English for Migrants (EfM) for Pre-purchased English Language Tuition (PELT)

This programme is for people who pre-paid Immigration New Zealand for English lessons before they arrived in the country. (*Pre-purchased English Language Tuition)

Pre-purchased English Language Tuition (PELT)

As a part of their residency requirements, some migrants are required to pay English language tuition fees to Immigration New Zealand before arriving in New Zealand.

Our English for Migrants (EfM) programme is for learners who have pre-purchased English language tuition through the New Zealand Immigration Services. (Pre-purchased English Language Tuition/PELT)

ELPNZ is contracted by the Tertiary Education Commission to offer this programme.

Tuition is available on a one-to-one basis taught by a qualified paid ESOL teacher in the learner’s home.

A qualified English language teacher visits your home for lessons. Lessons take place once per week, usually for about an hour. You can decide on your personal learning goals with your teacher. Each lesson is designed to help you progress at your own speed.

The English for Migrants Home Teacher service is just one of many options PELT learners can use their PELT funds on. Group tuition in English Language Groups and ESOL Intensive programmes is also an option.

Further information about the PELT programme, including translations, can be found here.

FAQs

Can I learn English online with English Language Partners?

You can learn online if:

  • you live in New Zealand
  • are a resident or citizen of New Zealand
  • speak English as a second language
  • are 16 years or older and not attending school
  • we have a course that meets your needs

We will talk to you about the courses available.

You cannot learn online if you are on a temporary visa such as a:

  • Working holiday visa
  • Visitor/tourist visa
  • Student visa

How long are courses?

Our courses vary in length. It depends on the course. Many are 8 weeks, others can vary between 2 and 18 weeks long.

How much does it cost?

Our online courses are free to residents and citizens.

Can I study after work?

Yes. We have courses for people who work during the day and want to study in the evening.

What will I learn?

You will learn the English you need to live independently in New Zealand. Our courses help people with daily life, finding work, and future study. We will help you communicate in Kiwi English. You can also learn about Kiwi culture.

Can I study for the IELTS test?

Yes. In some centres. We sometimes offer online IELTS classes too.

What level are classes?

All levels. Courses are from beginner to advanced levels. We assess your level before placing you in a course. If a course at your level is not immediately available, we will place you on a class waitlist.

Can I study grammar?

Yes. Some courses have a specific grammar focus. Other courses include grammar as part of the course content.

How many hours each week are courses?

Most of our courses are part-time. Some are two hours each week, other courses are longer – up to 10 hours. You can join more than one class.

My computer system isn’t very good – can I join?

You need a reliable internet connection, a camera and a microphone.

Can I learn English with English Language Partners?

You can learn English if you:

The manager will talk to you about the programmes available.

How much does it cost?

Many of our programmes are free. There is a small cost for some of our classes.If you are a PELT student, your class course cost and admin fee will be deducted from the money you pre-paid Immigration New Zealand for English lessons (PELT).  Ask at your English Language Partners’ centre.

What will I learn?

You will learn the English you need to live independently in New Zealand. Our programmes help people with daily life, to find work and to communicate well in a Kiwi workplace. You can also learn about Kiwi culture.

What will I learn?

You will learn the English that is used in New Zealand workplaces. You will also learn about Kiwi workplace culture and helpful information about employment in New Zealand.

English for Job Seekers Focus on finding work in New Zealand. Learn how to approach employers and tailor your CV for specific job applications. Prepare and practise for job interviews and develop your professional networking skills

English for Employees Learn English to communicate well in your job and work safely. You can also learn about cultural issues and expectations of the Kiwi workplace.

How long are courses?

English for Job Seekers is a 48-hour course. It is 12 hours per week for four weeks.

English for Employees is a 45-hour course. It is a part-time course,  with flexible hours (2-4 hours per week, often outside working hours, unless during work time is appropriate)

When are classes held?

Classes are held at different times to suit learners. Evening and weekend classes available in some centres. Contact your local centre to find the best times for you.

How much does the course cost?

English for Job Seekers There may be a small fee (ask your centre)

English for Employees Courses are free, but you must be a citizen or resident with a job.

Who will teach me?

English for Migrants teachers are qualified ESOL teachers.

ESOL home tutors are trained volunteers who are fluent in English.

How long will I have a tutor?

English for Migrants You can study for as long as you have tuition money
available. We recommend that your first contract is for a minimum
of 26 hours.

ESOL Home Tutoring Your tutor will teach you for six months. After six months, if a tutor is available, you can have more lessons. Some learners have another tutor. Some learners continue with the same tutor.

When are lessons?

English for Migrants You can decide lesson times with your tutor. This is usually from 1.5 to 2 hours and most students have two lessons each week.

ESOL Home Tutoring Lessons are for one hour each week with your tutor. The time will suit you and your tutor.

How much will it cost?

English for Migrants costs $100.00 per hour (incl. GST).
There is also an administration fee for each contract (check with your centre).

ESOL Home Tutoring is free for citizens and residents.

What will I learn?

