English LanguageCertificate · Level 5

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 5)

ICA’s highest English level: advanced academic English for degree and diploma study, with ten intakes a year.

Delivered by International College of Auckland, Auckland

Next intake
November 2026
How to apply
NZQF level
Level 5
Duration
16 weeks
Intakes
November 2026 + 9 more
Location
Auckland
Study mode
Face to face · Blended
After study
No post-study visa
Overview

About this programme

ICA’s highest English proficiency level, for learners who need advanced academic English (CEFR high B2) for further study or work. You’ll develop academic reading, listening, speaking and writing together, along with academic vocabulary, complex grammar, critical thinking and study skills.

Classes combine group and pair work, project-based learning, role-plays, media-based learning and educational outings. Graduates can move on to academic programmes at Level 6 and above, depending on each programme’s requirements.

01

Advanced academic English

Reach CEFR high B2, the level many degree and diploma programmes ask for.

02

Ten intakes a year

Start almost any month, with a 16-week programme.

03

Pathway to Level 6+ study

Prepares you for academic programmes at Level 6 and above.

04

Active, blended learning

Group projects, role-plays, media-based learning and educational outings.

What you’ll study

Programme structure

An outline of the main areas covered. The institution confirms the final list of papers when you enrol.

  1. 01

    Academic reading

  2. 02

    Academic listening

  3. 03

    Academic speaking and extended discussion

  4. 04

    Academic writing

  5. 05

    Academic vocabulary, complex grammar and critical thinking

  6. 06

    Study skills for further study

Entry requirements

Who can apply

Not sure if you qualify? Send us your details and we’ll check them for you, with no consultation fee.

Academic

  • Aged 16 or over
  • Or pass ICA’s English entry test

English language

  • The New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 4) in the General, Academic or Employment strand
  • Or IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or an equivalent international test

Documents you’ll need

Checked by our Auckland team
  • Passport (photo page)
  • English test results or your NZCEL Level 4 certificate
  • Secondary school certificates and transcripts
Fees & intakes

Tuition fees

International tuition fee
On request

Ask us and we’ll send you the current fee for your intake, usually within one working day.

ICA doesn’t publish this programme’s international fee online. We’ll confirm the tuition fee and any other costs for your intake before you apply.

You’ll also need health and travel insurance and a student visa.

Upcoming intakes

November 2026January 2027February 2027March 2027May 2027June 2027July 2027August 2027October 2027November 2027
Study mode
Face to face, with self-directed and teacher-directed learning
Duration
16 weeks
Apply Direct fees
NZ$0

No admin, registration or education consultation fees. The Licensed Immigration Adviser charges separately for visa advice.

Work rights

Working while you study, and after

During your studies

Up to 25 hours a week during term, as the programme leads to a Level 5 New Zealand qualification. Full-time holiday work isn’t available, because the programme is shorter than one academic year.

After you graduate

No post-study work visa

English language qualifications don’t lead to a post-study work visa. Many students go on to a diploma or degree, and that programme’s work rights then apply.

Based on Immigration New Zealand’s rules as at 26 October 2026. Your actual rights are the conditions on your visa, and rules can change. The Licensed Immigration Adviser we introduce you to will confirm them for your situation.

Your future

Career opportunities

Further study

Academic programmes at NZQF Level 6 and above, depending on each programme’s English requirements.

How to apply

From your application to arrival

Apply Direct handles your application with no admin, registration or consultation fees. For your visa, we introduce you to a Licensed Immigration Adviser, who charges for their advice.

Stage 1Your application

  1. Step 1: Ask or apply

    Ask us anything without an account, or apply online when you’re ready.

  2. Step 2: Apply and upload

    Choose your programme and upload your documents from your phone or computer.

  3. Step 3: We review and submit

    Our team checks everything, asks for anything missing, then sends it to the institution.

  4. Step 4: Receive your offer

    Your offer letter arrives in your account, ready for your visa application.

Stage 2Your visa and arrival

  1. Step 5: Prepare your visa documents

    Gather what Immigration New Zealand asks for, such as your offer letter, passport, proof of funds, and any medical or police certificates.

  2. Step 6: Connect with a Licensed Immigration Adviser

    We introduce you to a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) in New Zealand, who checks your documents and advises you on your student visa. The adviser charges for this service and confirms their fee first.

  3. Step 7: Apply for your student visa

    Submit your application to Immigration New Zealand online, with your adviser guiding you through it.

  4. Step 8: Receive your visa

    Once Immigration New Zealand approves your application, your student visa is issued and you’re cleared to travel.

  5. Step 9: Touch down in New Zealand

    Book your flight, sort your accommodation and get set for orientation. Kia ora, and welcome to Aotearoa!

FAQ

Questions students ask

Do I pay Apply Direct any fees?

No. We don’t charge admin, registration or education consultation fees. You pay your institution’s tuition and Immigration New Zealand’s visa fee yourself. If you use the Licensed Immigration Adviser we introduce you to, they charge for their visa advice and confirm their fee before you go ahead.

Do I need an account to ask a question?

No. Use the enquiry form or WhatsApp. When you’re ready, apply online with our application form; you don’t need an account.

What documents will I need?

Usually your passport, academic certificates and transcripts, and English test results. Each programme lists exactly what it needs, and we’ll tell you if anything is missing.

What happens after I get an offer?

Your offer letter arrives, ready for your student visa. We tell you what Immigration New Zealand asks for and introduce you to a Licensed Immigration Adviser in New Zealand, who advises you on your visa application.

Who advises me on my student visa?

In New Zealand, only licensed immigration advisers and lawyers may give immigration advice. That’s why we introduce you to a Licensed Immigration Adviser, who checks your visa documents, advises you and guides your application. You can look up any adviser on the Immigration Advisers Authority’s public register.

Can you guarantee my visa?

No one can: Immigration New Zealand decides every application. What we can do is make sure your application to the institution is complete and correct, and put you in touch with a licensed adviser so your visa application is as strong as it can be.

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Ask about this programme

Questions about this programme? Just ask.

Tell us about your study and work background and we’ll confirm whether you meet the entry requirements for New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 5), plus the next steps.

Asking about New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 5)