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Nelson English Centre

Nelson English Centre is a friendly, community-focused school in the centre of Nelson—just a two-minute walk from cafés, parks, the post office and banks. You’ll learn with highly qualified teachers, including a high percentage of permanent staff with the DELTA teaching qualification, and feel supported from day one.

The school’s English-only Student Zone is a dedicated space to eat, socialise, use free Wi-Fi, and get help easily from staff, including administrators, the homestay coordinator and academic support. NEC also runs weekly activities with staff involvement, helping you connect with teachers, the local community and the Nelson lifestyle. Many homestay families live close enough to walk or bike to school.

Prices starting from

NZD$5050
Apply now
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Nelson English Centre, English School in Nelson, New Zealand

Start your application with us!

JANUARY 2026 FIRST INTAKE DEADLINE FOR COURSES WITH A STUDENT VISA: JULY 10TH

Spots are limited, and deadlines are subject to change. We recommend all students to contact Go! Go! Nihon and submit their application well in advance of the deadline. We are also accepting early applications for the April 2026 term.

Nelson English Centre, English School in Nelson, New Zealand - Academic Programs

Nelson English Centre

Academic Programs

  • General English
  • IELTS
  • FCE and CAE
  • Private lessons
  • Holiday programme
  • 50+

Nelson English Centre

School features

Conversation-focused

Classes emphasise real-world speaking practice. Students spend most of their time interacting, building the confidence to communicate naturally in everyday situations.

IELTS Preparation

Specialist training for the Academic or General IELTS exam. Courses focus on helping students achieve a competitive score.

Qualified teachers

We have a high percentage of permanent staff with the DELTA teaching qualification.

NEC Activities

Nelson English Centre staff are involved in most weekly activities. Students make a uniquely strong connection with teachers, the local community, lifestyle and landscape, as well as have a great time. We see activities as simply sharing the Nelson lifestyle that our staff, homestay families and friends enjoy.

Nelson English Centre

Our Courses

Nelson English Centre

FCE & CAE course

Nelson English Centre provides specialised Cambridge examination preparation courses for both the FCE (First Certificate in English) and CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) exams. Students are given a course book which they use throughout the course. Morning classes focus on reading, writing and use of English tasks. Afternoon classes focus on speaking, listening and use of English tasks. Our specialised Cambridge curriculum has seen Nelson English Centre achieve a higher than average percentage of exam passes in New Zealand.

Course length

January course: 9 weeks

September course: 12 weeks

Available starts

January and September

Schedule (weekdays)

Morning class: 9:00 - 12:15

Afternoon class: 13:15 - 15:15

Course hours per week: 23

Other features

English Test prep elective classes
This school offers elective classes focused on English test preparation designed to help students build confidence and improve exam scores.

Higher education prep elective class
This school offers elective classes to help students get ready for further study. These classes are designed to build academic skills and confidence for success in higher education.

Conversation classes
This school offers elective classes in English conversation. These classes focus on speaking practice and help students build confidence in everyday communication.

1 week
to 3 months
3 months
to 6 months
6 months
to 9 months
9 months
to 1 year

1 week

–

2 weeks

–

3 weeks

–

4 weeks (≈ 1 month)

–

5 weeks

–

6 weeks

–

7 weeks

–

8 weeks (≈ 2 months)

–

9 weeks

NZD$5050

10 weeks

–

11 weeks

–

12 weeks (≈ 3 months)

NZD$6550

13 weeks

–

14 weeks

–

15 weeks

–

16 weeks (≈ 4 months)

–

17 weeks

–

18 weeks

–

19 weeks

–

20 weeks

–

21 weeks (≈ 5 months)

–

22 weeks

–

23 weeks

–

24 weeks

–

25 weeks

–

26 weeks (≈ 6 months)

–

27 weeks

–

28 weeks

–

29 weeks

–

30 weeks (≈ 7 months)

–

31 weeks

–

32 weeks

–

33 weeks

–

34 weeks

–

35 weeks (≈ 8 months)

–

36 weeks

–

37 weeks

–

38 weeks

–

39 weeks (≈ 9 months)

–

40 weeks

–

41 weeks

–

42 weeks

–

43 weeks (≈ 10 months)

–

44 weeks

–

45 weeks

–

46 weeks

–

47 weeks

–

48 weeks (≈ 11 months)

–

Registration fee

NZD$360

Registration fee is not included in the price. Courses lasting 9 weeks or more do not require a registration fee.

FCE & CAE course

Total course costs

Disclaimer: Prices in currencies other than euro are estimated based on the latest exchange rates.

At Nelson English Centre, your fees cover the core of your study experience: tuition, level placement, and all in-class learning materials/handouts (you generally don’t need to buy a course book for General English).

