English Language Partners currently offers NZCEL Level 1 and Level 2.

Our courses are specifically designed for resident migrant and refugee background learners.

They equip you with the English language skills to settle, work and succeed in New Zealand

NZCEL Level 1

NZCEL Level 1 is a 60-credit qualification, taking you from elementary-level English to pre-intermediate-level English after graduating.

The course is delivered face-to-face.

After completing NZCEL Level 1, you will be able to speak, read, write, listen to and understand simple, everyday English.

The English you learn is relevant to you and your daily life.

‍Course content

NZCEL Level 1 is made up of two micro-credentials.

You need to complete both micro-credentials to obtain the qualification of New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 1).

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‍Micro-credential A: Daily Life

Topics include family, health, house and shopping.

• Introduce yourself: Learn how to tell people about yourself and your life.
• Listen to instructions: Understand spoken instructions from other people.
• Write emails and letters: Write simple messages and letters for everyday needs.
• Fill out forms: Learn how to put your personal information into forms correctly.
• Read everyday labels and signs: Read and understand information on medicine and food labels, on traffic and other everyday signs.

Micro-credential B: Work and Community  

This course builds on Micro-credential A and helps you to communicate at work and in the community. ‍

Topics include living in New Zealand, education and work.

• Talk in simple conversations: Learn to speak about familiar topics in your daily life.
• Listen and understand: Improve your listening skills in everyday situations.
• Write about everyday topics: Write short texts about things you see or do every day.
• Read simple texts: Learn to read and understand straightforward texts you find at work or in the community.

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NZCEL Level 2

NZCEL Level 2 is a 60-credit qualification, taking you from pre-intermediate level English to intermediate level English after graduating.

The course is delivered face-to-face.

After completing NZCEL Level 2, you will be able to speak, read, write, listen to and understand straightforward everyday English.

You will learn English to help you be independent and spontaneous in your daily life.

Course content

NZCEL Level 2 is made up of two courses. You need to complete both courses to obtain the qualification of New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 2).

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Course A: Daily Life

Topics include a place to live, study, buying and selling, and transport in New Zealand.

• Talk to other people: Learn how to discuss familiar matters for 2-3 minutes.
• Follow instructions: Follow straightforward, familiar instructions.
• Complete forms: Learn how to complete forms such as application forms.
• Write practical texts: Write an email or a cover letter (120 words or more).
• Read and understand practical texts: Read and understand practical texts of 300-450 words.
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Course B: Work and Community  

This course builds on Course A and helps you to communicate more independently at work and in the community.
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Topics include living in New Zealand, leisure and work in New Zealand.

• Present information: Practise presenting on a familiar topic to others.
• Participate in an interview: Learn how to take part in an interview.
• Write practical texts: Learn how to write a simple, practical text.
• Read and understand texts: Read and understand the most common 1500 words, and straightforward, familiar texts independently.

Practical information

Course length

NZCEL Level 1 and Level 2 are both part-time courses.

Each course takes one year to complete.

There are four terms each year. Each term is nine weeks long.

There are no classes during school holidays.
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‍Weekly classes

‍You will study for 16 hours each week.

There are 12 hours of face-to-face classes with a teacher and approximately 4 hours of self-study at home.
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‍Cost and eligibility

NZCEL has no course fees for eligible New Zealand residents and citizens.

You are eligible if:

• You are a New Zealand citizen or resident living in New Zealand.
• You are 16 years or older.
• English is not your first language.
• For NZCEL Level 1: You have an elementary (basic) level of English.
• For NZCEL Level 2:  You have a pre-intermediate level of English.

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How to enrol

We offer NZCEL at five centres around New Zealand.

We are currently taking enrolments for NZCEL courses starting in Term 3 2025. These courses will run from July 2025 to July 2026.
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Auckland South - Level 2

Levin - Level 2

Porirua - Level 2

Dunedin - Level 1

Invercargill - Level 2
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Complete the form below and we will be in touch to arrange a time for you to visit your nearest English Language Partners centre.

If NZCEL is not available in your area, we have lots of other fantastic classes available at our 21 centres across New Zealand and online. Contact us so we can help you find an English class that suits you.