We are here to help. Tell us if you are self-isolating or have tested positive for Covid-19. Click here to complete the form.
English language students standing outside the Wintec Atrium
  1. Home
  2. Study at Wintec
  3. English Language

English Language


The Wintec English language programmes are ideal for migrants and refugees, who wish to improve their opportunities in both work and study in New Zealand.

Students enter the programmes at a level that best corresponds to their current capability, and can progress all the way through the New Zealand Certificates in English Language. Students have the opportunity to take the IELTS, OET and Cambridge First exams, and following completion can continue on to study at Wintec or beyond, across a large array of programmes.

Explore our programmes below and find more information about our IELTS centre, OET and Cambridge First exams, including upcoming exam dates.

"My long-term dream is to become a nurse."

Read Immaculee's story

"I chose Wintec because the environment feels safe and good."

Read Tanentoa's story

Our on-campus programmes

Pathway English

17 weeks
Fees-free* for New Zealand residents and citizens
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2022
This part-time programme will develop students' English language skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing so they can begin to communicate in everyday situations.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Foundation) (Level 1)

17 weeks
Level 1
Fees-free* for New Zealand residents and citizens
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2022
Students in this programme will be introduced to four English language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking, and begin to use and understand simple English for everyday situations. Students will also be introduced to online learning.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 1)

17 weeks
Level 1
Fees-free* for New Zealand residents and citizens
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2022
This programme is for those who wish to further develop communication skills and English skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 2)

17 weeks
Level 2
Fees-free* for New Zealand residents and citizens
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2022
In this programme students will learn language and communication skills at a low intermediate level. Students will develop oral and written English skills to help them use and understand English for familiar situations at Wintec and in New Zealand, and will develop their face-to-face and online learning study skills.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3)

17 weeks
Level 3
Fees-free* for New Zealand residents and citizens
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2022
This programme is for those needing more advanced skills for tertiary study, training or work in New Zealand. Students will develop oral and written English language skills to understand and use more complex language in an academic or employment context.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (General) (Level 3)

17 weeks
Level 3
Fees-free* for New Zealand residents and citizens
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2022
This programme is for those wanting to gain skills needed for tertiary study, training or work in New Zealand. Students will develop oral and written English language skills to understand and use more complex language in an academic or workplace context.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4)

17 weeks
Level 4
Fees-free* for New Zealand residents and citizens
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2022
This programme will prepare students for higher tertiary study or training in New Zealand. Students will enhance oral and written English language skills to understand and use more complex language in academic contexts and for most situations in wider life. This programme is at a level comparable to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) mid B2.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Employment) (Level 4)

17 weeks
Level 4
Fees-free* for New Zealand residents and citizens
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2022
Students in this programme will develop oral and written language skills needed to communicate independently and effectively in a range of workplace settings, and will expand their face-to-face, independent, and online learning study skills.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 5)

17 weeks
Level 5
Fees-free* for New Zealand residents and citizens
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2022
This programme will prepare students for higher level study, training or employment in New Zealand. Students will consolidate oral and written English language skills to use and understand complex English for a wide range of situations, and will expand their face-to-face, independent, and online learning study skills.

Our offshore/online programmes

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3) (Offshore) (Online)

16 weeks
Level 3
$5,508* NZD
Online delivery
Jul 2022
This programme is for international students based overseas who are wanting a formal qualification for further tertiary study, training, and/or working in New Zealand. Delivered online, students will develop oral and written English language skills, using more complex language in situations and environments.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (General) (Level 3) (Offshore) (Online)

16 weeks
Level 3
$5,508* NZD
Online delivery
Jul 2022
This programme is for international students based overseas who are wanting a formal qualification for further tertiary study, training, and/or working in New Zealand. Delivered online, students will develop their oral and written English language skills, using more complex language in situations and environments such as an academic or workplace context.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4) (Offshore) (Online)

16 weeks
Level 4
$5,508* NZD
Online delivery
Jul 2022
This programme is for international students based overseas who are wanting a formal qualification to prepare for higher tertiary study or training in New Zealand. Delivered online, students will enhance their already proficient oral and written English language skills to understand and use more complex language in academic and workplace contexts, and for most situations in wider life.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 5) (Offshore) (Online)

16 weeks
Level 5
$5,508* NZD
Online delivery
Jul 2022
This programme is for international students based overseas who are wanting a formal qualification to prepare for higher-level study, training, and/or employment in New Zealand. Delivered online, students will consolidate oral and written English language skills to use and understand complex English for a wide range of situations and will expand their face-to-face, independent, and online learning study skills.

