Overview
This programme is run by Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional (WUPL) and the English Language Institute (ELI) at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) on behalf of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
The theme for Intake 63 is Strengthening Resilience.
Eligible countries are:
Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Timor-Leste, Mongolia and Viet Nam.
Stage 1
In-country pre-departure programme meetings
April 2026
Key information sent to officials.
Remote/online engagement meetings between participants, teaching and pastoral care teams to convey key programme information.
Pre-departure briefings held in-country or online by New Zealand Embassies or partner organisations.
Stage 2
New Zealand English Language Training Programme
7 May – 7 August 2026
13 weeks full-time study in Wellington will include:
- A comprehensive tailored English Language Training programme at the ELI, including language learning, intercultural communication, and introduction to New Zealand culture and good governance.
- The course theme of Strengthening Resilience, covering the principles & approaches to disaster risk reduction in theory & practice in NZ, SE Asia, Mongolia & worldwide.
- Workplace communication and visits
- A field trip
- IELTS training and testing
Stage 3
In-country workplace project
August-October 2026
Undertake a workplace-based project on the intake theme and prepare a 10-minute presentation.
The teaching staff will lead online meetings to provide support and connect with other participants.
Stage 4 – Southeast Asia Conference
Late 2026
A three-day conference based around presenting the workplace projects which will provide engagement across cohorts.
The conference will take place late in 2026 for Intakes 62 & 63 in a Southeast Asian location.
The workplace project needs to be completed to be eligible for the conference.
Possible Participants
Government officials and employees of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) working in a technical or policy role and who have a proven need for using English in their work and developing their understanding of strengthening resilience in their countries. Applicants need to explain how strengthening resilience is related to their work.
Below is a list of possible ministries and government organisations, but this is not an exhaustive list, and candidates are also invited from other relevant ministries and state-owned enterprises.
- Civil Defence
- Disaster Risk Management
- Infrastructure
- Health (infectious disease control)
- Coastal & Flood Protection
- Climate scientists
- Hydrologists
- Seismologists
- Urban Planning
- Environment
- A relevant division of Foreign Affairs
- Women’s Affairs /Women’s Union (community resilience)
Selection Criteria
Individual applicants should meet the following criteria:
- English language proficiency IELTS 4.5 – 5.5 or equivalent
- Direct connection with the theme, preferably in a technical or policy role
- English is used frequently for work
- Age range: 25 – 45 years old
- If you have completed tertiary-level study in an English-speaking country, you are not eligible to apply for the NZELTO programme
Applications are encouraged from:
- Female candidates
- Candidates from provincial centres who need to use English regularly in their work
Note
Preference will be given to applicants who submit a strong application. Here are some ways to submit a strong application:
- Read this course outline and understand the programme.
- Use your own words – using Artificial Intelligence or translation tools weakens an application.
- State clearly how your work is connected to international security.
- Don’t copy someone else’s application and give honest answers.
Key application and selection dates
- The application window will be open to receive applications from 15 September through to 25 October 2025.
- Language testing will take place 1 December to 19 December 2025. You must be available to complete testing during this period.
- Provisional offer letters will be sent to successful candidates from the week of 2 February 2026.