The New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4) targets ESL (English as a Second Language) learners who intend to participate in further mainstream education in New Zealand. The programme aims to provide learners with the language skills and knowledge necessary to communicate in a range of academic situations, in order to succeed in further academic programmes from the National Qualifications Framework (Level 5 or above).

The course is equivalent to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) mid B2.

The programme will focus on the development of the four language skills — reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Each of these skills will be presented and developed in conjunction with vocabulary and grammar learning.

This programme can lead on to:

• New Zealand Diploma (Level 5)
• New Zealand Diploma (Level 6)
• Certificate/Diploma at Level 5/6
• Diploma or Degree at Level 7
• Graduate Certificate or Diploma at Level 7
• NZCEL Level 5