Registration fee

NZD$360
Apply now

COURSE DETAILS

Nelson English Centre

Get started

Cambridge Exam Course learners
Most of the European learners (particularly Swiss & German) in the Cambridge Exam courses have instrumental motivation for learning English – they need to pass the exam in order to meet job requirements or improve their prospects in the future. In addition, many want to travel and experience as much of NZ life as possible, and so they are also intrinsically motivated. Most Asian learners, however, choose these courses after an extended period of study in General English, as they want a change of focus and new motivation. Only some of these learners actually stay for the complete course and take the exam. The same is true for most of our IELTS students, although a growing number do actually want to attain high enough scores to gain entry into further education courses in NZ/overseas or for immigration purposes.

General English learners
While NEC learners vary greatly in terms of length of stay and cultural background, they generally share the same intrinsic motivation in that they want to experience New Zealand life as fully as possible and interact socially with different nationality students, host families and other native speakers. Their English learning goals are therefore focused on real-world communication for travel or socio-linguistic purposes. Leisure purposes, such as understanding English magazines, movies and internet sites, are also seen as important by many. A few of our learners (particularly Czech or Japanese students on working holiday visas) are also externally motivated as they hope to get casual work in NZ (e.g. at Sealord’s or a local restaurant, orchard or vineyard).

Cambridge Exam Course learners
Most of the European learners (particularly Swiss & German) in the Cambridge Exam courses have instrumental motivation for learning English – they need to pass the exam in order to meet job requirements or improve their prospects in the future. In addition, many want to travel and experience as much of NZ life as possible, and so they are also intrinsically motivated. Most Asian learners, however, choose these courses after an extended period of study in General English, as they want a change of focus and new motivation. Only some of these learners actually stay for the complete course and take the exam. The same is true for most of our IELTS students, although a growing number do actually want to attain high enough scores to gain entry into further education courses in NZ/overseas or for immigration purposes.

Nelson English Centre

General English

General English-The syllabus systematically guides students in developing their use of English for effective communication. Progress is carefully monitored in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Morning classes aim to introduce and consolidate new language items, with particular attention to vocabulary and grammar. Afternoon work boosts fluency, building confidence in a wide range of speaking, writing, reading and listening activities.

Course length

Short or long term course

Available starts

All year round

Schedule (weekdays)

Morning class: 9:00 - 12:15

Afternoon class: 13:15 - 15:15

Course hours per week: 23

Other features

English Test prep elective classes
This school offers elective classes focused on English test preparation designed to help students build confidence and improve exam scores.

Higher education prep elective class
This school offers elective classes to help students get ready for further study. These classes are designed to build academic skills and confidence for success in higher education.

Conversation classes
This school offers elective classes in English conversation. These classes focus on speaking practice and help students build confidence in everyday communication.

Business classes
This school offers elective classes in business English. Students learn workplace vocabulary, communication strategies, and practical skills for professional environments.

1 week
to 3 months
3 months
to 6 months
6 months
to 9 months
9 months
to 1 year

1 week

NZD$495

2 weeks

NZD$990

3 weeks

NZD$1,485

4 weeks (≈ 1 month)

NZD$1,980

5 weeks

NZD$2,475

6 weeks

NZD$2,970

7 weeks

NZD$3,465

8 weeks (≈ 2 months)

NZD$3,960

9 weeks

NZD$4,455

10 weeks

NZD$4,950

11 weeks

NZD$5,445

12 weeks (≈ 3 months)

NZD$5,940

13 weeks

NZD$6,435

14 weeks

NZD$6,930

15 weeks

NZD$7,425

16 weeks (≈ 4 months)

NZD$7,920

17 weeks

NZD$8,415

18 weeks

NZD$8,910

19 weeks

NZD$9,405

20 weeks

NZD$9,900

21 weeks (≈ 5 months)

NZD$10,395

22 weeks

NZD$10,890

23 weeks

NZD$11,385

24 weeks

NZD$11,880

25 weeks

NZD$12,375

26 weeks (≈ 6 months)

NZD$12,870

27 weeks

NZD$13,365

28 weeks

NZD$13,860

29 weeks

NZD$14,355

30 weeks (≈ 7 months)

NZD$14,850

31 weeks

NZD$15,345

32 weeks

NZD$15,840

33 weeks

NZD$16,335

34 weeks

NZD$16,830

35 weeks (≈ 8 months)

NZD$17,325

36 weeks

NZD$17,820

37 weeks

NZD$18,315

38 weeks

NZD$18,810

39 weeks (≈ 9 months)

NZD$19,305

40 weeks

NZD$19,800

41 weeks

NZD$20,295

42 weeks

NZD$20,790

43 weeks (≈ 10 months)

NZD$21,285

44 weeks

NZD$21,780

45 weeks

NZD$22,275

46 weeks

NZD$22,770

47 weeks

NZD$23,265

48 weeks (≈ 11 months)

NZD$23,760

Registration fee

NZD$360

Registration fee is not included in the price. Courses lasting 9 weeks or more do not require a registration fee.

