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 66 is Economic Sustainability
Eligible countries are:
Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam.
Stage 1
In-country pre-departure programme meetings
January – March 2027
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
31 March – 26 June 2027
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 Economic Sustainability, focusing on policies that promote sustainable economic development and the benefits of economic, political-security, & socio-cultural cooperation in supporting this.
- Workplace communication and visits
- A field trip
- IELTS training and testing
Stage 3
Post-course in-country workplace project
July – August 2027
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.
Possible Participants
Government officials and employees of state-owned enterprises (SOE’s) working in a technical or policy role and who have a proven need for using English in their work and developing their understanding of issues in Economic Sustainability. Applicants should have a direct connection with the theme. That is, their work is connected to promoting economic development. This could be working in the following areas: trade integration, regional trade agreements, sustainable and inclusive tourism, sustainable investment, integration with the global economy and trade policy. Applicants must explain how promoting economic development 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 enterprise
- Trade and International Relations
- Foreign affairs from finance, economy or trade divisions
- Treasury and finance
- Tourism
- Planning, industry and investment including development assistance
- Commerce and banking
- Local government officials with international cooperation roles
- Parliament or President/Prime Minister’s Office with international cooperation roles
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 3 August through to 11 September 2026.
- You need to submit a practice Duolingo English Test score when you submit your application. The practice test is free. The instructions and links are below.
- Language testing will take place 19 October to 6 November 2026. You must be available to complete testing during this period.
- Provisional offer letters will be sent to successful candidates from the week of 7 December 2026.
Instructions on how to complete a free practice Duolingo English test
- Do a free Duolingo English practice test. Here is the link https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants
- Take a screenshot or photo of your practice test score. The practice score will look like this
- Submit your Duolingo English practice test (screenshot or photo) along with the rest of your supporting documents.