Why Study/Key Benefits

The Certificate in Languages (CertLang) is a short undergraduate qualification for students who want to develop language skills without committing to a full bachelor's degree. UC specifically describes it as suitable for students who are studying another degree and want to add one or two language courses each year.

Key benefits include:

• Study one or two languages from UC's available language offerings.
• Introductory courses mean that no previous knowledge of the language is required.
• Gain language and cultural knowledge that can complement another degree.
• Develop communication, cultural awareness and critical-analysis skills.
• Complete the qualification in as little as one semester full-time.
• Study part-time if you need greater flexibility.
• Credits can potentially be transferred into the Diploma in Languages or Bachelor of Arts, provided the student has not already graduated with the Certificate.
• Language study can be particularly useful for students interested in international careers.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The Certificate in Languages requires 60 points of language courses at 100 and/or 200 level.

Students can choose from up to two of the following nine languages:

• Ancient Greek
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Japanese
• Latin
• Russian
• Spanish
• Te Reo Maori.

Examples of learning areas can include:

• Language acquisition
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Oral communication
• Written communication
• Reading comprehension
• Cultural studies
• Language and society
• Literature and culture, where included in the relevant language subject.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The Certificate does not have conventional majors or specialisations.

Instead, it can be awarded in up to two language subjects from the nine languages listed by UC:

• Ancient Greek
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Japanese
• Latin
• Russian
• Spanish
• Te Reo Maori.

Programme Highlights

• 60-point undergraduate certificate.
• Minimum completion time of one semester / six months full-time.
• Up to five years available for part-time completion.
• Four courses at 100 and/or 200 level.
• Choose one or two languages.
• Nine language options are currently listed.
• Introductory language courses require no prior knowledge.
• Can complement another UC degree.
• Certificate credits may be transferable to the Diploma in Languages or Bachelor of Arts if the certificate has not already been awarded.
• Offers a possible pathway into further language and Arts study.

Career Outcomes

UC states that language and culture study can support careers particularly overseas and identifies potential employment areas including:

• Government
• Tourism
• Teaching
• Foreign trade
• Media
• Journalism
• Diplomacy.

The qualification can also develop:

• Cultural awareness
• Communication skills
• Critical-analysis skills
• Language capability.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current UC programme page is actively publishing 2027 information and lists the Certificate in Languages as a 60-point qualification with February and July entry.

The current qualification structure is:

• 60 points total.
• 100- and/or 200-level language courses.
• Up to two languages.
• Four courses in the typical structure.
• Minimum six months full-time.
• Maximum five years part-time.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student studying the Certificate in Languages in New Zealand would generally require a Fee Paying Student Visa if they are undertaking full-time study and are not otherwise entitled to study under another visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that the Fee Paying Student Visa:

• Costs from NZD$850.
• Can be granted for up to four years.
• Has an advertised processing timeframe of 80% within 8.5 weeks.
• Requires an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Requires evidence of tuition funding or an applicable scholarship.
• Requires evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Requires acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Requires the applicant to satisfy health and character requirements.
• Requires genuine intention to study.
• Requires evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.

For tertiary study, the current living-fund requirement is:

• NZD$20,000 for each year where the study is for one year or more; or
• NZD$1,667 per month where the study period is less than one year.