Study English language: AUT English Pathway Programme (AUTEPP)
If your English is at an intermediate level or above, you can study English language through the AUT English Pathway Programme (AUTEPP) and enrol in an AUT Academic English Course (AUT AE) or IELTS Preparation Course at AUT in Auckland’s central business district. You can progress through these courses to prepare yourself for studying AUT university programmes.
If your English is at a pre-intermediate level (CEFR B1), you will likely need longer to reach the standard required for admission to your chosen degree programme at AUT. See below for further details on the Introductory Academic English course (AUT IAE).
These English language courses have fixed start and finish dates.
To enrol you need to be at least 18 years of age.
AUT Introductory Academic English Course (AUT IAE)
The Introductory Academic English course offers a pathway into the Academic English course for applicants who are not yet at an intermediate level (CEFR B2). The course focuses on language acquisition and provides students with a solid foundation on which to build the academic literacy skills taught in the Academic English course.
Course details
2026 dates
- 2 June 2026 – 28 August 2026
- 21 September 2026 – 18 December 2026
- 3 months
- Full-time (23 hours per week)
2026 costs
- AUT Introductory Course (3 months) NZ $6,600
- Insurance: NZ $ 224.75
Fees include:
- AUT student association membership
- GST (government Goods and Services Tax)
- AUT student ID card
- Student services levy
Fees are subject to change
To be eligible, you need to have a minimum 4.5 IELTS overall and no band less than 4.5, or an equivalent English language proficiency test.
You can find the IELTS equivalence table in our information page on English language requirements.
AUT Academic English Course (AUT AE)
The AUT Academic English Course offers a direct path for students with a conditional offer from AUT for most undergraduate or postgraduate studies. You will develop essential academic skills needed to succeed in your AUT programme. Meeting the academic requirements for your chosen AUT programme remains essential.
Course details
2026 dates
- 16 February 2026 - 15 May 2026
- 2 June 2026 - 28 August 2026
- 21 September 2026 - 18 December 2026
Course dates are subject to change.
Duration of the AUT Academic English Course
- 3 months
- Full-time (23 hours per week)
2026 costs
- AUT Academic English Course (3 months): NZ $7,200.00
- Insurance: NZ $224.75
Fees include:
- AUT student association membership
- GST (Government Goods and Services Tax)
- AUT student ID card
- Student services levy
Fees are subject to change.
To be eligible, you need to have a minimum 5.5 IELTS overall score, 5.5 in both Reading & Writing, 5.0 in Listening & Speaking, or an equivalent English Proficiency Test.
You can find the IELTS equivalent table in our information on English language requirements
It’s important to note that some health and education programmes require IELTS, and you can apply to our IELTS preparation course.
IELTS preparation course (full-time)
The IELTS preparation course is designed for students with a conditional offer from AUT who need IELTS to progress in the chosen programme. You will develop your English language skills for the IELTS test and your study skills for academic study at AUT. You can progress through the different levels.
Course details
2026 dates
- 16 February 2026 - 15 May 2026
- 2 June 2026 - 28 August 2026
- 21 September 2026 - 18 December 2026
Course dates are subject to change.
Duration of the IELTS Preparation Course
- 3 months
- Full-time (23 hours per week)
2026 costs
- AUT Academic English Course (3 months): NZ $6,900.00
- Insurance: NZ $224.75
Fees include:
- AUT student association membership
- GST (Government Goods and Services Tax)
- AUT student ID card
- Student services levy
Fees are subject to change.
To enrol in the IELTS preparation course you need:
- IELTS overall 5.0 minimum
See what it's like to study at the AUT English Language Centre
How to apply to AUT’s English language programmes
To enrol in AUT’s academic English course or IELTS preparation course you need to:
- Complete the Application Form and return it with your IELTS result and a copy of your passport to:
- By email to autadmissions@aut.ac.nz
- Or to your local agent
- Your Application Form will be processed by the Admissions team, and if you are successful, an Offer of Place will be sent. You will need to pay your fees as per the Proforma Invoice which is sent with your offer
- Accept your Offer of Place by signing the Offer and returning it to autadmissions@aut.ac.nz
- Once the invoice is paid, you will receive a receipt of payment and can apply for your student visa
- Apply for your student visa as early as possible to allow at least 8 weeks for processing
New Zealand public holidays in 2026
There are no classes on the days below as it’s a public holiday in New Zealand:
- 1 January: New Year's Day
- 2 January: Day after New Year's Day
- 26 January: Auckland Anniversary
- 6 February: Waitangi Day
- 3 April: Good Friday
- 6 April: Easter Monday
- 27 April: ANZAC Day
- 1 June: King's Birthday
- 10 July: Matariki
- 26 October: Labour Day
Contact us
Email academicenglish@aut.ac.nz
Location of our English language programmes:
Level 1, WU Building
AUT City Campus
46 Wakefield Street, Auckland 1010
AUT accommodation
You need to arrange your own accommodation. Learn about where you can live while you study at AUT in Auckland, and read more about AUT student accommodation.
Current AUT students: get English language support
If you’re currently studying at AUT as an international student and have English as your second language, you can get additional English language support for help with referencing and academic writing, grammar and vocabulary, as well as general speaking and listening.
Tutors are available at both the AUT City Campus and North Campus.
Free English classes for refugees and migrants
Our free English classes for speakers of other languages are ideal for people with refugee and migrant backgrounds who want to improve their English.