About the programme
The New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) Level 5 is an NZQF Level 5 programme of 60 credits at Skill New Zealand that, over 18 weeks of classroom study, raises academic English to the standard needed for entry to Level 8 and higher study, including postgraduate programmes, and can serve as an alternative to IELTS.
It is aimed at learners with English as a second language who plan to study at degree or postgraduate level in New Zealand. The certificate is accepted as meeting language requirements directly at Skill New Zealand, AUT University and Whitecliffe.
The course follows a Unit Standard structure and develops all four skills in an academic setting. Students learn to follow long, complex spoken academic material on a wide range of topics, take part in extended academic discussion, read demanding academic texts and write well-organised, extended academic pieces. Classes use immersive activities, interactive discussion and real-life scenarios to build fluency and critical thinking, guided by experienced tutors.
The on-campus course runs for 18 weeks including a two-week break, with classes from Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. International students living in New Zealand must study face-to-face and need a valid visa and suitable medical insurance.
The programme suits motivated learners at around B2 level who need to prove their English for master's or other postgraduate study.
Entry requirements
- Minimum age: 16 for domestic students and 18 for international students at enrolment and start
- English at CEFR B2: IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, TOEFL iBT 60 (writing 18), Cambridge B2 First 169 (no skill below 162), OET grade C or 200 in all sub-tests, or NZCEL Level 4 (Academic)
- Alternatively, the Skill NZ placement test
- International students in New Zealand need a valid visa and medical insurance
What you study
- Understanding complex spoken academic texts (listening)
- Extended spoken academic discourse (speaking)
- Reading complex academic texts (reading)
- Writing structured, extended academic texts (writing)
Careers after graduation
- Entry to Level 8 and higher study, including postgraduate programmes
- Direct language pathway to Skill New Zealand
- Direct language pathway to AUT University
- Direct language pathway to Whitecliffe
Post-study work visa
Generally not available for this qualification
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 20/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Whitecliffe website