Victoria University Of Wellington Epp

The English Proficiency Programme (EPP) will prepare you for further academic study in English. We offer three 12-week courses during the academic year on campus, and in Trimester 2 and 3 of 2020, the EPP will be offered online. Each course covers different material so you can attend one, two, or all three courses.



The length of your study will depend on your English ability and your University study goals.

EPP will help you improve your academic reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You will develop a wide range of critical- and creative-thinking skills and learning strategies to prepare you for further study at foundation, undergraduate, or postgraduate level.

To study EPP, you need to have a pre-intermediate level of English or higher. On your first day, you’ll sit an English-language test. Your results will place you in a class with students with a similar English level to yours.

Important information

  • You need a pre-intermediate level of English (equivalent to at least IELTS 4.5 or TOEFL 0-32) or higher. You do not need to sit any English test before your EPP study. Your English level will be tested on the first day of the course.
  • If you do not pass the EPP entry test, you will be referred to another English-language institution in Wellington for your English study.
  • EPP students who meet the University’s minimum English-language entry score will be awarded a Certificate of Proficiency in English (CertEngProf). This does not provide entry to postgraduate-level study.
  • Find out how long you’ll need to study on the EPP programme on the Requirements page.
  • The EPP is available for online delivery for Trimesters 2 and 3 2020.

How long you’ll study

You may need to study in the English Proficiency Programme for 12, 24, or 36 weeks. How long you’ll need to study depends on two things: your IELTS entry score and your study goal (undergraduate or postgraduate study).



  • IELTS 6.0: postgraduate: 12 or 24 weeks
  • IELTS 5.5–6.0: postgraduate: 24 or 36 weeks
  • IELTS 5.5–6.0: undergraduate: 12 or 24 weeks
  • IELTS 5.0–5.5: postgraduate: at least 36 weeks
  • IELTS 5.0–5.5: undergraduate: at least 24 weeks
  • IELTS 4.5–5.0: undergraduate: at least 36 weeks

How to apply

Before applying to study this programme:

  • To apply for the English Proficiency Programme, you’ll need a pre-intermediate level of English—at least IELTS 4.5 or TOEFL 0-32. You don’t need to sit an IELTS or TOEFL test before starting—you’ll be tested on the first day of the programme.
  • Check the fees and costs.

You can apply online now.



After you have sent us your application:

  • We’ll let you know by email if your application is successful, usually within 3-4 days of receiving it. If you’re accepted, we’ll send you a confirmation email and tell you what you need to do next.
  • If you don’t receive a confirmation email within one week of sending your application, you can contact us to check the status of your application.

Programme contacts

Angela Joe, ELI Director

  • [email protected]
  • Room 213, Von Zedlitz Building, Kelburn Parade, Kelburn Campus, Wellington

Carlos Espinoza, ELI Administrator

  • [email protected]
  • +64 4 463 6472
  • Room 208, Von Zedlitz Building, Kelburn Parade, Kelburn Campus, Wellington