University of Waikato College’s programme provides international students, whose first language is not English, with a programme which will develop their proficiency in the four skill areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The Certificate of Attainment in English Language (CAEL) is offered at the University of Waikato College, and has eight (8) levels, from Elementary to Advanced. You can enter the programme at a level dependent on your current English proficiency level.
Classes focus on the skills needed for successful study in higher education in New Zealand such as academic writing, listening, note-taking, reading, and oral presentation skills. Higher levels will be endorsed with Academic English and can provide direct entry to university programmes:
Official Certification: Receive a University of Waikato certificate and recognition in the University’s graduation ceremony booklet.
Comprehensive Assessment: Gain a report detailing your performance in language skills, along with an overall assessment comment.
To apply directly to the college submit your application via our StudyLink Student Application Portal.
Choose Certificate of Attainment in English Language if you’d like to study only English programme. If you would like to study English programme and progress to one of foundation programmes that the College offers, you can choose the progression programme(s) at that point.
We strongly advise you to have your current English Proficiency Evidence test ready for upload at the application stage, because that will assist the Admissions Team to process your application quickly and efficiently.
You can also apply via an Education Agent.
For any admission questions, please email: college.admissions@waikato.ac.nz
Each level is taught in a 10-week block (23 hours of tuition per week on campus) with one-week orientation.
| Block | Dates |
|---|---|
| Block 1 |
|
| Block 2 |
|
| Block 3 |
|
| Block 4 |
|
| Block | Dates |
|---|---|
| Block 1 |
|
| Block 2 |
|
| Block 3 |
|
| Block 3 |
|
| Block | Dates |
|---|---|
| Block 1 to Block 2 | 18 May to 29 May 2026 (2 weeks) |
| Block 2 to Block 3 | 10 August to 21 August 2026 (2 weeks) |
| Block 3 to Block 4 | 2 November to 13 November 2026 (2 weeks) |
| Block 4 to Block 1 | 8 February to 26 February 2027 (3 weeks) |
| Block | Dates |
|---|---|
| Block 1 to Block 2 | 17 May to 28 May 2027 (two weeks) |
| Block 2 to Block 3 | 9 August to 20 August 2027 (two weeks) |
| Block 3 to Block 4 | 1 November to 12 November 2027 (two weeks) |
| Block 4 to Block 1 | TBC |
Orientation for new students will be held the week before the course starts
Studying English here has helped me improve much faster than I expected. The teachers are very kind, patient, and supportive, and I never feel uncomfortable asking questions, even several times. There is a great atmosphere in the classroom. I also appreciate the wide variety of resources. We learn about cultural topics as well as more factual, scientific, or legal subjects, which makes the classes very interesting.
Meline from France
Certificate of Attainment in Academic English
