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Policy - AAC01020

English Language Requirements for International Learners Policy

Approver Group Chief Executive Approved date 27 May 2024
Responsibility Academic Directors Effective date 27 May 2024
Division International Review date 26 May 2027
Department Academic Policy Number AAC01020
Performance Framework Customer Focus
Purpose

This policy ensures that all applications for study, particularly those from international learners or individuals for whom English is a second language, are assessed to determine their English proficiency. This assessment is conducted in accordance with the lnstitute's English language requirements for the relevant programme of study, and the requirements of the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. The aim of this policy is to enable learners to participate effectively in their enrolled programme of study at the Institution.

Definitions

Institution: refers to Future Skills

NZQA: New Zealand Qualification Authority

Policy
  1. This policy applies to all programmes of study except those which assess English language competency and short courses where an interpreter/reader/writer may be used.
  2. Each programme of study will have an English language competency level as an entry requirement, which may be higher or equal to the NZQA English language This level must be stated in the programme of study document and published for prospective learners.
  3. The English language competency level will not be less than NZQA's minimum requirement for the level of the programme of study/qualification.
  4. Where a programme of study document does not specify the necessary levels of English language competency, the entry requirement will be deemed to be that listed on NZQA's website under Programme Approval, Recognition, and Accreditation Rules for the level and type of programme of
  5. Where English is an additional language for learners, English language competency requirements are applicable to all learners who are new to the Institution, or existing learners who apply to a new programme of study.
  6. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the preferred English language testing system for the Institution.
    1. IELTS scores must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report taken in the preceding two (2) years (i.e., combining scores from more than one (1) test is not permissible).
    2. Equivalent testing systems that are listed in NZQA's website under Programme Approval, Recognition, and Accreditation Rules are also acceptable when taken within the preceding two (2) years.
  7. All English language competency results must be supplied in the original format or, as certified copies before an Offer of Place can be made.
  8. Evidence of English Language Proficiency must be retained for two (2) years following each enrolment.
  9. International learners are eligible for enrolment at all levels of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) when they:
    1. Have achieved National Achievement Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 and have met New Zealand university entrance requirements; or
    2. Have been awarded an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A-level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English; or
    3. Have been awarded the Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) or the Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL); or
    4. Have achieved, within the two-year preceding the start date of the programme in which the learner is enrolled, one of the internationally recognised proficiency test outcomes specified in paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2; or
    5. Have completed all primary education (being education equivalent to the New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being equivalent to three years of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in one of the countries listed in paragraph 10 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or
    6. Can provide evidence of completion of at least five years of secondary education (being equivalent of New Zealand secondary schools 9 to 13) at schools in one of the countries listed in paragraph 10 where the student was taught using English as the language of instructions; or
    7. Can provide clear evidence of completion of a Bachelor's degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree with English as the language of instruction from a tertiary education provider in one of the countries listed in paragraph 10.
  10. The countries for the purposes of paragraphs 9.1.5 to 1.7 are: New Zealand, Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
  11. Those learners with English as an additional language (EAL) who have been identified as at-risk learners may be required to undertake supplementary tuition in English language to ensure 
  12. International learners who have New Zealand permanent residence status may be exempt from English language testing if they can provide evidence of having:
    1. Completed high schooling in New Zealand including the relevant literacy entry requirements for the programme of study and/or
    2. Completed higher education in New Zealand and/or
    3. Worked in a role that requires English language competency equivalent to relevant literacy entry requirements for the programme of study.
  13. Applications for exemption are considered on an individual
Procedures
  1. Review of applications for admission into the programme of study 
    Identify applicants who may need to provide evidence of English language proficiency. This includes international learners for whom English is a second language.
  2. Check the English language requirements for the programme the applicant intends to study
    Determine the English language proficiency requirements of the programme of study by referring to the approved programme document. If the programme document does not specify the level of English required, refer to NZOA rules to assess the English requirements for the programme.
  3. Gather evidence of English language proficiency
    Require applicants to upload their English language evidence and/or test results into the application portal.
  4. Verify adequacy of English language proficiency
    Verify that the provided evidence of English language proficiency meets the requirements of the programme of study.
  5. Verify the authenticity of evidence provided
    Check the authenticity of the evidence provided for English language proficiency by referring to the sources listed in Appendix 1, where applicable.
  6. Determine the applicant's English language proficiency
    The applicant's English language proficiency level is determined and appropriate decisions on the admission of the applicant is taken as per the Programme Entry, Progress and Exclusion Policy
Compliance

Approved policies and procedures are always intended to comply and conform with the current Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZOA,) and other external agency legislation requirements and procedures.

References
Appendix 1 - Sources for verifying the authenticity of evidence provided for English language competency