Learn English

Find a course

New Zealand has many English language programmes to choose from.

New Zealand is a native English-speaking country, and a great place to learn the language.

You can learn English to prepare for academic study, or take a general English course while exploring New Zealand.

Learning English with a New Zealand education provider will prepare you for your future career as a global citizen of the world.

A group of students hiking in Queenstown are taking a break on a rock overlooking a mountain valley.

A great place to learn English

New Zealand is an amazing place to live while improving your English language skills. You will have the experience of a lifetime.

You can study English for up to 3 months on a visitor visa, or longer on a student visa or working holiday visa.

Discover how students like Yu Mori are improving their English in New Zealand

Yu Mori, a student from Japan, has quickly boosted his confidence and English skills while studying in Auckland. By joining conversation groups, socialising with locals, and working part-time at a café, he’s making the most of his time abroad. Watch the video to see how embracing new opportunities can enhance your language learning and help you feel at home in a new country.

English for academic study

Student on laptop with coffee

Postgraduate and bachelor’s pathways

If you need to meet English language entry requirements, you can study an Academic English or English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course offered by your education provider. The length of time you need to study for will depend on what level of English you’re starting with and your IELTs score.

international student studies online

Bachelor’s degree foundation programmes

If your first language is not English, you can study an English language foundation course in your home country or in New Zealand before you start your degree. This is equivalent to the final year in a New Zealand secondary school, and will earn entry into university or higher education study.

School students get help from a teacher as they work

Secondary school in New Zealand

Studying at a New Zealand secondary school and sitting NCEA or equivalent qualifications are great ways to improve your English and prepare for university study. Most schools offer specialised English language classes to support international students.

Before coming to New Zealand I couldn’t speak English at all. I’ve already been in New Zealand for a year, and I’m much more confident now when I’m speaking English.

Sunantha Bunjongvut from Thailand, English language student at University of Otago Language Centre

Look for an English language school in a specific region of New Zealand.

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