General English

Total course costs

Disclaimer: Prices in currencies other than euro are estimated based on the latest exchange rates.

At Nelson English Centre, your fees cover the core of your study experience: tuition, level placement, and all in-class learning materials/handouts (you generally don’t need to buy a course book for General English).

Registration fee

NZD$360
Apply now

COURSE DETAILS

Nelson English Centre

Get started

General English: There are no specific terms or semesters. The classes work on a 12-13 week cycle in conjunction with our course books which have 12-13 units.

• Elementary
• Pre-Intermediate
• Intermediate
• Upper-Intermediate
[12-13 week “cycles”: open entry and leaving dates]

• Advanced (short-term, when required)
• Beginners (short-term, when required)

AM focus: language systems, with weekly grammar points and core topic-based lexis
PM focus: skills development, 2 x12 week topic cycles

General English learners
While NEC learners vary greatly in terms of length of stay and cultural background, they generally share the same intrinsic motivation in that they want to experience New Zealand life as fully as possible and interact socially with different nationality students, host families and other native speakers. Their English learning goals are therefore focused on real-world communication for travel or socio-linguistic purposes. Leisure purposes, such as understanding English magazines, movies and internet sites, are also seen as important by many. A few of our learners (particularly Czech or Japanese students on working holiday visas) are also externally motivated as they hope to get casual work in NZ (e.g. at Sealord’s or a local restaurant, orchard or vineyard).

Cambridge Exam Course learners
Most of the European learners (particularly Swiss & German) in the Cambridge Exam courses have instrumental motivation for learning English – they need to pass the exam in order to meet job requirements or improve their prospects in the future. In addition, many want to travel and experience as much of NZ life as possible, and so they are also intrinsically motivated. Most Asian learners, however, choose these courses after an extended period of study in General English, as they want a change of focus and new motivation. Only some of these learners actually stay for the complete course and take the exam. The same is true for most of our IELTS students, although a growing number do actually want to attain high enough scores to gain entry into further education courses in NZ/overseas or for immigration purposes.

Nelson English Centre

IELTS

IELTS - Nelson English Centre is an official IELTS test venue offering the exam once a month in Nelson. We are the only place where candidates can take the test at the top of the South Island. We offer classes which cover the four skill areas tested in the exam; reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students learn all parts of the IELTS test and get chances to practise using different strategies to complete test questions and tasks successfully.

Course length

Short or long term

Available starts

All year round

Schedule (weekdays)

Morning class: 9:00 - 12:15

Afternoon class: 13:15 - 15:15

Course hours per week: 23

Other features

English Test prep elective classes
This school offers elective classes focused on English test preparation designed to help students build confidence and improve exam scores.

Higher education prep elective class
This school offers elective classes to help students get ready for further study. These classes are designed to build academic skills and confidence for success in higher education.

Conversation classes
This school offers elective classes in English conversation. These classes focus on speaking practice and help students build confidence in everyday communication.

1 week
to 3 months
3 months
to 6 months
6 months
to 9 months
9 months
to 1 year

1 week

NZD$505

2 weeks

NZD$1,010

3 weeks

NZD$1,515

4 weeks (≈ 1 month)

NZD$2,020

5 weeks

NZD$2,525

6 weeks

NZD$3,030

7 weeks

NZD$3,535

8 weeks (≈ 2 months)

NZD$4,040

9 weeks

NZD$4,545

10 weeks

NZD$5,050

11 weeks

NZD$5,555

12 weeks (≈ 3 months)

NZD$6,060

13 weeks

NZD$6,565

14 weeks

NZD$7,070

15 weeks

NZD$7,575

16 weeks (≈ 4 months)

NZD$8,080

17 weeks

NZD$8,585

18 weeks

NZD$9,090

19 weeks

NZD$9,595

20 weeks

NZD$10,100

21 weeks (≈ 5 months)

NZD$10,605

22 weeks

NZD$11,110

23 weeks

NZD$11,615

24 weeks

NZD$12,120

25 weeks

NZD$12,625

26 weeks (≈ 6 months)

NZD$13,130

27 weeks

NZD$13,635

28 weeks

NZD$14,140

29 weeks

NZD$14,645

30 weeks (≈ 7 months)

NZD$15,150

31 weeks

NZD$15,655

32 weeks

NZD$16,160

33 weeks

NZD$16,665

34 weeks

NZD$17,170

35 weeks (≈ 8 months)

NZD$17,675

36 weeks

NZD$18,180

37 weeks

NZD$18,685

38 weeks

NZD$19,190

39 weeks (≈ 9 months)

NZD$19,695

40 weeks

NZD$20,200

41 weeks

NZD$20,705

42 weeks

NZD$21,210

43 weeks (≈ 10 months)

NZD$21,715

44 weeks

NZD$22,220

45 weeks

NZD$22,725

46 weeks

NZD$23,230

47 weeks

NZD$23,735

48 weeks (≈ 11 months)

NZD$24,240

Registration fee

NZD$350

Registration fee is not included in the price. Courses lasting 9 weeks or more do not require a registration fee.

