Programme Overview

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 61 is Trade Policy.

Eligible countries are:
Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam.

Stage 1
In-country pre-departure programme meetings

April – May 2025

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

3 June – 29 August 2025

13 weeks full-time study in Wellington will include:

  • Comprehensive tailored English Language Training programme at the ELI, including language learning, intercultural communication, and introduction to New Zealand
  • The course theme of Trade Policy, including learning about trade theory, organisations, frameworks and agreements, logistics and promotion, and digital trade in NZ & SEA
  • Workplace communication and visits
  • A field trip
  • IELTS training and testing

Stage 3
In-country workplace project

September – October 2025

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 (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 trade policy. Applicants need to explain how trade 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.

  • Trade, foreign affairs & international relations 
  • Customs, border protection & biosecurity
  • Planning, industry and investment related to trade
  • Commerce, finance, state banks and information technology related to trade
  • Local government officials with international trade cooperation roles
  • Parliament or President/Prime Minister’s Office with international trade 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 write using their own words. Using Artificial Intelligence or translation tools reduces the strength of an application.

Key application and selection dates

  • The application window will be open to receive applications from 16 September through to 25 October 2024.
  • Language testing will take place 2 – 19 December 2024.
  • Provisional offer letters will be sent to successful candidates from the week of 17 February 2025.

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