Turn your passion for language into a practical advantage
The Certificate in Languages (CertLang) is a flexible, part-time qualification that lets you study a language without committing to a full major. A CertLang can also complement your Bachelor’s degree.
Studying a language opens the door to authentic cross-cultural communication. It helps you connect with people on a deeper level by understanding their values, humour, and worldview.
Whether you’re looking to boost your CV, enhance your professional skills, or follow a personal interest, the CertLang gives you a way to showcase your language proficiency.
Warning for international students
The Certificate in Languages is studied part-time and may not be suitable for you as an international student. New Zealand Student Visa requirements only allow international students to study full time.
What you’ll learn
If you’re at beginner level when you start the CertLang, you’ll take 100-level courses in your chosen language:
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Japanese
- Samoan
- Spanish
- te reo Māori.
If you already have some knowledge of your chosen language, you may be able to begin at a higher level. You’ll be assessed through a combination of assignments, quizzes, in-class tests, and presentations.
Study over three trimesters
You’ll take one course each trimester over at least three trimesters, which is 12 months. Depending on your courses, your study may take longer.
Build your certificate
You’ll complete three courses, worth 20 points each, in the language of your choice.
You can study for the CertLang alongside another degree. Students often pair it with:
Globally ranked
Our Modern Languages subjects are ranked in the top 250 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
How our degrees work
Flexible, or structured? Learn more about the different types of undergraduate degrees at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed secondary school in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
Before enrolment, a candidate for the CertLang must satisfy the Admission Regulations for the University.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the CertLang
For this qualifiction, you'll need to complete at least 60 points for one language from:
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Japanese
- Samoan
- Spanish
- te reo Māori.
Future careers
A CertLang can give you an edge in the job market. It shows employers you’ve achieved a solid level of language proficiency and cultural understanding—skills that are increasingly valued in many fields.
The CertLang highlights your versatility and can open doors in education, government, business, and beyond.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for language study
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Two scholarships will be awarded annually to the top performing 300-level students of French, German, Spanish or Italian who intend to enrol in one of the above at Honours level the following year
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
We also have specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for language study
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Keep on learning
You can use the CertLang to add value to your main qualification, such as:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Global Studies.
You can cross-credit up to 30 points’ worth of 100- and 200-level courses from the CertLang to an approved Bachelor’s degree.
Language Study Abroad
We offer courses where you can study an Asian, European, or Latin American language at an approved overseas university during the New Zealand summer.
Accommodation
Live in accommodation close to campus at one of our:
- catered halls of residence
- self-catered apartments or flats
- self-catered studios.
We provide care and support across our halls and flatting communities.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
And if you're ever having trouble with money, talk with us. You could be eligible for government or community support, and we have a hardship fund for financial emergencies.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.