English for Migrants

Term dates 2025

Most courses run for eight weeks. English courses start:

• 10 - 20 February 2025
• 28 April - 8 May 2025
• 21 - 31 July 2025
• 6 - 16 October 2025

Course fees are payable two weeks before courses start.

Course types

In 2025, we offer the following English languages courses. These courses are for those who are learning English as a second or subsequent language and are not suitable for native English speakers.

• General English: reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar and vocabulary. Text books are used for these courses.
• Conversational English: focus on speaking and listening to gain fluency
• IELTS Preparation: review vocabulary, practise answering examination questions. Text book are used for this class. Courses available at night and weekends.
• IELTS Writing: focus on the IELTS writing component
• English for Business evening course
• Fast Track/Intensive: intensive general English courses 15 hours per week for 8 weeks. Text books are used for these courses. New courses are added when there is demand. Generally, only one level of intensive course will run in any term (if at all)
• Pronunciation courses (evening and weekend workshops)
• English Grammar Revision - day time course for high level English learners

Course levels

• Beginners: For those with little knowledge of English.
• Elementary: For those who can understand and use a little English.  Learn basic grammar, common words and phrases, speak in simple sentences and improve your listening.
• Pre-Intermediate: For those who can understand and use simple English in everyday situations. Increase your confidence in understanding and being understood in English.
• Intermediate: For those who can usually understand native English speakers and can make themselves understood in familiar situations. Develop your confidence, increase your vocabulary and correct any common mistakes.
• Upper Intermediate: For those who generally speak with confidence and accuracy but need to develop fluency and the use of idiomatic English.
• Advanced: For those who are fluent in most contexts, but would like support in more specific or challenging areas of English.

Please contact us for guidance in finding the right level course for your ability.

Fees

Fees are quoted in New Zealand Dollars and are GST inclusive. Advertised fees apply per course (usually 8 weeks). You may need to buy course books.

Where two different fees are advertised, students who have the right to reside permanently in New Zealand may apply for the lower fee which is subsidised by the Tertiary Education Commission.

NZ citizens, Permanent Resident Visa and Resident Visa holders may apply for fee subsidy. In some special cases, souses of citizens and residents may also qualify for a subsidy. Enquire at the office. Conditions apply for accepting a fee subsidy:

• you agree to attend the full duration of the course (e.g. eight weeks)
• you agree to attend at least 80% of classes
• you must prove your right to reside permanently in New Zealand before starting the course (bring your passport/visa or refugee papers to the office)
• you must be over the age of 16 years
• you must be enrolled in a NZ secondary school.

If you are unable to agree to all these conditions, please contact the office to discuss your situation. Selwyn Community Education is required to collect demographic information for subsidised students for reporting purposes.

Refugees

If you have refugee status, you may qualify for a free course. You may need to buy course workbooks. You will need to present your refugee papers. Please contact REAF (Refugee Education for Adults and Families) on 521 9610 first.

Please contact our friendly office staff if you have any questions. We enjoy helping people and will do our best to find a course that suits your needs.

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