Christchurch College of English Christchurch, New Zealand
- Sports field and tennis courts.
- Excellent rating of teaching quality5
- Excellent rating of homestay accommodation5
- Top rated school facilities4.5
- Free assistance in applying to college/university programmes by a qualified consultant.
- Additional material fee quite expensive.
Special Offers
CCEL is located on the campus of the University of Canterbury, which is in the suburb of Christchurch known as Ilam. The school has a number of well-connected bus stops nearby which can get students into the city centre in 40 minutes. 20 minutes on the bus can bring students to Westfield Mall, where students can go shopping, enjoy diverse cuisine and go to the cinema. Hagley Park is a 30 minute bus ride away from the school and students can visit the botanical gardens. Lyttleton is a quaint village just outside Christchurch and reachable in one hour by local transport from CCEL.
CCEL has a number of facilities including cafes, bars, restaurants, tennis courts and sports fields.
English Courses
General English Day (Full time)
20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!fromNZ$466NZ$443 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 24 | 36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school (NZ$) Our price (NZ$) | 0 | 932 886 | 1,398 1,329 | 1,864 1,771 | 2,796 2,657 | 3,728 3,542 | 4,660 4,427 | 5,772 5,484 | 7,104 6,749 | 10,656 10,124 | 15,984 15,185 |
| Price in US$ | 529 | 793 | 1,058 | 1,586 | 2,115 | 2,644 | 3,275 | 4,030 | 6,045 | 9,067 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
Discount is not calculated automatically but will be applied later.
Discount is not calculated automatically but will be applied later.
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 13:00 - Possible course durations
- 2-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 15 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 15 / Average: 11
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
General English Day (Part time)15 lessons per week | 15 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!fromNZ$360NZ$342 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school (NZ$) Our price (NZ$) | 0 | 720 684 | 1,080 1,026 | 1,440 1,368 | 1,800 1,710 | 2,160 2,052 | 2,520 2,394 | 2,880 2,736 | 3,240 3,078 | 3,600 3,420 | 4,320 4,104 |
| Price in US$ | 409 | 613 | 817 | 1,022 | 1,226 | 1,430 | 1,634 | 1,838 | 2,043 | 2,451 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
Students cannot study part time on a student visa.
- General course schedule
- 3 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 11:45 - Possible course durations
- 2-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 15 / Average: 11
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
English for Academic Purposes 120 lessons per week | 14 students (max)Offer!fromNZ$466NZ$443 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school (NZ$) Our price (NZ$) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5,592 5,313 |
| Price in US$ | 3,172 |
- Starting dates
- 2026: 23 Feb 2026, 29 Jun 2026, 12 Oct 2026
Minimum entry levels apply - IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent). Placement in a Academic English class will depend on level assessment. The EAP 1 level assessment can be taken overseas before arriving in New Zealand.
The course includes 20 + 3 hours eLearning plus 5 hours per week of optional Independent Learning.
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Afternoon: 13:15 - 17:30 - Possible course durations
- 12 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 14 / Average: 10
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
English for Academic Purposes 220 lessons per week | 14 students (max)Offer!fromNZ$522NZ$496 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school (NZ$) Our price (NZ$) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6,262 5,949 |
| Price in US$ | 3,552 |
- Starting dates
- 2026: 23 Mar 2026, 22 Jun 2026, 12 Oct 2026
Minimum entry levels apply. Placement in an English for Academic Purposes course will depend on level assessment.
The course includes 20 hours per week in class plus 5 hours of monitored self-directed learning.
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Afternoon: 13:15 - 17:30 - Possible course durations
- 12 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 14 / Average: 10
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
IELTS Preparation Course
This course tends to sell out quickly!20 lessons per week | 14 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!fromNZ$466NZ$443 / week More

| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 24 | 36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school (NZ$) Our price (NZ$) | 0 | 932 886 | 1,398 1,329 | 1,864 1,771 | 2,796 2,657 | 3,728 3,542 | 4,660 4,427 | 5,772 5,484 | 7,104 6,749 | 10,656 10,124 | 15,984 15,185 |
| Price in US$ | 529 | 793 | 1,058 | 1,586 | 2,115 | 2,644 | 3,275 | 4,030 | 6,045 | 9,067 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
Discount is not calculated automatically but will be applied later.
