Develop the knowledge and teaching skills to support English language learners in real classroom and community settings. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington builds strong foundations in linguistics, language learning, and teaching practice.
- Qualification: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Delivery: On campus (check programme website for current study mode and timetable)
- Credits/Duration: Typical undergraduate BA structure (confirm exact duration and credit requirements on the programme website)
- Language of instruction: English
- Tuition fees: Vary by student category and study load (see programme website for the latest fees)
- Start dates: Confirm available intakes on the programme website
- Application: Apply via Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington admissions (deadlines vary by intake)
Programme Structure
The BA TESOL is built around language and education foundations, with courses that develop both theoretical understanding and practical teaching awareness.
Core areas you can expect to study
- Language and Communication
- Linguistics: The Science of Language
- Understanding Language Learning and Teaching
- Vocabulary and Grammar for TESOL
- Text and Cultural Context
Curriculum notes
- Course availability and sequencing can vary by year and intake—confirm the latest curriculum and course codes on the programme website.
- You may complete additional electives or related BA study requirements depending on your academic plan (check the official handbook for details).
Admission requirements
Academic entry: You must meet the university’s undergraduate admission requirements. This may include achieving the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or three GCE Advanced Level passes at C grade, or an equivalent qualification.
English proficiency: You may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency depending on your educational background.
English requirements
Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is a convenient, fast, and affordable English proficiency test trusted by top universities around the world. Take it online in just one hour—anywhere, any time. Scores are reported out of 160 in 5 point increments.
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TOEFL® IBT
TOEFL iBT® is accepted by more than 13,000 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries. The test can be taken at a test center or at home. The test measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The score refers to the total score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading), each subject has a range of 0 - 30.
Schedule TOEFL®
PTE Academic
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. The score refers to a total score which ranges between 10 and 90.
Schedule a PTE test!
IELTS
The International English Language Test System (IELTS) tests your English-language proficiency on a scale of 1 – 9. The score refers to the combined average score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading).
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Other requirements
General requirements
- Meet the university’s undergraduate admission criteria for entry to a BA.
- You may be asked to provide additional information or evidence of your academic background.
Work Permits
Check for any work restrictions
After completing your studies in New Zealand, you may be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa (subject to meeting the relevant immigration requirements at the time you apply).
- Eligibility: Typically, you must have completed a qualification that meets New Zealand’s post-study work visa criteria and hold a valid student visa while studying.
- Duration: The permitted work period depends on the level and length of your qualification. Confirm the current rules on the official New Zealand immigration website.
- Conditions: You must follow visa conditions, including any limits on work type and the requirement to remain in New Zealand while your application is processed (if applicable).
- Timing: Apply within the required timeframe after course completion—deadlines can change.
Important: Immigration rules are updated regularly. Always check the latest guidance from Immigration New Zealand and confirm your situation with the university’s international office.
