Advance your TESOL expertise
Study postgraduate Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) to learn practical skills backed by academic research and methodologies. You’ll develop expertise in curriculum design, task‑based teaching, and the effective use of technology in language education.
Postgraduate TESOL study explores contemporary themes and challenges in language education. You’ll carry out research guided by recognised language teachers and teacher educators.
TESOL is a rapidly expanding field in our interconnected world. It opens the door to diverse and meaningful career paths, both here in Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad. Postgraduate study in TESOL gives you the knowledge and skills to succeed in teaching, community education, or global language teaching.
Choose your study path
We offer three postgraduate qualifications in TESOL. Learn through methods designed to cater for different learning styles.
Master of TESOL (MTESOL)
This is our most comprehensive TESOL qualification. It includes the most coursework as well as optional research over 12 courses.
If you study full time, you’ll complete this 180-point degree in four trimesters—around 18 months. If you can handle a higher workload, you can complete the degree in three trimesters, which is 12 months.
If you’re a domestic student, you can study part time and complete your MTESOL in up to four years.
Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL (PGDipTESOL)
A Postgraduate Diploma allows you to do in-depth study. If you study full time, you’ll complete the 120-point Diploma in 10 to 12 months—this could be two or three trimesters, depending on your choice of electives.
If you’re a domestic student, you can study part time and complete your Diploma in up to two years.
Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL (PGCertTESOL)
Shorter than a Postgraduate Diploma, this qualification is an opportunity for specialised professional development and can be a step towards higher study. The PGCertTESOL includes four courses.
If you study full time, you can complete the Certificate in a single trimester, which is around four months.
If you’re a domestic student, you can study part time and complete your Certificate in around 18 months.
Discover what’s possible
Hear from our students about their experiences of postgraduate study and the opportunities it has opened up.
Qualification 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 through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate TESOL at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Benefit from more than six decades of expertise in language teaching and research. Our English Language Institute, established in 1961, marked the start of our longstanding leadership in Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, and TESOL.
Today, our Linguistics programme is consistently ranked among the world's best. It's recognised as the leading programme in Aotearoa New Zealand and among the strongest in Australasia.
Our School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies also maintains strong industry connections, including partnerships with:
Globally ranked
Our Linguistics subjects are ranked in the top 100 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.
Future careers
Postgraduate TESOL develops your research and project management skills. It also gives you:
- intercultural communication and competency
- interpersonal and observation skills
- active listening skills
- the ability to be objective.
Postgraduate TESOL gives you career pathways in Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad:
- language teaching—teach English to adults in Aotearoa or to children abroad
- literacy support—work in schools, libraries, or community organisations
- curriculum and assessment development—create language learning materials or standardised testing tools
- community and refugee support—work with agencies or community organisations to teach migrants and refugees English language skills.
Graduates are employed at:
More career information
Find out more about careers in TESOL.
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 postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for TESOL
-
This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
-
The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
-
This scholarship has been established by the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for TESOL
-
The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
-
This scholarship has been established by the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Academic staff research areas
Oliver Ballance
Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics
Julieta Fernandez
Senior Lecturer
Peter Gu
Professor
Robby Nadler
Senior Lecturer (Teaching)
Jonathan Newton
Associate Professor
Corinne Seals
Associate Dean, Research
Anna Siyanova
Head of School
Stephen Skalicky
Senior Lecturer
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.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
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.