Discount is not calculated automatically but will be applied later.
20 group lessons plus 3 eLearning lessons plus 5 optional lessons of supervised independent learning per week.
The course aims to develop and strengthen your general English knowledge as well as your exam skills.
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Afternoon: 13:15 - 17:30 - Possible course durations
- 2-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 14 / Average: 10
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Our prices for Christchurch College of English include
- INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
- INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
- INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
- INCLUDED Free consultation about suitable college/university programs by a qualified consultant
- INCLUDED Free assistance in applying to college/university programs by a qualified consultant
Student opinions about Christchurch College of English, Christchurch
Christchurch College of English, Christchurch
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Ratings of Christchurch College of English compared to ratings of all schools in New Zealand
| Christchurch College of English Christchurch | Average of all other schools in New Zealand | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall school rating | ||
| Location of the school | ||
| Facilities | ||
| Social activities | ||
| Organisation | ||
| Quality of teaching | ||
| Value for money | ||
| Homestay | ||
| Shared flat |
Christchurch College of English (CCEL)
- English teacher qualifications
- 96% hold a university degree100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
- Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
- Student gender mix
- 50% male / 50% female
- Offer for returning students
- You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at Christchurch College of English and you book here.
- Year of school foundation
- 1991
General school facilities
Microwave for student use
Fridge for student use
Cafeteria
Drink vending machine
Snack vending machine
Daily press
Lounge
Garden
Student support desk
Printer for student use
Basketball court
Self-study areas
Free coffee
Free water dispenser
Free WIFI
Non-smoking (all indoor and all outdoor areas of school)
Guidance for further higher education (free)
Free parking (<500m)
Facilities for islamic students
Available area to pray at the school
Homestay option that can prepare halal food
Classroom equipment
TV in all classrooms
Electronic whiteboard in some classrooms
Air conditioning in some classrooms
Heating in all classrooms
Ample natural light in all classrooms
- Number of classrooms: 22
Facilities for disabled students
Wheelchair access to classroom
Adapted for students with learning difficulty
Wheelchair access to cafeteria
Wheelchair access to reception
Accessible Toilet
Student Age / Nationality
| Student Nationality | Percentage of students |
|---|---|
| Japan | 36% |
| China | 21% |
| Thailand | 14% |
| Korea | 7% |
| Brazil | 3% |
| Chile | 3% |
| Switzerland | 1% |
| Venezuela | 1% |
| Saudi Arabia | 1% |
| Iran | 1% |
| Vietnam | 1% |
| Israel | 1% |
| France | 1% |
| Germany | 1% |
| Other nationalities | 8% |
| Percentage of students | |
|---|---|
| 1-18 years | 5.2631578947368% |
| 18-24 years | 47.368421052632% |
| 25-34 years | 36.842105263158% |
| 35-50 years | 10.526315789474% |
| >50 years | 0% |
- Average number of students
- In summer: 200Throughout the year: 250
- Minimum age of students
- 18 years14 years for specific Junior courses
- Average number of levels
- Adult courses In summer: 6Adult courses Throughout the year: 6
- Average age of students
- In summer: 24 yearsThroughout the year: 24 years
Information for all courses offered by Christchurch College of English
- Lesson duration
- 60 minutes
- School's administrative fee
- NZ$265
- Course material
- Generally, course material has to be purchased by all students at the school. The costs of course material will be approximately NZ$100 per course level.
- Comments about courses
Students must present full medical and travel insurance on their first day. This is a legal requirement by New Zealand law.
- Days without class
- In 2026 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2026 - 04 Jan 2026, 06 Feb 2026, 03 Apr 2026, 06 Apr 2026, 25 Apr 2026, 01 Jun 2026, 10 Jul 2026, 26 Oct 2026, 21 Dec 2026 - 31 Dec 2026.If a bank holiday falls on a weekday there is no refund nor are missed lessons recuperated. This is the case for the majority of language schools. - Level test
- A test to assess your exact language level takes place before the start of the course via an online form.
