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English Teaching College (ETC)

English Teaching College (ETC) is a New Zealand registered English language school and private training establishment (PTE) that has been teaching English to international students, migrants and refugees since 1993. It focuses on high-quality English language education with strong academic and pastoral support. ETC is NZQA Category 1, the highest quality rating awarded by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, reflecting excellent performance in student achievement, programme design, wellbeing and governance.

 

ETC prides itself on its multicultural environment, small class sizes, and personalised support, helping students achieve English proficiency for further study, work or daily life in New Zealand.

 

University / Provider Ranking

  • ETC is not a university and therefore is not listed in global university ranking tables like QS or THE.

  • It is NZQA Category 1 — indicating excellent educational outcomes, strong internal quality systems, and high pastoral care standards.

 

Types of Courses (Study Levels)

ETC specialises in English language education with a range of programmes to meet diverse student goals:

Major Programmes Offered

  • General English – Designed for everyday communication skills, from beginner to advanced.
  • New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) – A formal NZQA qualification with levels 1–4, building skills for academic study and employment. Level 4 is approximately equivalent to an IELTS 6.0.
  • English for Academic Study (EAS) – Ten-level programme preparing students for tertiary education or professional contexts.
  • Academic English & Exam Preparation – Skills for IELTS, TOEIC and other academic requirements
  • Short Courses / Skills English – Flexible study up to 3 months useful for travellers or short-term learners.
  • Specialised English Options – Including English for Health Professionals (e.g., OET) and individual tuition tailored to student needs.

 

Highlights for International Students

  • NZQA Category 1 Quality Provider — excellent performance across all evaluation areas.
  • Multicultural Environment — students from 30–40+ countries study together.
  • Small Class Sizes — average classes of ~12 students for personalised teaching.
  • Professional English Pathways — general, academic, exam prep and professional English.
  • Strong Student Support — academic counselling, wellbeing services, homestay coordination and cultural activities.
  • Flexible Start Dates — students can begin courses most Mondays.
  • Exam Preparation & Testing — includes preparation for IELTS and official TOEIC testing in Wellington.

 

Latest Updates

  • Expansion: ETC has expanded to include a fourth campus in Auckland (Browns Bay) offering English learning with a beachside lifestyle experience.
  • NZQA Excellence: The 2022 NZQA External Evaluation awarded excellence in all quality dimensions and confirmed ETC’s Category 1 status.
  • Ongoing Intake Flexibility: ETC continues rolling weekly intakes, making it easy for international students to join throughout the year.

Program

  • English

    General English New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) Five different levels: Foundation Level, Level One and Level Two are General English courses. Academic study is available at Level 3 and Level 4. Students will usually undertake 20 weeks at each level. The qualification is approved by NZQA for international and domestic students. English for Academic Study (EAS) Ten levels: The first four levels teach general English and the next 6 levels teach academic English and study skills. Students are assessed and start at the best level for their English and required results. General Programmes teach everyday English and preparation skills for advanced levels including vocabulary building and techniques to learn English easily. Students will usually study for 10 weeks at each level. The programme is approved by NZQA for international students. English Skills Short Course Study Up to 3 months study, reading, writing, speaking and listening. Full-time or Part-time study. Visitor visa required.

  • English

    Academic English New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) Level 3 and Level 4 of this qualification are for students wanting academic English for further study or employment. Level 4 is equivalent to IELTS 6.0. This qualification is accepted by all polytechnics and other colleges in New Zealand. This qualification is internally assessed, it is not necessary to apply for an external exam like IELTS. The qualification is approved by NZQA for international and domestic students. English for Academic Study (EAS) Ten levels: The first four levels teach general English and the next 6 levels teach academic English and study skills. Students are assessed and start at the best level for their English and required results. Students will usually study for 10 weeks at each level. The higher levels teach academic English and preparation for international exams such as IELTS and FCE. The programme is approved by NZQA for international students. Intermediate programmes are equivalent to IELTS 4.5 – 5.5 Advanced levels are IELTS 6.0 – 7.0 English Skills Short Course Study Up to 3 months study, reading, writing, speaking and listening. Full-time or Part-time study. Visitor visa required.

  • English

    Demi Pair Training Scheme Students on this programme study English in the morning for 15 hours a week, and learn childcare practices with their host family in the afternoons, evenings and the weekend for 15 hours a week. Students will typically help the family with childcare, meal preparation, light housework (laundry, dishes, vacuuming etc.), school pickups and drop off. There are five childcare assignments to complete in order to receive a certificate. Some students with a work visa may be able to be paid for additional hours. No fee is payable for accommodation or for meals as the students are required to live in the family home. Entry criteria and accommodation options Pre-intermediate level of English (IELTS 5.0) Minimum age 18 Visitor, Working Holiday or Student Visa Completed application including a letter of introduction. Police check

  • English

    Medical English Programme The English for Health Professionals programme involves full-time academic study and additional one to one part-time hours focusing on medical English. Course Purpose The main purpose of this English language course is to help students pass the Occupational English Test (OET). Students may also have the option of sitting the IELTS exam. The course is primarily designed for overseas trained doctors, nurses, or dentists who want to work in New Zealand or Australia. Entry Requirements Students are expected to have an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 (Other equivalent English tests will also be considered).

  • English

    New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (level 2) An introduction to working in the health and wellbeing sector. Gain basic skills and knowledge combined with practical hands-on experience in a health and wellbeing workplace such as a rest home or care facility. The entry qualification for an entry position in a rest home or care facility. Graduates can progress to employment or further training at Levels 3 and 4

Palmerston North, New Zealand

Educator Type: Full Time