The English language program is generally the first course that many international students will consider when planning to study in New Zealand. English language proficiency is essential as it plays a crucial role in all aspects of international students’ life, from daily communication, future studying to work or migration.  

In this article, we would like to introduce some of the top NZQA category 1 schools in Auckland, New Zealand. Each school may offer different programs, vibes and highlights that can bring you the different advantages to achieve your goal.  

• Work right: English language students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week if you study at least 24 weeks or if you study 14 week of English language program with school NZQA category 1. 

• Course duration: English language course in New Zealand normally involves 20 hours of study per week. 

• NZQA Categories: The NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) categorises non-university education providers into four categories based on their performance, with Category 1 representing the highest level. Therefore, if you enroll in NZQA Category 1, you are likely to receive the top quality of teaching.  

Seafield School of English (accredited NZQA Category 1) 

Programs available: 

• General English 

• IELTS Preparation 

• New Zealand Certificate English Language (Level 3 – 5) 

Location:  

• 242 Queen Street, Auckland CBD Auckland 1010, New Zealand 

School highlights: 

• The affordable tuition fee: The tuition fees of English language program at Seafield School of English is quite more affordable than other schools in Auckland but the quality of teaching and activities is still in the high standard. 

• Variety of academic partners: NZSE, AUT, Massey University and UP Education are academic partners which accept students who have completed NZCEL courses at Level 4 and 5 at Seafield School, allowing them to study pathways in vocational education or degree programs at these institutions. 

• Online NZCEL class available: The school offers NZCEL courses online class for offshore students.  

• Two class timetable options: Seafield offers the flexibility for students to choose between daytime or evening English classes. 

• Accredited Institution: Seafield School is a member of English New Zealand. 

Worldwide School of English (accredited NZQA Category 1) has been established since 1989. This school focuses on support students to prepare themselves both from daily communication and academic English communication. It has two campuses available which are based on student’s programs but both of campuses still located in the convenient location, Auckland CBD.  

Programs available: 

• General English 

• IELTS Preparation (General/ Academic) 

• Cambridge Preparation (FCE/CAE/CPE) 

Location: 80 Anzac Avenue, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand 

Schools Highlights: 

• Small class size: The school limits number of class size maximum 15 students. 

• Mockup spaces for English career: It provides the spaces which mock up similar to the airplane and hotel which is the spaces where students can practice their English skills in the workplace and do the roleplay. Also, this space can change to the common area for student to relax and watch the movies  

• Cambridge Preparation available: not every schools in New Zealand that offer Cambridge Preparation program, but you can find this course at Worldwide School of English.  

• Supportive Staffs: Worldwide School of English has staffs from different nationalities to support students from different countries. So, if you are not confident in English language communication, you can ask for support from them.  

• Variety of Facilities: Its library is open until 5 p.m. and have one teacher standby to support the students, job club available and academic support team which ready to recommend students 

• A member of English New Zealand 

Auckland English Academy (accredited NZQA Category 1) is known as one of the New Zealand’s oldest English Schools as it established in 1988. It has been operating for 36 years under the ICL Group which includes Auckland English Academy and ICL Graduate business School that running programs in level 9 which allows student to study English course at AEA and pathway to the future degree.  

Programs available: 

• Communication English (General English) 

• IELTS (Foundation/ Preparation) 

• PTE Preparation 

• Communication English Pathway 

• NZCEL (level 4 – 5) 

• TESOL 

Location: ICL Education Centre, 10*14 Lorne Street, Auckland, CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand 

Schools Highlights: 

• PTE Preparation is available: The PTE examination has become increasingly popular for vocational education, degree studies, and migration in both Australia and New Zealand. AEA provides PTE preparation courses designed for international students who are striving to reach a specific score. 

• Optional for IELTS courses: Student can study IELTS courses even he/she is in the beginner level by selecting to IELTS foundation. For those who reach intermediate level or above, can choose to study IELTS preparation.  

• TESOL is available: If you are planning to study teaching English language for other language speaker, AEA is one of the schools that offers this course for international students. 

• Flexible timetables: There are three timetables to choose between, Morning, Afternoon and Evening Classes for General English, IELTS Preparation and PTE Preparation  

• EC Pathway: The English communication for pathway to study NZCEL level 4 – 5 which focuses on intensive English Communication for students who plan to study pathway programs in the future.  

• 30 hours/ week for NZCEL programs: It’s suitable for students who wants to study intensively for study English pathway as NZCEL to study vocational or degrees as the next steps