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

Level 3

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Gain the English language skills you need to embark on further study and improve your IELTS or TOEFL score with the New Zealand Certificate in English (Level 3) (General) at UCOL.

International learners standing outside the Palmerston North campus
Quick info

Level: 3

Locations: UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

Duration: 18 weeks full-time
(See Course Hours & Duration for details)

Dates:
17 Feb 2025 – 27 Jun 2025
21 Jul 2025 – 28 Nov 2025

Domestic Fees: *
$3,419.00

Scholarship info

Find out if you're eligible for fees-free study

International Fees:*
$8,627.00

Additional Fees
Compulsory course costs may apply.

* Fees are indicative only, and are inclusive of the student services levy and GST (goods and services tax). The fee shown is for one semester of study.

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PDF
Enrolment Guide and Form - Domestic Students
Download the Enrolment Guide and Form - Domestic Students.

The UCOL very experienced and highly qualified tutors will help you to improve your English for daily life, work and/or study, enabling you to become an active learner inside and outside the classroom.

Graduates will gain the language skills required to communicate in most situations with some independence and fluency in order to participate in everyday/social/community, workplace and/or academic English language contexts. 

This qualification is at a level comparable to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B1.

This programme uses blended delivery – combining in-person and online learning.

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This programme runs for 18 weeks each year, including 2 holiday weeks for two years.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time
20 hrs
Lectures, tutorials and/or online recordings, practicals and builds, timetable set by your lecturer.

Study Time
14 hrs
Study in your own time.



Successful graduates of New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 3) (General) can progress to further study at undergraduate level at UCOL  or further specialise in the English language with New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 3) (Applied)

This programme consists of 60 credits. 

Reading Level 3 General (15 Credits)
You will learn to read, understand and provide a response to a range of texts (graded readers, articles) on familiar topics.

Writing Level 3 General (15 Credits)
You will learn to write comprehensible, connected texts for familiar and predictable purposes (book reviews, letters) with reasonable linguistic accuracy.

Listening Level 3 General (15 Credits)
You will learn to understand the main points and key supporting detail in extended oral interaction (conversations, interviews) on a range of familiar topics.

Speaking Level 3 General (15 Credits)
You will learn to speak with some coherence, fluency and confidence to exchange personal information and opinions on familiar topics.

All learners have access to the full range of the UCOL on-site facilities such as the library, learning hubs, study areas, and computer labs.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 2) 

OR

equivalent skills and knowledge such as IELTS 4.5. IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

For all learners already in New Zealand, a diagnostic test may be used to identify the Level at which learners should begin studying.


 

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL NCEA explained page.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 2) 

OR,

equivalent skills and knowledge such as IELTS 4.5. IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

For all learners already in New Zealand, a diagnostic test may be used to identify the Level at which learners should begin studying.


All learners are encouraged to access support and guidance to improve study, research and academic skills.

ILN Refugee English funding
Note that a learner may only be re-enrolled in an ILN Refugee English funded provision for a period of three years. That is, enrolments/re-enrolments of an individual learner (in the same or different qualifications) may be non-consecutive, and the sum total duration of those enrolments/re-enrolments may be up to 36 months).

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

  • National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
  • Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
  • Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
  • If you're 24 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Previous Related Programmes

The New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 3) (General) supersedes and takes the best from the following programme of study, which is no longer offered:

  • New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 3)

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning, a business division of Te Pūkenga is accredited to teach it.

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