Nelson English Centre offers a wide range of courses to suit all levels and requirements. 

General English Lessons
Professional english lessons for anyone to improve their skills. From beginner to advanced level.
  • Part Time (15 hours per week )
  • Full Time ( 23 hours per week )
Cambridge FCE & CAE Exam Preparation
Specialised courses to best prepare you for the Cambridge exam.
  • Part Time (15 hours per week )
  • Full Time ( 23 hours per week )
IELTS & other Exam 
Preparation
Specialised courses to best prepare you for the IELTS exam.
  • Part Time (15 hours per week )
  • Full Time ( 23 hours per week )
Dates and prices for General English, Cambridge and IELTS

50+ English + Activities 

Designed exclusively for students aged 50 and over, this program offers a unique blend of learning and adventure. Start your day in a small, friendly English class (with a maximum of six participants), where you'll improve your language skills alongside like-minded peers. In the afternoons, enjoy guided explorations of Nelson and its beautiful surroundings, making the most of your time in this vibrant region.

Learn more about 50+

English + Golf 

2 weeks including homestay and morning class – 6 different golf courses

Improve your English while enjoying golf in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions. The English + Golf Programme at Nelson English Centre combines high-quality English lessons with the opportunity to play golf at excellent local courses. Nelson is famous for its sunshine, relaxed lifestyle, and stunning coastal scenery—making it the perfect place to study English and play golf.

Learn more about English and Golf

English + Activities

Combine English study with exciting experiences and discover the best of Nelson while improving your language skills. The English + Activities programme at Nelson English Centre allows students to learn English in the classroom and enjoy a variety of activities that showcase the lifestyle and natural beauty of the region. With its sunshine, beaches, national parks, and friendly community, Nelson is the perfect place to improve your English while experiencing authentic New Zealand life.

Learn more about English and activities



Courses Overview 

NEC Level Cambridge Level IELTS Level NZCEL Level
Elementary A1 1
Pre-Intermediate A2 Key (KET) 2
Intermediate B1 Preliminary (PET) 4 to 5 3
Upper Intermediate B2 First (FCE) 5.5 to 6.5 4
Advanced C1 Advanced (CAE) 7 to 8 5
Proficiency C2 Proficiency (CPE)

General English

  • Full time ( 23 hours per week ) morning & afternoon classes

  • Part time ( 15 hours per week ) morning classes

  • Start any Monday

Morning classes focus on grammar and new language from the course book allowing students to improve the four language skills; reading, writing, speaking and listening. Afternoon classes study one topic each week allowing students to speak and listen in English in a natural, communicative way.

 

Cambridge Examination Classes

  • Full time ( 23 hours per week ) morning & afternoon classes

  • Part time ( 15 hours per week ) morning classes

  • Cambridge courses run 2 times per year.

Nelson English Centre provides specialised Cambridge examination preparation courses for both the FCE (First Certificate in English) and CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) exams.

Students are given a course book which they use throughout the course. Morning classes focus on reading, writing and use of English tasks. Afternoon classes focus on speaking, listening and use of English tasks. Our specialised Cambridge curriculum has seen Nelson English Centre achieve a higher than average percentage of exam passes in New Zealand.

IELTS

  • Full time ( 23 hours per week ) morning & afternoon classes

  • Part time ( 15 hours per week ) morning classes

Nelson English Centre is an official IELTS test venue offering the exam once a month in Nelson. We are the only place where candidates can take the test at the top of the South Island.

We offer classes which cover the four skills areas tested in the exam; reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students learn all parts of the IELTS test and get chances to practise using different strategies to complete test questions and tasks successfully.

Timetable

Time General English Cambridge Exam Courses IELTS
9.00-10:15 Grammar and Vocabulary Reading, Writing, and Use of English Grammar practice and Exam Preparation in Reading and Writing
10:15-10:45 Break
10:45-12:15 Continuation of morning classes
12:15-13:15 Lunch
13:15-15:15 Speaking and Listening Speaking, Listening, and Use of English Vocabulary extension and Exam Preparation in Speaking and Listening
 
 

At Nelson English Centre we know that high standards start with qualifications. We also understand that successful teachers must connect with their students. Two thirds of our permanent teachers have higher level ESOL specific diploma qualifications. All of our teachers love teaching and living in Nelson. At Nelson English Centre you will enjoy learning from a great team of people.

Teaching For You

At NEC our skilled teachers make your learning successful by:

  • Giving clear explanations of difficult language points

  • Having time to answer your questions and give individual help

  • Challenging you

  • Setting high standards for you

  • Teaching with individual character, fun and creativity

 
 

We have designed our student room to increase the speed our students learn English. The English-only rule along with the frequent conversations between students and teachers means you will learn speaking and listening quickly. Our Director of Studies office is next to the student zone meaning you can easily get help with difficult homework questions. Learn faster at NEC with our specially designed student zone. 

 
 

Your Learning Journey

At NEC we have carefully constructed a learning journey for all our students to ensure they learn as quickly as possible 

  1. Welcome and Orientation

  2. Carefully designed placement test assessing both written and oral communication

  3. Class placement into appropriate level

  4. Extra help with difficult language points in student zone

  5. Interview with Director of Studies to assess progress and promote level

  6. Graduation with leaving certificate and report

 

Study English where kiwis love to live