IELTS

Total course costs

Disclaimer: Prices in currencies other than euro are estimated based on the latest exchange rates.

At Nelson English Centre, your fees cover the core of your study experience: tuition, level placement, and all in-class learning materials/handouts (you generally don’t need to buy a course book for General English).

Registration fee

NZD$350
Apply now

COURSE DETAILS

Nelson English Centre

Get started

General English learners
While NEC learners vary greatly in terms of length of stay and cultural background, they generally share the same intrinsic motivation in that they want to experience New Zealand life as fully as possible and interact socially with different nationality students, host families and other native speakers. Their English learning goals are therefore focused on real-world communication for travel or socio-linguistic purposes. Leisure purposes, such as understanding English magazines, movies and internet sites, are also seen as important by many. A few of our learners (particularly Czech or Japanese students on working holiday visas) are also externally motivated as they hope to get casual work in NZ (e.g. at Sealord’s or a local restaurant, orchard or vineyard).

Cambridge Exam Course learners
Most of the European learners (particularly Swiss & German) in the Cambridge Exam courses have instrumental motivation for learning English – they need to pass the exam in order to meet job requirements or improve their prospects in the future. In addition, many want to travel and experience as much of NZ life as possible, and so they are also intrinsically motivated. Most Asian learners, however, choose these courses after an extended period of study in General English, as they want a change of focus and new motivation. Only some of these learners actually stay for the complete course and take the exam. The same is true for most of our IELTS students, although a growing number do actually want to attain high enough scores to gain entry into further education courses in NZ/overseas or for immigration purposes.

General English learners
While NEC learners vary greatly in terms of length of stay and cultural background, they generally share the same intrinsic motivation in that they want to experience New Zealand life as fully as possible and interact socially with different nationality students, host families and other native speakers. Their English learning goals are therefore focused on real-world communication for travel or socio-linguistic purposes. Leisure purposes, such as understanding English magazines, movies and internet sites, are also seen as important by many. A few of our learners (particularly Czech or Japanese students on working holiday visas) are also externally motivated as they hope to get casual work in NZ (e.g. at Sealord’s or a local restaurant, orchard or vineyard).

Cambridge Exam Course learners
Most of the European learners (particularly Swiss & German) in the Cambridge Exam courses have instrumental motivation for learning English – they need to pass the exam in order to meet job requirements or improve their prospects in the future. In addition, many want to travel and experience as much of NZ life as possible, and so they are also intrinsically motivated. Most Asian learners, however, choose these courses after an extended period of study in General English, as they want a change of focus and new motivation. Only some of these learners actually stay for the complete course and take the exam. The same is true for most of our IELTS students, although a growing number do actually want to attain high enough scores to gain entry into further education courses in NZ/overseas or for immigration purposes.

Nelson English Centre

Campuses & Location

Nelson

Nelson is one of New Zealand’s oldest cities with a rich culture, vibrant cafes and welcoming tree lined streets. The English school is opposite the historic Nelson Cathedral and is an easy two-minute walk from the shops, bars, banks and restaurants of Trafalgar street. Students enjoy how easy it is to mix and speak with local people and practise their English. Homestays are often just a short walk or bike ride away. Life in Nelson is convenient and lively without big city hassles.
Get started

5-minute walk from Nelson Interchange bus station

Accommodation

Available accommodations

Nelson English Centre, English School in Nelson, New Zealand - Homestay

Homestay

Staying in a family home lets you experience the New Zealand way of life. As the only private English school in Nelson, we have a wide range of homes within walking and biking distance of the school. Nelson English Centre homestay families are warm-hearted, proud Nelson locals who enjoy welcoming visitors from other cultures (breakfast and dinner Monday to Friday, 3 meals Saturday and Sunday)

If you’re interested in exploring other accommodation options, please feel free to take a look at our other accommodation options.

Apply now

We are now accepting applications

Apply now

Nelson English Centre

Student demographics

Students come from all over the world to study at this school.

Japan
30%
Switzerland
17%
Germany
8%
China
7%
South America
7%
France
5%
Taiwan
2%

Get started

How would you like to start?

Have more questions?

Contact us

Contact us if you have additional questions.

Ready to enroll?

Apply now

Complete the enrollment form to sign up for the course.