Airport transfer
Leisure activities
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Adults - Free activities
- - Weekly conversation Club
- Fortnightly Job Club
- Weekly sporting activities Adults - Paid activities
- Mini golf: approx. NZD 10
Cooking: approx. NZD 5
Dinner and a movie: approx. NZD 20
Long weekend tour to Queenstown: approx. NZD 400 - NZD 500
Weekend tour to Lake Tekapo: approx. NZD 300
Winery Tour: approx. NZD 150
| activity possible | distance from school | |
|---|---|---|
| Ballet | | 8 km |
| Baseball | | 5 km |
| Basketball | | 1 km |
| Cooking | | 5 km |
| Cricket | | 1 km |
| Dancing | | 8 km |
| Diving | | - |
| Field Hockey | | 5 km |
| Football (soccer) | | 1 km |
| Golf | | 5 km |
| Horse riding | | 15 km |
| Ice Hockey | | 8 km |
| Mountainbiking | | 8 km |
| Music | | 8 km |
| Rugby | | 1 km |
| Sailing | | 10 km |
| Skiing | | 120 km |
| Squash | | 5 km |
| Swimming | | 5 km |
| Table Tennis | | 5 km |
| Tennis | | 1 km |
| Volleyball | | 1 km |
| Windsurfing | | 15 km |
| Yoga | | 5 km |
Accommodation
Homestay (Under 18)
In high demand!
Single room, Half board on weekdays, Full board on weekends
Shared bathroom
from
NZ$399/ week Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week | One-time fee (charged by school) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in NZ$ | -- | 798 | 1197 | 1596 | 1995 | 2394 | 2793 | 3192 | 3990 | 4788 | 399 | 310 |
| Price in US$ | 477 | 715 | 953 | 1,192 | 1,430 | 1,668 | 1,906 | 2,383 | 2,859 | 239 | 186 |
Prices based on accommodation from Saturday to Saturday
Price per person
- Check-in
- Saturday
- Check-out
- Saturday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
- One-time fee
- The school/accommodation provider will charge a non-refundable one-time fee of 310NZD.
- Room Occupancy
- Single room
- Includes
- Towels, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Heating, Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- Half board on weekdays, Full board on weekends.
- Minimum age of students
- 17
- Maximum age of students
- 18
- Dates
- High season dates: 01 May 2026 - 31 Aug 2026, 21 Dec 2026 - 31 Dec 2026
- High season
- High season supplement per day: 21 NZD - High season supplement per week: 147 NZD
Homestay (18+)
4 ratings Single room, Half board on weekdays, Full board on weekends
Shared bathroom
from
NZ$385/ week Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week | One-time fee (charged by school) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in NZ$ | -- | -- | -- | 1540 | 1925 | 2310 | 2695 | 3080 | 3850 | 4620 | 385 | 250 |
| Price in US$ | 920 | 1,150 | 1,380 | 1,610 | 1,840 | 2,299 | 2,759 | 230 | 150 |
Prices based on accommodation from Saturday to Saturday
Price per person
- Check-in
- Saturday
- Check-out
- Saturday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
- One-time fee
- The school/accommodation provider will charge a non-refundable one-time fee of 250NZD.
- Room Occupancy
- Single room
- Includes
- Towels, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Heating, Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- Half board on weekdays, Full board on weekends.
- Minimum age of students
- 18
- Maximum age of students
- 99
- Dates
- High season dates: 01 May 2026 - 31 Aug 2026, 21 Dec 2026 - 31 Dec 2026
- High season
- High season supplement per day: 21 NZD - High season supplement per week: 147 NZD
Homestay (age 18+) Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), Half board on weekdays, Full board on weekends
Shared bathroom
from
NZ$658/ week Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week | One-time fee (charged by school) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in NZ$ | -- | -- | -- | 2632 | 3290 | 3948 | 4606 | 5264 | 6580 | 7896 | 658 | 250 |
| Price in US$ | 1,572 | 1,965 | 2,358 | 2,751 | 3,144 | 3,929 | 4,715 | 393 | 150 |
Prices based on accommodation from Saturday to Saturday
Price per room
- Check-in
- Saturday
- Check-out
- Saturday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
- One-time fee
- The school/accommodation provider will charge a non-refundable one-time fee of 250NZD.
- Room Occupancy
- Double room (only for 2 people travelling together)
- Includes
- Towels, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Heating, Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- Half board on weekdays, Full board on weekends.
