School Information

English Only Policy

Nelson English Centre operates an ENGLISH ONLY policy at all times within the boundaries of the school.

How to enrol

Nelson English Centre (NEC) has an adult school for students over 18 years old and a AEP High School program for students, aged 14 or older.
You can:

Use an NEC educational consultant*
Send an email to admin@english-school.ac.nz
Use the online application form

* Contact Nelson English Centre if you need the name of a consultant near you.

Student Visa

If you plan to study for more than 12 weeks, you will need a student visa. For more information, speak to your educational consultant or NZIS office. www.immigration.govt.nz

Airport/Bus Station Transfer

An airport/bus station pick up is $60 (2023/24). ($75 for U18 in 2023/24) Most students fly to Nelson and the most convenient connection is Auckland-Nelson or Christchurch-Nelson. If you would like to book a flight it can be done at

www.airnewzealand.co.nz

Homestay

Cost is $300 ($350 in 2024)per week, $43 ($50 in 2024) per night. ($320 per week ($378 in 2024), $46 ($54 in 2024) per night for U18) Placement fee $300 ($350 in 2024) Homestay is available for time of study only. Internet is included in the cost of Homestay.

Homestay includes:

Breakfast and dinner Monday to Friday
3 meals Saturday and Sunday
Own room and study area with internet

$95 ($100 in 2024) per night over Christmas (24/12/23 to 05/01/24 Total 12 nights; 23/12/24 to 02/01/25 Total 11 nights) price includes 3 meals and extra festive season food or holiday accommodation. Please look at the Nelson English Centre A to Z.

Bank Details

Payment is required 4 weeks before study (or earlier if a student visa is required). We have now changed our student fee protection to NZ Public Trust – please deposit fees into the Public Trust bank account number below and use the PTE Ref number below as the reference.

Bank Name: Bank of New Zealand

Branch Name: North End Branch

Bank Address: 100 Lambton Quay, Wellington

Account Name: Public Trust Nelson English Centre

Bank account: 020536030586501

Swift Code: BKNZNZ22

PTE Ref. C L I 0 0 5 4 8 0 9 0

Christmas and New Year

NEC will be closed for two weeks over the Christmas / New Year break. The last day of school will be Friday 22nd December 2023. NEC will re-open on Monday 8th January 2024. Please remember the Christmas break when making any bookings.

Insurance and Refunds

NEC has a ‘No Refund’ policy other than the specific exemptions required by New Zealand law (see Conditions of Enrolment). We recommend insurance that covers early cancellation of the course. Also, you must have medical insurance; the school will verify this on the first day. This is a NZ government requirement.

Tuition refunds

If tuition is cancelled before the start date there is no cancellation fee

If a student is denied a visa before the start of their course, NEC will provide a full refund of tuition fees received less any bank charges.

Full time study cannot be substituted to Part time study.

If a student takes a holiday from school, any tuition weeks that cannot be used will not be refunded.

Tuition weeks cannot be transferred to other students.

If the course that was advertised cannot be offered then a full refund will be provided

NEC has a NO REFUND policy, other than the specific exemptions required by NZ law

Courses of more than three months. (Courses of at least 13 weeks plus 1 day) - Students withdrawing within the first 10 working days of the course will be refunded in full less a deduction for costs incurred by the Nelson English Centre, up to a max of 25% of the total fee paid.

Courses of more than 5 weeks, but less than three months. (Courses of 13 weeks or less) - Where a student withdraws within the first 5 days of the course, tuition fees are refundable less 25%.

Courses of 5 weeks and less - Where a student withdraws within the first two days of the course, tuition fees are refundable less 50%.

2023 Public Holidays

(School will be closed on these days and no refund or lesser fees offered for these days)

First day of school in 2023 is Monday 9th January

Nelson Anniversary Day – Monday 30th January
Waitangi Day – Monday 6th February
Good Friday – Friday 7th April
Easter Monday – Monday 10th April
Anzac Day – Tuesday 25th April
Queen’s Birthday – Monday 5th June
Matariki - Friday 14th July
Labour Day – Monday 23rd October

2024 Public Holidays

First day of school in 2024 is Monday 6th January 2024

Nelson Anniversary Day – Monday 29th January 2024
Waitangi Day – Tuesday 6th February 2024
Good Friday – Friday 29th March 2024
Easter Monday – Monday 1st April 2024
Anzac Day – Thursday 25th April 2024
King’s Birthday – Monday 3rd June 2024
Matariki - Friday 28th June 2024
Labour Day – Monday 28th October 2024

Course Information

General English

Students of all ability levels and aged 14 years or over may enrol. After a placement test, students will be put into a class at the appropriate level, with one teacher for the morning and another for the afternoon. The syllabus systematically guides students in developing their use of English for effective communication. Progress is carefully monitored in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Morning classes aim to introduce and consolidate new language items, with particular attention to vocabulary and grammar. Afternoon work boosts fluency, building confidence in a wide range of speaking, writing, reading and listening activities.

Cambridge Examination Preparation Courses

Students are expected to have a reasonable chance of success in the examination for which they are preparing. The academic director may request a special entry test for FCE and CAE classes. Where proficiency requirements are not met, students may continue to study in the General English programme at the appropriate level. Daily homework is required to review material covered in class.

IELTS Preparation

For candidates registered to take the IELTS test, intensive afternoon preparation classes replace the General English afternoon programme before the test. Expert guidance is provided for both General Module and Academic Module candidates.

NEC Self Audit

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What year was the school established ?

A. 1995

Q. Total number of classrooms?

A. 13

Q. Total number of students?

A. Please click on this link to our nationality mix as the number varies

Q. Capacity of students in peak season?

A. 140, but we often get 125 on average

Q. What is the minimum age limit?

A. 14 years for our AEP Programme, 18 years for our adult school.

Q. When is your high season?

A. September to March

Q. What is the special focus of courses?

A. In the morning the focus is on grammar – using communicative methodology. In the afternoon the focus is on skills – speaking, reading, listening and writing.

Q. What is the education of teachers?

A. Minimum Cambridge RSA CELTA

Q. Airport transfer provided?

A. Yes, for $60. ($75 for u18)

Q. The ratio of teachers / students?

A. Student / teacher ratio = 7.5

Q. Maximum number students in class?

A. 14 (12 in our Cambridge classes)

Q. Free Internet access facility?

A. Yes

Q. Free Wireless internet access?