Online English Pathway for Postgraduate Studies (Online EPPS)
Source: https://www.online.auckland.ac.nz/epps/ Parent: https://www.online.auckland.ac.nz/postgraduate-programmes/arts/master-of-communication/
100% of graduates passed the exams and achieved the required grade to progress to postgraduate study! Apply Now
Online English Pathway for Postgraduate Studies (Online EPPS)
100% of graduates from our first cohort progressed to postgraduate study!Apply Now
Entry
To be eligible for Online EPPS you need to have an overall Academic IELTS score of 6.0 (with writing 6.0 and no other band lower than 5.5), or equivalent.
The English Language Academy (ELA) is part of the University of Auckland which is ranked in the world’s top 100 universities and is the highest-ranked university in New Zealand*.
Online EPPS
Online EPPS (English Pathway for Postgraduate Studies) was developed to provide a flexible English pathway that allows you to start your studies online, reducing initial living expenses and enabling you to develop your English proficiency from around the world.
This 10-week course focuses on developing your academic English – including academic research, essay writing, notetaking and presentation skills – while meeting the University’s postgraduate entry requirements.
This approach helps you gain confidence in your studies before committing to an international move, allowing you to focus on what matters – your education and future career.
This online course is ideal for:
-
students who hold a conditional offer for postgraduate study at the University of Auckland, but who have narrowly missed the English language requirements
-
professionals who require postgraduate-level English for visa or employment purposes
-
bachelor’s degree holders who did not complete their previous education in English and wish to study at a New Zealand tertiary institution.
*QS World University Rankings 2026
b
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for Online EPPS you need to have:
-an overall Academic IELTS score of 6.0 (with writing 6.0 and no other band lower than 5.5), or equivalent.
A final grade of B- in Online EPPS is needed to meet the English language requirements for most Masters degrees.
}
Duration
10-weeks
Next Start Dates
2026
– 6 April (Applications close 23\ March)
– 1 June (Applications close 18 May)
– 26 October (Applications close 12 October)
Full Programme Fees*
Fee: $6,500
Disclaimer: *The programme fee estimate provided is indicative only and includes rounding up fees to the nearest dollar. Fees are set annually and will be updated on this webpage. The estimate includes 15% GST but excludes the Student Services Fee and course books. You may also be eligible for an indirect tax reduction at the applicable rate (net of any local taxes applicable in your home country) and a waiver of health and travel insurance. Final fees will be confirmed upon course enrolment.
Secure a Pathway to Your Masters Degree by meeting the University’s postgraduate entry requirements.
Not sure where to begin? We’re here to help you.
Simply email connect@ela.auckland.ac.nz to contact a programme adviser.
Online Learning Experience
Learn more about Online EPPS in the video below.
Making online learning effective and engaging
Discover how we’ve designed our online programmes to deliver a world-class education that fits into your life—whether you’re a working professional, balancing family commitments, or simply looking for flexibility.
Our intuitive platform is built around your needs, offering a range of interactive tools, multimedia content, and personalised support to ensure you succeed at every stage of your journey.
When are the live classes scheduled, and how long is each session?
- Your timetable includes ten 1-hour live sessions per week, guided by an experienced academic skills teacher. You will also have access to drop-in tutorials for academic support and guidance with assessments and self-study.
- The Online EPPS classes are scheduled according to the UTC+8 time zone.
- We have provided a sample timetable below for your reference. Our standard schedule includes 10 hours of classes per week, typically held between 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM UTC+8. However, we understand that flexibility is important, and we can design timetables at different times depending on demand.
Please note that this is a general example, and actual class times and subjects may vary. If you have specific time preferences or requirements, feel free to let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them based on overall interest and availability.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum technical requirements to study online?
You do not need to have the latest computer or fastest internet connection to study online. However, we do recommend a general comfort level with computers and the internet, along with the following minimum specifications.
- Laptop or PC (any Microsoft Windows-based PC, preferably running Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 or any Apple MacOS 10.4 and above) with a suitable web browser, Microsoft Word or other document producing capabilities and functional webcam.
- Headset/ear phones/microphone for listening/speaking/recording purposes
- Stable internet connection (recommended speed of 3Mbps)
- Designated quiet study space especially required for completing assignments/assessments.
Do I require a valid student visa to study Online EPPS?
You do not require a valid student visa to commence your “Online English Postgraduate Studies” or “Online EPPS”.
You may also be eligible for an Indirect Tax reduction at the applicable rate (net of any local taxes applicable in your home country) and a waiver of Health and Travel Insurance, for “Online EPPS”, provided certain conditions are met.
We strongly recommend that you do not travel to New Zealand while studying “Online EPPS”, as this may affect eligibility for certain fee reductions related to online study.
INZ recommends applying for a visa at least four months before the start of on-campus study.
However, you can apply for your student visa to study your master’s degree on campus as soon as you have an Offer of Admission without any conditions and a confirmed place.
What can I expect from the online learning experience?
Our intuitive platform is built around your needs, offering a range of interactive tools, multimedia content, and personalised support to ensure you succeed at every stage of your journey. Learn more about the online learning experience.
What support is available to me as an online student?
- Seamless Onboarding. Once you accept your offer, your Student Advisor will personally welcome you to the University of Auckland, ensuring a smooth transition to online study. They will assist you with enrolling in your courses, help you navigate the online platform, connect you to your in-depth online orientation and with the essential broader university services.
- Tailored Ongoing Support. You will receive ongoing support throughout while you are studying online from outside of New Zealand and they will continue to keep up to date with your progress and help you to prepare to transition to New Zealand to complete on campus.
- Unexpected challenges. Life can be unpredictable. Your Online Student Advisor will guide you through the available options while you are studying online.
Learn more about support for online students.
Is EPPS available to study in-person?
Yes, EPPS is also available to study at our vibrant Auckland campus. Please see https://www.ela.auckland.ac.nz/study-with-ela-courses/epps for more information.
Enquire Now
(Takes less than 1 minute)
Get personalised advice and updates on scholarships, application deadlines and flexible online options direct from our team.
Fields marked with * are required.
First Name *
Last Name *
Email Address *
Mobile Phone *
Highest level of study
-- Please Select -- Completed High School Diploma qualification Bachelor degree Postgraduate degree Masters degree Other
Years of work experience
-- Please Select -- Less than 1 year 1–2 years 3–5 years 6–10 years 10+ years I'm not sure
I am an international student
New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, even if living overseas, are not considered international students.
The University of Auckland will use your personal information for marketing purposes, including to contact you by phone and send you communications about study options, events, and updates. You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time by following the link in the communication. For more details, please see the University Privacy Statement.
address1
EPPS