- Minimum age of students
- 18
- Maximum age of students
- 99
- Dates
- High season dates: 01 May 2026 - 31 Aug 2026, 21 Dec 2026 - 31 Dec 2026
- High season
- High season supplement per day: 21 NZD - High season supplement per week: 147 NZD
Student Residence
This accommodation tends to sell out quickly!
1 rating Single room, No meals
Shared bathroom
from
NZ$357/ week Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week | One-time fee (charged by school) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in NZ$ | 357 | 714 | 1071 | 1428 | 1785 | 2142 | 2499 | 2856 | 3570 | 4284 | 357 | 355 |
| Price in US$ | 214 | 427 | 640 | 853 | 1,066 | 1,279 | 1,493 | 1,706 | 2,132 | 2,558 | 214 | 212 |
Prices based on accommodation from Saturday to Saturday
Price per person
Deposit is partially refundable.
Prices vary and start at NZD 357 per week.
- Check-in
- Saturday
- Check-out
- Saturday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
- Deposit (refundable)
- Upon arrival a refundable deposit of NZ$300 is charged and will be refunded to you when you leave the accommodation provided there are no damages.
- One-time fee
- The school/accommodation provider will charge a non-refundable one-time fee of 355NZD.
- Room Occupancy
- Single room
- Average distance from school
- 10 minutes walking.
- Includes
- TV, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Heating, Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- No meals.
- Minimum age of students
- 19
- Maximum age of students
- 99
- Dates
- High season dates: 01 May 2026 - 31 Aug 2026, 21 Dec 2026 - 31 Dec 2026
- High season
- High season supplement per day: 21 NZD - High season supplement per week: 147 NZD
Student Testimonial Videos
Questions and answers about Christchurch College of English
How quickly will my level of English improve?
Beginner to Elementary (Level 1-2) - 2 months
Elementary to Pre Intermediate (Level 2-3) - 3 to 4 months
Pre intermediate to Intermediate (Level 3-4) - 3 to 4 months
Intermediate to Upper Intermediate (Level 4-5) - 6 months
Upper Intermediate to Advanced (Level 6) - 6 months”
Will I receive a certificate and report at the end of my course?
Can I change my course after it has started?
How will my first day look like?
8.30am – 8.50am - Arrive at CCEL reception (bring your passport and insurance). You will meet some of our staff and the other new students
9.00am – 10.00am - Welcome / Test and interview
10.00am – 11.00am - Orientation and tour
11:00am – 11.15am - Break
11.15am – 12.15pm - Orientation continued (including your class and timetable information)
12:15pm – 12.45pm - Lunch
AND
12:45pm – 1:45pm - General English students - Orientation to CCEL eLearning
OR
1:15pm – 5:30pm - Cambridge Exam Preparation, IELTS, Business English and EAP students join their new class
Bring your passport and your certificate of medical and travel insurance (English translation) so we can take a copy for your student record.”
If my English is not good enough who will assist me?
Student counsellors can help you in your own language. They are available by appointment. The counsellors have been selected because they have lived in New Zealand for a long period of time, and have an excellent understanding of the New Zealand culture and how students will adapt to it.
The Academic Team is available to discuss your study plans and to advise you on entry requirements to university and other tertiary level study options in New Zealand.
You can also get advice about extra study you can do to help improve your level of English.”
Can I use the internet at CCEL?
How will I get to school each day?
What is a homestay like?
FAQ about Christchurch College of English, Christchurch
What is the best price for a course at Christchurch College of English, Christchurch?
What is the most popular accommodation offered by Christchurch College of English?
What is the number of students per class at Christchurch College of English?
Which countries are students of Christchurch College of English from?
Christchurch College of English offers courses for which ages?
Terms of Christchurch College of English
- First day of course
- Students should arrive at 9:45
- Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school



- Legal name/parent company
- CCEL | Tax registration ID: 57-758-384
Visa Documents
- Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
- Yes
- Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
- School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.













The General English course from CCEL is for those students who want to improve their English language skills across the board, ranging from grammar to conversation, and everything in between. In your 23 weekly lessons, you will work on all the traditional pillars of second language study, and in this way develop all of your areas of knowledge in tandem.
One of the most attractive features of this course is that participants will be subject to continual progress monitoring, and this means that as the weeks or months go by, you may be asked if you would like to change to a more advanced group to reflect the improvements that you will make over this period of time.