The New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) is a formal qualification for adult learners of English as an additional language. NZCEL is a qualification approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
You can study NZCEL at different levels (Foundation Level and Levels 1-5).
English Language Partners is running NZCEL Level 1 in 2025 in two locations - Palmerston North and Dunedin.
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.
At English Language Partners, our course is specifically designed for resident migrant and former refugee learners. It equips you with the English language skills to settle, work and succeed in New Zealand.
After completing NZCEL Level 1, you will be able to speak, read, write, listen to and understand simple, everyday English that is relevant to you and your daily life.
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).
Micro-credential A: Daily Life
Topics include family, health, house and shopping.
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 NZ, education and work.
Couse Length
NZCEL Level 1 is a part-time course. You will study English for one year made up of four terms. Each term is nine weeks long. There are no classes during school holidays.
Weekly classes
You will study for 16 hours each week, made up of 12 hours of face-to-face classes with a teacher and approximately 4 hours of self-study at home.
NZCEL Level 1 is fees free for eligible New Zealand residents and citizens.
You are eligible if:
Step 1: We offer NZCEL Level 1 at two English Language Partners Centres around New Zealand. Decide which location is best for you:
Step 2: Check the eligibility criteria listed above.
Step 3: If you are eligible, complete the online enquiry form below or contact your nearest centre.
Step 4: Our team will contact you and arrange a time for you to visit us. We will help you find the best class for you.
You can learn online if:
We will talk to you about the courses available.
You cannot learn online if you are on a temporary visa such as a:
Our courses vary in length. It depends on the course. Many are 8 weeks, others can vary between 2 and 18 weeks long.
Our online courses are free to residents and citizens.
Yes. We have courses for people who work during the day and want to study in the evening.
You will learn the English you need to live independently in New Zealand. Our courses help people with daily life, finding work, and future study. We will help you communicate in Kiwi English. You can also learn about Kiwi culture.
Yes. In some centres. We sometimes offer online IELTS classes too.
All levels. Courses are from beginner to advanced levels. We assess your level before placing you in a course. If a course at your level is not immediately available, we will place you on a class waitlist.
Yes. Some courses have a specific grammar focus. Other courses include grammar as part of the course content.
Most of our courses are part-time. Some are two hours each week, other courses are longer – up to 10 hours. You can join more than one class.
You need a reliable internet connection, a camera and a microphone.
We have 21 centres and teach over 7,000 students in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our English courses help people feel welcome and settle into everyday life and work here.
We are not-for-profit, and all our courses are free or low cost for former refugees and migrants.
Part-time one year course, formal NZQA qualification, pathway to further study or work.
