Certificate of Attainment in English Language
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 key skill areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Why study the Certificate of Attainment in English Language?
The Certificate of Attainment in English Language (CAEL) is offered at the University of Waikato College, and has eight levels, from Elementary to Advanced. You can enter into the course at a level dependent on your current English level.
Degree information
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Entry requirements For all tests that we will accept as part of English language proficiency please visit our Entry Requirements page under the Pathways Options tab.
For all tests that we will accept as part of English language proficiency please visit our Entry Requirements page under the Pathways Options tab.
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Fees and scholarships -
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 December 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$6,480 per year
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International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 December 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
-
For all tests that we will accept as part of English language proficiency please visit our Entry Requirements page under the Pathways Options tab.
For all tests that we will accept as part of English language proficiency please visit our Entry Requirements page under the Pathways Options tab.
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 December 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$6,480 per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 December 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
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:
- Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Attainment in English Language Level 6 you can progress to the Foundation Studies or International Diploma programmes at the University of Waikato College.
- Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Attainment in English Language Level 7 you can progress to the Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation at the University of Waikato College or most undergraduate degree courses at the University of Waikato.
- Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Attainment in English Language Level 8 you can progress to most postgraduate degree courses at the University of Waikato.
Duration
Each level is taught in a 10 week block (23 hours of tuition per week on campus) with one-week orientation.
2026 dates
2026 Block 3
- Orientation date: Wednesday 19 August 2026
- Block dates: 24 August 2026 to 30 October 2026
2026 Block 4
- Orientation date: Wednesday 11 November 2026
- Block dates:
- Monday 16 November 2026 to Wednesday 18 December 2026, and
- Tuesday 5 January 2027 to Friday 5 February 2027
2027 dates
2027 Block 1
- Orientation Date: Wednesday 17 February 2027
- Block Dates: 22 February to 30 April 2027
2027 Intensive block - May
- Orientation Date: Wednesday 5 May 2027
- Block Dates: 10 May to 2 July 2027
2027 Block 2
- Orientation Date: Wednesday 26 May 2027
- Block Dates: 31 May to 6 August 2027
2027 Block 3
- Orientation Date: Wednesday 18 August 2027
- Block Dates: 23 August to 29 October 2027
2027 Block 4
- Orientation Date: Wednesday 10 November 2027
- Block Dates: 15 November to 4 February 2028
How to apply
Students can apply online through the University of Waikato College online application form.