Four New Zealand education providers offer students the opportunity to complete English-language preparation free of charge or recover most of the cost when they progress to further study.
Each offer works differently. In most cases, students pay for the English course first and then receive a tuition credit or reimbursement after successfully progressing to their main programme.
What Does “Free English” Actually Mean?
In most cases, the English course is not free when the student first enrols. The student pays for the language programme upfront, meets the English-language requirements and progresses to a main programme at the same education provider. The cost of the English course is then fully or partly credited towards further study.
Insurance, student fees and other additional costs are usually paid separately.
Southern Institute of Technology — SIT
SIT offers the Zero Fees English Scholarship to international students.
Two options are available:
- New Zealand Certificate in English Language — NZCEL, Levels 3–5;
- General English plus Examination Preparation.
NZCEL takes 17 weeks and costs NZ$5,200. General English plus Examination Preparation takes 26 weeks and costs NZ$9,000. Insurance for the 26-week course costs an additional NZ$520.
Students initially pay the English-language tuition fee as a bond. Once they have met the English entry requirements and received a Conditional Offer of Place, the bond is credited towards the tuition fees for a mainstream SIT programme lasting at least one year.
If a student requires additional English-language study after the first course, the cost of the additional course will not be credited.
Key point: at SIT, students can complete up to 26 weeks of English-language study and have up to NZ$9,000 credited towards the cost of their main programme.
Auckland Institute of Studies — AIS
AIS allows students to complete the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) Level 5 online before moving to New Zealand.
The programme takes 14 weeks. The 2026 tuition fee for international students is NZ$6,610.
After successfully completing NZCEL and enrolling in an eligible AIS postgraduate programme, students may receive a refund of up to NZ$5,000. This makes the course almost free, although students must still pay the remaining tuition fee and any additional charges.
NZCEL Level 5 can help students meet the English-language requirements for further study. However, they must also meet the academic entry requirements for their chosen programme.
Key point: AIS reimburses up to NZ$5,000 of the cost of the online NZCEL Level 5 programme when a student progresses to an eligible postgraduate programme. Before applying, check the offer’s validity period and the list of participating programmes.
Lincoln University
Lincoln University offers English for Academic Purposes — EAP. This university-based academic English programme prepares students for bachelor’s or postgraduate study.
EAP consists of four-week modules. The minimum study period is 12 weeks. Depending on their starting level, students may study for 16, 20 or 24 weeks.
After successfully completing at least 12 weeks of EAP and enrolling in an academic programme at the next available intake, students receive a partial tuition fee refund. The reimbursement is limited to the cost of 12 weeks of EAP.
In 2026, 12 weeks of EAP costs NZ$5,760. A separate student fee also applies. The minimum English level for entry to EAP is IELTS 4.0 or an equivalent result.
Key point: Lincoln University reimburses the cost of up to 12 weeks of EAP after a student successfully progresses to a main university programme.
Otago Polytechnic
Otago Polytechnic offers the International English Pathways Scholarship to new international students.
For students progressing to further study in 2027, the scholarship is worth up to NZ$6,000. It applies to:
- New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 3) (Applied);
- New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 4) (Academic).
A separate scholarship application is not required, but students must pay the full English-language tuition fee upfront.
After successfully completing NZCEL, the student must meet the English-language requirements and receive an unconditional Offer of Place for a full-time mainstream programme lasting at least one year and comprising at least 120 credits. The English-language tuition fee, up to NZ$6,000, is then credited towards the cost of the main programme.
NZCEL Level 3 Applied is equivalent to IELTS Academic 5.5 and may provide entry to selected Level 4 certificate programmes. NZCEL Level 4 Academic is equivalent to IELTS Academic 6.0 and may be used for entry to eligible bachelor’s degrees, graduate diplomas and Level 6–7 diploma programmes.
The offer does not generally apply to postgraduate programmes or programmes with higher English-language entry requirements, including many healthcare programmes. Exceptions may be possible only with separate approval.
Key point: Otago Polytechnic provides a tuition credit of up to NZ$6,000 for NZCEL students who progress to an eligible academic programme in 2027.
Comparison of the Offers
| Education provider | English programme | Duration | Benefit | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIT | General English / NZCEL | 17–26 weeks | NZ$5,200–9,000 | Progress to an SIT programme lasting at least one year |
| AIS | NZCEL Level 5 Online | 14 weeks | Up to NZ$5,000 | Enrol in an eligible AIS postgraduate programme |
| Lincoln University | EAP | From 12 weeks | Cost of up to 12 weeks of EAP | Enrol in the next available Lincoln University intake |
| Otago Polytechnic | NZCEL Level 3 or 4 | Depends on the programme | Up to NZ$6,000 in 2027 | Progress to a programme lasting at least one year and comprising at least 120 credits |
Each offer has different requirements regarding the student’s starting English level and intended academic programme. The tuition credit or reimbursement may not cover insurance, student fees or other compulsory charges.
You can find more current offers in the Discounts section.
📌 Contact us to find the right programme, confirm the current tuition-credit conditions and calculate the full cost of study. We can also assist with admission, obtaining an Offer of Place and your student visa application.
