Why Study / Key Benefits

• Builds confidence, fluency and independence in using English in academic, community and employment settings.

• Develops the four core English-language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

• Helps learners communicate more effectively in familiar and reasonably familiar situations.

• Provides a foundation for further English-language study and progression to higher-level programmes.

• Uses a blended learning approach, combining in-person teaching with online learning.

• Provides access to UCOL facilities, including the library, learning hubs, study areas and computer labs.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The qualification contains four 15-credit courses covering the four main English-language skills.

1. Reading Level 3 Applied – 15 credits

• Reading and understanding a range of texts on reasonably familiar topics.

• Responding to written information.

• Developing the ability to understand and interpret everyday and applied texts.

2. Writing Level 3 Applied – 15 credits

• Writing connected and understandable texts for familiar and predictable purposes.

• Producing written work such as book reviews and letters.

• Developing reasonable linguistic accuracy in applied contexts.

3. Listening Level 3 Applied – 15 credits

• Understanding the main points and supporting details in extended spoken communication.

• Listening to conversations and interviews.

• Understanding familiar topics and reasonably familiar situations.

4. Speaking Level 3 Applied – 15 credits

• Communicating with greater coherence, fluency and confidence.

• Exchanging personal information and opinions.

• Participating in spoken communication about familiar topics.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme focuses on applied English-language development through:

• Reading.

• Writing.

• Listening.

• Speaking.

• English communication for academic contexts.

• English communication for community and employment contexts.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 3 qualification.

• 60 credits.

• 19 weeks of full-time study.

• Blended delivery combining in-person and online learning.

• Approximately 20 hours of class time and 14 hours of independent study per week.

• Four 15-credit courses covering reading, writing, listening and speaking.

• Focus on communication in academic, community and employment English-language contexts.

• Access to UCOL learning facilities and student support.

• NZQA-approved programme delivered by an accredited provider.

Career Outcomes

This is an English-language development qualification rather than a vocational or occupational qualification. UCOL does not identify specific job titles or guarantee employment outcomes for graduates.

Progression opportunities identified by UCOL include:

• Further undergraduate-level study at UCOL, subject to the entry requirements of the chosen programme.

• Further English-language study through the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 4) (Academic).

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• UCOL's current programme page lists February and July 2027 intakes.

• The programme is delivered at UCOL Manawat? in Palmerston North.

• The programme is full-time and uses blended delivery.

• Students are expected to participate in scheduled classes and complete independent study.

• UCOL encourages learners to access support and guidance to improve their study, research and academic skills.

• 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 learning outcomes. Applications are assessed individually.

• Students should have access to an internet-capable device for learning away from campus.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students coming to New Zealand to study this full-time English-language programme may apply for an appropriate student visa. Immigration New Zealand provides an English Language Student Visa specifically for full-time English-language study.

Main requirements include:

• An Offer of Place for an approved English-language course from an approved education provider.

• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid or that the student has sufficient funds or an applicable scholarship to pay them.

• Evidence of sufficient money for living expenses.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period of stay.

• Evidence of good health and good character.

• Genuine intentions to study in New Zealand.

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

• Compliance with attendance and academic progress requirements.

Living-cost funds:

As this is an English-language programme lasting less than one year, Immigration New Zealand's published living-fund requirement is:

• NZD $1,667 per month of study.

• Prepaid accommodation may be deducted in accordance with Immigration New Zealand's rules.

• Students must also show that they can pay for outward travel or have a ticket out of New Zealand.

• Living funds are separate from tuition fees.

Visa cost and processing:

• English Language Student Visa cost: from NZD $850.

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

• The visa may be issued for up to 4 years, although the actual visa duration will normally reflect the period of study paid for and the applicant's circumstances.

• Immigration New Zealand advises applicants to apply at least 3 months before their intended travel date.

Work rights:

• English-language students do not automatically receive permission to work.

• Immigration New Zealand may allow eligible English-language students to work part-time for up to 25 hours per week, depending on the course and the student's visa conditions.

• For English-language courses of at least 24 teaching weeks, the student must be studying full-time, the main purpose must be to improve English, and the student must provide an acceptable English-language test result, such as IELTS overall 5.0, no more than two years old.

• A separate route may apply to students undertaking at least 14 consecutive weeks of full-time English-language study at a university or an education provider holding NZQA Category 1 status.

• UCOL's published programme duration is 19 weeks, including 2 holiday weeks. The programme page does not confirm whether this particular course and the student's enrolment meet the relevant work-rights conditions.

• Students must therefore obtain confirmation from UCOL and Immigration New Zealand and check the actual conditions on their eVisa before relying on any work rights.

UCOL insurance requirement:

• All international students studying at UCOL must have acceptable medical and travel insurance.

• UCOL automatically enrols international students in its preferred Studentsafe insurance.

• The insurance cost is included in the Offer of Place.

• Students arranging their own policy must demonstrate that it meets UCOL's requirements, including travel, medical care, repatriation and death-related cover.