative English language skills in preparation for the IELTS Academic Exam. Helpful strategies and tips are part of the course. Our English language school has gained a reputation for providing first class English language tuition and excellent student services. We are proud to be recognized as a NZQA Category 1 provider. ?You will be taught by our qualified and professional ESL teachers with small classes – maximum of 10 students per class (minimum 4 students) ensuring maximum individual attention. Lessons will take place in the morning between 8.30am and 1.00pm in the afternoon, with a half hour break included. Students undertake the General English morning class to improve the essential English skills needed for this exam. In the afternoon class the focus is on IELTS examination skill development. Students below the required examination course entry level are advised to take a General English Course until they reach the required level. Please contact ABC College of English for examination dates and for examination entry procedures. Examination fees are not included in the tuition fees for these courses
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English
Queenstown “The Home of Adventure” This course combines English language study with Queenstown adventure activities. Students study part time on our general English first class and participate in elected activities in the afternoon. Young at Heart Programme ABC College of English 50+ programme offers the opportunity to learn English and experience New Zealand’s spectacular natural scenery and culture. This special programme combines a morning course of Communicative English lesson with a variety of cultural and sightseeing activities. English Course Description Our communicative General English Course provides the opportunity to learn conversational English as used in a variety of everyday situations encountered when travelling and exposure to building blocks of English. Participants will be able to learn in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. With our experienced teachers the pace and level of the lessons are tailored to the suit individual needs.
