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English

Improve your English for work, study and everyday life.

The School of English at Ara is internationally recognised as one of the best English language training centres in New Zealand. Students from more than 30 countries, including residents and citizens of New Zealand, choose to study with us to improve their English. We are an NZQA Category 1 provider and we offer high quality English learning with excellent facilities and highly experienced teachers. 

We offer a range of programmes that provide students with English for general purposes, exam preparation or preparation for further academic study. Enrolments are accepted all year round and for some courses, students can start on a weekly basis.

We also offer customised group programmes for groups of students with specific areas of interest.

View our short courses for domestic students here >

View our short courses for international students here >

Upcoming test dates

Every Monday, bookings required. All tests start at 9am.

Contact schoolofenglish@ara.ac.nz for details of our placement tests for Semester 2 programmes.

Study English in South Canterbury

If you think you may require modifications in order to undertake the practical components of a particular course of study, we encourage you to discuss these with us so we can give them careful consideration.

As it may take time to consider and implement any modifications, please contact disability@ara.ac.nz as early as possible prior to the course starting. We’ll also need to check that there’s no risk of harm to you or anyone else before making a final decision.

Throughout this process we’ll communicate with you in a clear and timely manner.

Related programmes & courses

Certificate in English Language (Level 5)

Develop your English skills for further tertiary study.

FULL-TIME - 20 Weeks
Starts: February
Madras Street
English

CELTA - Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

With a University of Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) qualification you can teach English as an additional language to adults anywhere in the world.

FULL-TIME - 11 Weeks (Part-time options available)
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Certificate in English Language (General) (Level 4)

Improve your language skills for work and everyday situations.

FULL-TIME - 20 Weeks
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English Language Training (for international students)

Improve your fluency, accuracy and vocabulary through speaking, listening, reading and writing.

FULL-TIME - 1 Year (Part-time options available)
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Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4)

Learn how to communicate confidently and effectively in academic situations.

FULL-TIME - 20 Weeks
Starts: February
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Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3) Community

Improve your language skills for work and everyday situations.

FULL-TIME - 20 Weeks
Starts: February
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Certificate in English Language (General) (Level 3)

Improve your language skills for work and everyday situations.

FULL-TIME - 20 Weeks
Starts: February
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Certificate in English Language (Level 2)

Learn English for familiar situations and general topics.

FULL-TIME - 20 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
MULTIPLE
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Certificate in English Language (Foundation)

Learn English for very familiar, everyday situations.

FULL-TIME - 20 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
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Certificate in English Language (Level 1)

Learn English for familiar, everyday situations.

FULL-TIME - 20 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
Madras Street
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