Duration
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City
Points
60
Programme type
Undergraduate

Programme overview

You can study for the CertLang alongside any other degree or take it alone and study part-time.

Choose from a wide variety of languages, with options available whether you are a beginner or have prior knowledge. Your language study will give you a more informed, in-depth understanding of another culture and will enhance your global awareness.

Use your study of another language to enrich your interests in art history, literature, history, film, music, international relations and politics, linguistics or international business. Knowledge of another language can also benefit postgraduate study and research.

Develop a distinctive skill set to enhance your career opportunities.

Programme structure

  • This is a 60-point programme consisting of four 15-point courses.
  • It includes courses in one or two foreign languages.
  • Two out of the four courses must be above Stage I.
  • Your level of competence will be assessed during enrolment to ensure you begin your study at the right level.
  • The CertLang is normally taken part-time and is equivalent to one semester of full-time study. 
  • The time you take to complete will depend on how you structure your enrolment.
  • You have considerable flexibility as to how you structure your study.
  • As part of your CertLang you may also be able to count one or more language courses you have taken towards another programme. (This includes General Education courses.)
  • Not all language courses can be taken for the CertLang. You must choose your courses from those listed in the CertLang schedule.

Languages available

  • Chinese
  • Cook Islands Maori
  • Egyptian (taught under Ancient History)
  • French
  • German
  • Greek (Ancient)
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Latin
  • Māori
  • Russian
  • Samoan
  • Spanish
  • Tongan

Most students need to take one General Education course.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Year One 30 points

  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    Language course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    Language course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year two 30 points

  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    Language course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    Language course
    Points:
    15 pts

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.

  • Qualification
    NCEA National Certificate of Educational Achievement
    Score required
    150
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    150
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    26

Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

Guaranteed grade requirements

These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.

Further requirements

You must have completed one semester of successful bachelor degree study from a New Zealand tertiary institution, or one year of successful study as part of an acceptable sub-degree qualification from a New Zealand tertiary institution.

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

My highest qualification is from this country or region:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You need to have one of the following:

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects. 
  • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.

Minimum grade, subject and other requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. Your GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.

  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate Diploma
    Score required
    26
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    GCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education Advanced Level
    Score required
    CCC
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these requirements.

You need to have the following:

One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas. 

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Guaranteed grade requirements

These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Certificate in Languages cost per year?

2025 fees

This is the estimated fee for an entire Certificate in Languages, which is usually completed part-time over several years.

Domestic students
NZ$3,389.40*
International students
NZ$19,155*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $554.40 for full-time study (60 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Summer School 2025
1 December 2024
Semester One 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

How to apply

Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

In today's globalised world, knowledge of another language and culture can be useful for careers in business and trade, the media, tourism and teaching English as a second language. You can also extend your opportunities for teaching in New Zealand primary and secondary schools. The CertLang will give you language skills sufficient to teach Years 7‒10 in the school system after also completing a qualification in teaching.

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

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923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513