Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develops the English language skills needed to communicate independently and effectively in everyday, social, community, workplace and academic settings.

• Designed for learners who want to improve their English before progressing to diploma- or degree-level study.

• Builds confidence and competence across the four key language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

• Develops the ability to understand extended or complex texts, write coherent texts for different purposes, understand extended speech and speak fluently on familiar topics.

• The qualification is comparable to CEFR B2.

• Successful graduates may progress to undergraduate study at UCOL or continue English-language study at Level 5.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme comprises 60 credits across four language skills:

1. Reading Level 4 – 15 credits

• Reading and understanding extended or complex texts.

• Working independently with fiction and non-fiction texts.

• Understanding information on familiar topics.

• Developing reading comprehension for academic and other communication contexts.

2. Writing Level 4 – 15 credits

• Writing coherent texts suited to the intended audience and purpose.

• Developing writing for a variety of familiar topics and purposes.

• Improving grammar, vocabulary, organisation and clarity.

• Producing written work with few linguistic errors.

3. Listening Level 4 – 15 credits

• Identifying main ideas in extended speech.

• Recognising supporting details.

• Understanding spoken English in a range of familiar contexts.

• Improving comprehension of spoken information for academic and everyday use.

4. Speaking Level 4 – 15 credits

• Speaking fluently on familiar topics.

• Developing the ability to elaborate and explain ideas.

• Communicating effectively in everyday, social, workplace and academic situations.

Disciplines/Specialisations

• Academic English.

• English reading and comprehension.

• Academic and practical writing.

• Listening comprehension.

• Spoken communication and fluency.

Programme Highlights

• NZQA-approved Level 4 English-language qualification.

• CEFR B2-comparable learning level.

• Blended learning with face-to-face and online components.

• Four integrated language skill areas, each worth 15 credits.

• Approximately 20 scheduled class hours and 14 hours of independent study each week.

• Access to UCOL’s library, learning hubs, study areas and computer laboratories.

• A progression option to undergraduate study at UCOL or further English-language study at Level 5.

Career Outcomes

This qualification is primarily designed to improve English-language ability and prepare learners for further study. It is not presented by UCOL as a vocational qualification leading directly to a specific occupation.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved communication in everyday and community settings.

• Improved English for workplace communication.

• Better preparation for academic study at diploma or degree level.

• A foundation for further English-language development.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• UCOL’s programme listing currently advertises February and July 2027 intakes.

• The individual programme page still displays 2026 dates and fees. Use the 2027 dates from UCOL’s current programme listing, and request a written 2027 fee quotation.

• UCOL may use a diagnostic test for learners already in New Zealand to determine the most suitable starting level.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning, may be requested where a learner believes they have already met the course learning outcomes. Applications are assessed individually.

• Applicants should prepare evidence of their highest academic achievement and evidence that they meet the entry requirements.

• UCOL states that verified documents may need to be supplied in person, by post or by email rather than through the online application form.

• The programme page does not specify a separate laptop specification or additional subject-specific equipment requirement.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students who intend to study this programme in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand.

Main requirements:

• An offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.

• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or evidence of an eligible scholarship.

• Evidence of sufficient living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.

• Evidence of good health and good character.

• A genuine intention to study and comply with visa conditions.

• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket out of New Zealand.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the required period.

• The offer of place should state the programme name, duration, study status and any scheduled holidays.

Visa fee and processing:

• Fee Paying Student Visa application fee: from NZD $850.

• Immigration New Zealand currently indicates that 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks.

• Processing times and fees can change.

• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before intended travel.

• The visa may be granted for up to 4 years, but the actual visa period normally depends on the period of study paid for or passport expiry, whichever comes first.

Living-cost funds:

• For English-language study lasting less than one year, Immigration New Zealand requires NZD $1,667 for each month of study.

• This is in addition to tuition fees and outward travel costs.

• The exact amount to demonstrate should be calculated using the dates and duration stated in the student’s offer of place.

• Funds may be demonstrated through acceptable personal funds, an eligible sponsor, a financial undertaking or other evidence accepted by Immigration New Zealand.

Work rights and visa conditions:

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work part-time for up to 25 hours per week.

• Full-time work during scheduled holidays may be permitted depending on the conditions endorsed on the individual visa.

• Work rights are not automatic for every student; applicants must check their eVisa or visa approval letter.

• Students must attend their course and make satisfactory academic progress.

• If the student is required to complete practical work experience as part of the course, UCOL must provide evidence that it is a course requirement. This programme page does not identify a compulsory work placement.

Health, character and insurance:

• Students must meet Immigration New Zealand’s health and character requirements.

• A chest X-ray may be required for stays longer than 6 months depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship and recent travel history.

• A medical certificate is not normally required for stays of less than 12 months, but Immigration New Zealand may still request medical information depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

• Police certificates are generally required if the applicant is aged 17 or older and their total intended stay in New Zealand is 24 months or more, subject to applicable exemptions.

• Students must have acceptable medical and travel insurance from the start of the course until the visa expires.

Family members:

• A student cannot include a partner or dependent children in their own Fee Paying Student Visa application.

• Eligible family members may apply separately for visas based on their relationship to the student.