English language preparation courses
If your English proficiency does not meet the required standard, you may wish to study at The University's English Language Academy (ELA) before you start your degree or diploma course.
The ELA is an excellent English centre with the best teachers and learning equipment available. It caters for up to 350 international students and has the latest in audio-visual equipment, as well as a specialised language-learning laboratory. This initiative is part of The University's determination to ensure that the quality of the learning experience in Auckland is equivalent to the best in the world.
Courses available at ELA:
Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCert EAP)
If you have been offered a place on a University of Auckland programme on the condition that you improve your English language level, you should consider studying for the FCertEAP.
Students who successfully complete the FCertEAP will have fulfilled the English Language requirements for entry into Bachelor's programmes at The University of Auckland and do not need to sit the IELTS exam.
Students are still required to meet the academic standards for entry into all degree programmes. (Please note that the FCertEAP does not meet the English language requirement for students with NCEA or CIE qualifications.)
General English course
This course is offered at five levels of English ability and occupies 23 hours per week. New students may begin on any Monday and enrol for any length of time (two week minimum).
IELTS preparation course
The University of Auckland’s English Language Academy is New Zealand's largest provider of the IELTS Exam and is an accredited test centre. The academy also provides IELTS preparation courses; students in the Academic English course can study IELTS preparation as an afternoon option. Four-week evening courses and nine-week Saturday morning courses are also offered.
TOEFL preparation course
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is used in college and university settings. The TOEFL Preparation course is run as an afternoon option in full-time English courses. The availability of this option depends on sufficient student numbers.
Get the latest test dates at the TOEFL website
Other services
ELA provides a high quality homestay placement service, taking care to match students with the appropriate Auckland family. The academy can also arrange to meet and greet new students on their arrival, to ensure a happy start to studying in Auckland.
Visit the English Language Academy
Contact the English Language Academy:
Physical address:
The University of Auckland
Level 5
67 Symonds Street
Postal address:
Bag #163
Private Bag 92019
Auckland 1142
New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 919 7695
Email: ela@auckland.ac.nz
Website: www.ela.auckland.ac.nz
ACG English School
One of New Zealand’s leading language schools, ACG English School focuses on English language preparation for academic study. The school is situated in the heart of Auckland City and offers year-round Academic and General English courses. Specialist modules include IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC and University of Cambridge examination preparation. Ranging from elementary to advanced, courses start each Monday and vary in length from 2 to 48 weeks.
Visit the ACG English School website
Taylors College
The Taylors English Language Preparation programme, delivered in 12 week terms through our English Language Centres, is specifically designed to provide language training for academic study. The programme focuses on the key areas of language studies, including formal writing styles, note taking, assignment writing, intensive listening and reading, and social situations.
Visit the Taylors College website
Hawthorn English Language Centre, Auckland
Hawthorn offers an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) transfer programme designed to assist international students whose offer of a place at The University of Auckland depends on the successful completion of an English language programme.