Professional programmes / short courses

Exam Preparation for Cambridge B2 First English (FCE)

$347* (domestic students), $800* (international students)
Hamilton City Campus
To be confirmed
This course will help students prepare for the FCE exam, and will cover: Test overview, practice in four skills, personalised feedback, tips and advice.

Exam Preparation for Occupational English Test (OET)

6 weeks
$347* (domestic students), $800* (international students)
Hamilton City Campus
Mar 2022
This is an intensive course designed as preparation for the Occupational English Test (OET).

IELTS Preparation

6 weeks
$354* (domestic), $800* (international)
Hamilton City Campus
Mar 2022
Students in this programme will improve their language skills in preparation for sitting the IELTS examinations, both General Training and Academic. This programme provides an English language pathway into further study at Wintec, or for other IELTS purposes.

Summer School English

Hamilton City Campus
A 6-week full time English course to help students improve their fluency, build their confidence, and improve their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. 20 hours per week.

IELTS

IELTS assesses all English skills including reading, writing, listening and speaking, and is designed to reflect how students will use English at study, at work, and at play, in their new life abroad.

Wintec is a testing location for the IELTS test in Hamilton. Find information and test dates here.

Wintec also offers an IELTS preparation course to help students prepare for the test.

Cambridge English Exams

Wintec is an authorised centre to offer Cambridge English Language assessments. Click here to find out more about the Cambridge English Exam, and book a test. If students are interested in the Cambridge English Exam Preparation course, click here to find out more and book a place.

Occupational English Test (OET)

Wintec is an official testing venue for the Occupational English Test (OET). OET is the leading English language test specifically designed for healthcare professionals. Click here to find out about our OET preparation course.

The OET test:

  • Is designed to test the English language proficiency of health professionals in 12 specific fields
  • Is valid and reliable, developed and revised by subject experts
  • Tests reading, writing, listening and speaking skills using real healthcare scenarios
  • Ensures profession-specific English language skills to safeguard patient safety and quality of care

To register for the test visit occupationalenglishtest.org and view OET test dates here.

2021 OET test dates

Test dates

  • Saturday 23 October 2021
  • Saturday 6 November 2021
  • Saturday 4 December 2021

Please note, registrations close three weeks before the test date.

2022 OET test dates

Test dates

  • Saturday 22 January 2022
  • Saturday 19 February 2022
  • Saturday 19 March 2022
  • Saturday 23 April 2022
  • Saturday 28 May 2022
  • Saturday 25 June 2022
  • Saturday 23 July 2022
  • Saturday 27 August 2022
  • Saturday 24 September 2022
  • Saturday 22 October 2022
  • Saturday 19 November 2022
  • Saturday 17 December 2022

Please note, registrations close three weeks before the test date.

Pathways

English language pathway diagram

To check what you need to gain entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.

About the faculty

The Centre for Languages provides English programmes at all levels for students for whom English is a second or other language.

Permanent residents, new migrants and international students from a number of different countries, and spanning the ages of 16 to 80, take part in these programmes.

A priority for the centre has been to facilitate access to learning by making programmes as flexible as possible. This flexibility includes:

  • The use of ICT, multimedia and on-line resources
  • The incorporation of special interest topics
  • Academic, vocational and survival language options
  • ​Development of supported learning pathways into mainstream studies

Prospectus (course guide)

The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.

Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus

The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on a document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.

Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus

Need help? Want to know how to get started?

Leave your details here and we will come back to you:

Wintec is part of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Learn More

Learn with purpose

Explore Te Pūkenga

Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa - New Zealand Government

Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa - New Zealand Government

Copyright © 2022 Wintec