Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCertEAP)
For undergraduate studies
FCertEAP for Undergraduate Studies (20 weeks) is for students:
who hold a conditional offer for undergraduate study at the University of Auckland or other New Zealand tertiary institutions1, and
who do not meet the English language requirements for their university study
Students who successfully complete this programme with the required grade, will meet the English language requirements for university study.
Students in this pathway programme will build on their current level of academic English and be well prepared for their undergraduate studies. Also, students in this programme can have full access to the University of Auckland Library and learning services.
Course length
20 weeks2 (17-week3 courses commence in September and November)
Total hours
400 hours
Course dates
26 June 2023 – 17 November 2023 (20 weeks)
11 September 2023 – 19 January 2024 (17 weeks)
20 November 2023 – 29 March 2024 (17 weeks)
22 January – 14 June 2024 (20 weeks)
08 April – 30 August 2024 (20 weeks)
24 June – 15 November 2024 (20 weeks)
09 September 2024 – 17 January 2025 (17 weeks)
18 November 2024 – 28 March 2025 (17 weeks)
1More information on the New Zealand tertiary institutions that recognise the FCertEAP is available on request.
2This course is delivered in 10 week blocks, with a one week study break between each block.
3Due to the Christmas break, the FCertEAP course commencing in September and November is typically 17 weeks long, but the course hours remain 400 hours in total.
To be eligible for FCertEAP, students must:
- Hold a conditional offer of place from a New Zealand tertiary institution that recognises FCertEAP1.
- Meet the English Language entry requirements for FCertEAP through one of the below test results (see table)2. IELTS Indicator can also be accepted during 2022 until further notice.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Overall | Writing | Other bands | |
---|---|---|---|
IELTS | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 |
PTE-A | 36 | 36 | 29 |
TOEFL-iBT | 60 | 18 | 12 |
ELA Test | minimum CEFR B1+ | N/A | N/A |
Students who do not meet the above requirements (writing 5.0/PTE 36/TOEFL 18, other bands 4.5/PTE 29/TOEFL 12) but have an overall IELTS score of 5.0 (PTE 36 or TOEFL 60) can apply for taking a formal ELA placement test if they hold a conditional offer for an undergraduate programme from the University of Auckland. They can be accepted into FCertEAP if they gain an acceptable score in the ELA placement test.
Students who do not reach the required level in the ELA placement test for FCertEAP but meet the entry requirement for FCertEAP Plus can apply for FCertEAP Plus for Undergraduate Studies.
1More information on the New Zealand tertiary institutions that recognise the FCertEAP is available on request.
2The Academic IELTS score must have been issued within 2 years and 6 months of the FCertEAP commencement date. Please note this is a temporary extension from 2 years due to the Covid-19 situation.
Please note this is a sample timetable only. Your classes may run in the morning session or afternoon session.
- Students may commence their studies no later than the Friday of the first week of the course.
- No late starts are allowed for Summer School – students must begin on the Monday of the first week of the course.
- Students repeating the course need to confirm their place with the Enrolments Lead no later than the first day of the course.
- Students must pay the tuition fees for their Study Programme to ELA at least four (4) weeks prior to the commencement of their Study Programme, except in the following case: Students from the People’s Republic of China are not permitted to pay the tuition fees before INZ has granted “Student Visa Approval in Principle”
- Please note students taking a Pathway course will need to have their own device, i.e. laptop or tablet.
The ELA is committed to the continuation of your English language learning during this challenging Covid-19 period. To support your study goals, the ELA is pleased to offer FCertEAP online. For the duration of 2022, FCertEAP is available online (as well as face to face for those students who are based in New Zealand)1.
Online FCertEAP classes are mix of offline activities such as discussion forum posting, and live interactive Zoom sessions on coursework topics between students and tutors. Zoom sessions can sometimes be one-to-one or small group tutorials in addition to whole-class activities. Your classes are from 1 pm to 5.15 pm NZT* for all levels.
* PLEASE NOTE: These times are local New Zealand times. NZ daylight saving ends at 3am on Sunday, April 3rd (NZ time) and commences again at 2am on Sunday, September 25th. This will affect your lesson times in your home country. Please ensure you adjust your times accordingly - this link will calculate the correct time difference for you - Click here.
Technology and other learning requirements:
• Laptop or PC with Microsoft Word or other document producing capabilities and functional webcam. This is essential for Academic English and Pathway courses
• Headset/ear phones/microphone for listening/speaking/recording purposes
• Stable internet connection (recommended speed of 3Mbps)
• Designated quiet study space especially required for completing assignments/assessments
Find out why you should study an online university English pathway course with us HERE.
Frequently asked questions about our online English courses HERE.
1Disclaimer: If student numbers do not allow us to run a completely online or face-to-face class, then a hybrid class may need to be run. A hybrid class is one which is made up of a combination of both face to face and online students where one teacher leads both students online and face-to-face may have to be run.
University Pathways Programmes
Learning English comes with many great benefits. Listen to Lee Waddingham, the ELA's Academic Manager, as he shares how you can gain the English skills you need to progress into a New Zealand university with our University English pathway programmes.
Hear from our English University Pathway (FCERT EAP) Students
Cici (China) is near the end of the 20-week FCERT EAP programme and has been really enjoying it. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she chose to study with us online which she believes was a wise decision. She has learnt a large number of new language skills and made many new friends, and she loves the ELA study life. Watch this video to find out about her experience.
We're here to help
Got questions? Get in touch with us to talk about your course options. Use our online contact form here.