Tell your tutor what you want to learn. They will make a programme with you. Lessons are designed to help you with everyday life and work in New Zealand.

For example, things like getting a driver’s licence or making an appointment to see the doctor. You can also learn about your town or city and about ‘Kiwi’ culture.

The tutor will bring teaching resources to the lesson.

Can I join the NZCEL class?

Adults who have New Zealand residency or citizenship can join our NZCEL course.

What will I learn?

NZCEL courses focus on real-life tasks where you can develop your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. You will learn and practise essential vocabulary and grammar and gain skills for living and working independently in New Zealand.

How do I join the NZCEL class?

You will need to have an interview with a staff member and sit a placement assessment to make sure NZCEL is the right option for you.

What is an NZQA qualification?

What does it lead to?

Our NZCEL graduates have gone on to study English at higher levels. Some go into Level 3 courses in subjects like cooking and automotive engineering.

NZCEL is also a pathway into work. Our graduates are employed in retail, administration and hospitality roles.

How much does it cost?

Our NZCEL courses are free.

What does the English for Migrants programme cost?

You may have already paid for lessons if you paid PELT money to Immigration New Zealand, usually before coming to New Zealand.

The English for Migrants programme fees come out of your ‘balance of entitlement’. Your balance of entitlement depends on what your level of English was at time of your visa application and how much money you paid to Immigration New Zealand.

English Language Partners can confirm your balance of entitlement by contacting the TEC on your behalf. You must provide us your name, date of birth and passport number.

We offer two EFM programmes:

  1. Learn one-to-one with a teacher We match you with a teacher and you have individual lessons - usually at home.  This costs $105.00 per hour (incl. GST)  There is an administration fee of $105.00 for  the first contract and $63.00 for a second (or any extra) contract (Incl. GST)
  2. Join one of our classes This costs $29.00 per hour (incl. GST)  There is an administration fee of $105.00 for the first contract and $63.00 for a second (or any extra) contract (Incl. GST)

There is no extra charge for teaching material that the teacher provides, but if you want to study from special books you will need to pay for them.

Lessons start on the day you meet your new teacher.

Who can study?

We teach adults who have pre-purchased English lessons. 

We cannot teach young people attending high school. 

How long can I study for?

You can study with a teacher as long as you have money available at the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). They hold your money for you. 

Who teaches me?

All our teachers have a professional teaching qualification.

What happens when you enrol?

Our national office checks how much money the Tertiary Education Commission holds for you. 

The English for Migrants programme manager in your area contacts you.

The manager finds a teacher for you and introduces you to this teacher. You decide together when and where you will study.

What will I learn?

Your teacher will work with you to design language lessons
to suit your needs and goals.

The teacher can help you with any aspect of English, including Kiwi expressions and grammar.

Your lessons can include practical tasks such as working towards getting a driver’s licence or making appointments.

Your teacher uses resources from the local English Language Partners’ centre, which include listening resources, books, pictures
and worksheets.

Come see us

We have 21 centres nationwide. Get in touch for a friendly chat.
We would love to talk to you!

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Testimonials from our

Learners

Kaimo Jiao

LEARNER

The teacher is exceptional and did not (only) teach us specific knowledge, she taught us how to fish. This kind of style of teaching reformed my previous way of learning English.

Jino George

LEARNER

The course was very useful. The teacher's attitude and inspiration motivated me to learn English. I decided to work hard to improve my language, which is a barrier in the communication. I learnt the importance of stress, intonation and language functions which helped me to improve my pronunciation. I would like to join in her class anytime if I get a chance.😊

Viktoriia Mikhyeyeva

LEARNER

I was lucky to get to your Road Code course. Migrants need a driver licence so much, but the language barrier prevents them. Thanks to you, anyone can get a driver's licence easily.

Polina Belenitskaia

LEARNER

If I hadn't taken your Road Code courses, I wouldn't have gotten my driver licence for another million years. After your lessons, it turned out to be very simple, in 10 minutes I got my first driver' licence in my life!

Kaimo Jiao

LEARNER

The teacher is exceptional and did not (only) teach us specific knowledge, she taught us how to fish. This kind of style of teaching reformed my previous way of learning English.

Jino George

LEARNER

The course was very useful. The teacher's attitude and inspiration motivated me to learn English. I decided to work hard to improve my language, which is a barrier in the communication. I learnt the importance of stress, intonation and language functions which helped me to improve my pronunciation. I would like to join in her class anytime if I get a chance.😊

Viktoriia Mikhyeyeva

LEARNER

I was lucky to get to your Road Code course. Migrants need a driver licence so much, but the language barrier prevents them. Thanks to you, anyone can get a driver's licence easily.

Polina Belenitskaia

LEARNER

If I hadn't taken your Road Code courses, I wouldn't have gotten my driver licence for another million years. After your lessons, it turned out to be very simple, in 10 minutes I got my first driver' licence in my life!

Pa Teauarai

LEARNER

It made me want to learn more so I can teach my kids English. I share my homework with them too.

Xu Huang

LEARNER

Learning English at English Language Partners makes me more confident and more positive.

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